In the opening match of a two-day series, Canada’s World Juniors hopefuls mounted a thrilling third-period comeback to defeat the U SPORTS all-stars 5-2 on Thursday night at TD Place in Ottawa. Carson Rehkopf scored a hat trick, with Porter Martone and Ethan Gauthier also finding the net.
This game was part of Hockey Canada’s four-day selection camp, with another game scheduled for Friday at noon ET, followed by the announcement of the final roster. The U SPORTS team, made up of Canadian university players, is set to compete in the 2025 FISU Universiade Games in Torino.
Despite Canada’s superior puck control, they had trouble scoring past U SPORTS goaltenders Jack Ivankovic and Scott Ratzlaff, who are both in the selection camp. The matchup usually sees Canada’s skill against U SPORTS’ experience.
Not dressed for Canada- For Forwards- Matthew Cataford, Tanner Howe, Bradley Nadeau, Callum Ritchie, and Brayden Yager. On The Blue Line- Beau Askey, Oliver Bonk, Sam Dickinson, Tanner Molendyk, and Matthew Scaefer. *Cataford has also been rumoured to be dealing with an injury*
