Kitchener Ontario-Brady Martin and Gavin McKenna have quickly found chemistry for Canada’s world junior team. Martin scored twice as Canada defeated Sweden 2-1 in pre-tournament action for the world junior hockey championship Wednesday. Canada has released three players from its World Junior Championship roster: forwards Marek Vanacker and Jake O’Brien, as well as defenseman Jackson Smith. On defense, the final cut appeared to come down to either Smith or Keaton Verhoeff, and while both are talented players, they were considered the relatively weaker options among the group under consideration. I was somewhat surprised that Carter Bear was retained, as I had thought he might have been a candidate to be sent home instead of either O’Brien or Vanacker. I personally would of cut Parekh🤪
Shots on goal in the first period were 7-6 for the Canadians
Soo Brady Martin scores first for Canada with a rocket of a one time shot from the top of the circles just 39 seconds into the third period with the assist on the goal going to Penn State Nittany Lion Gavin McKenna. That also let everyone hear Canada’s goal song for the tournament Courage by the Tragically Hip.-Martin, drafted fifth overall by the Nashville Predators last June, opened the scoring on a one-timer from distance off a cross-ice pass from McKenna just 39 seconds into the second period.
Sweden scores on a 5 on 3 Power Play to tie the game at 5:16 of the second period. The goal was scored by 2026 eligible draft pick Viggo Bjorck. The assists went to 2025 3rd overall Chicago Blackhawk prospect Anton Frondell and Valter Lindberg.–Bjorck replied at 5:16 on a 5-on-3 power play after a too-many-men penalty and a holding call on Jett Luchanko put Canada down two players.
Shots on goal in the second period were 9-8 for Canada
Brady Martin got a beauty for his second goal of the game. Assisted from Gavin McKenna again. The second assist on the goal went to Michigan Wolverine Michael Hage at 9″02 of the third period.–Martin added his second goal of the game off another feed from McKenna at 9:02 in the third. McKenna completed a give-and-go with Michael Hage to enter the offensive zone before sliding a backhand net-front for Martin, who beat Liv with a deke.
Shots on goal in the third period were 8-6 for Canada. Canada ended up outshooting the Swedes 24-20 in the game.
Los Angeles Kings 2024 2nd rounder Carter George made 19 saves on the 20 shots that he faced for the win for the Canadians. For the Swedes Liv Herman made 22 saves on the 24 shots that he faced.
Attendance in Kitchener was sold out
Canada’s next exhibition game is in London Ontario Saturday night
