The 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship kicked off in Slovakia today with a pair of stunning results that sent shockwaves through the hockey world. In front of a raucous home crowd at Pavol Demitra Ice Stadium in Trenčín, host Slovakia pulled off a historic major upset, defeating powerhouse Canada 2-1 in their Group A opener — marking the first time Slovakia had ever beaten Canada at this level. The Slovakians showed resilience and capitalized on strong goaltending from Denis Celko, who turned aside 21 of 22 shots, as the hosts thrilled their passionate fans on home ice.
Shots on goal in the first period were 9-7 for the Canadians
Slovakia Scores to make it 1-0 Samuel Sramaty scores at 11:50 of the second period while on the Power Play. The assists on the goal went to Michal Jakubec and Lucian Bernat.
Vancouver Giant’s Mathis Preston ties it up at 1 on the Power Play at 14:15 of the second period. The helpers on the goal went to Adam Valentini and Tynan Lawrence.–Adam Valentini with an impressive saucer pass through the crease to a crashing Mathis Preston, who buried it! Canada ties it up on the powerplay!
Shots on goal in the second period were 8-7 for the Canadians
Penalty shot in the third for Slovakia and they score to make it 2-1 with the goal going to Timothy Kazda at 8:43 of the third period.
Shots on goal in the third period were 9 to 7 for Canada. Canada outshot the Slovaks 26-21 in the game.
For the Slovaks Denis Selko made 25 saves on the 26 shots he faced for the win. For the Canadians Gavin Betts made 17 saves on the 18 shots that he faced before being replaced by Spokane Chief Carter Esler who made 2 saves on the 3 shots he faced.
Star for Canada was Boston University’s Tynan Lawrence for Slovakia it was goalie Denis Selko
Attendance in Trencin, Slovakia was 6012
Canada’s next game is April 23rd Thursday morning against Latvia
Meanwhile, in Group B at the Vladimir Dzurilla Ice Arena in Bratislava, Czechia pulled off another shocker, edging the United States 3-2 in overtime — their first victory over the Americans in the tournament since 2002. Dominik Ripa scored the game-winner in the extra frame after Czechia rallied from a 2-1 deficit. These early upsets set a dramatic tone for the tournament, proving once again that on any given day, anything can happen in international junior hockey.
