World juniors 2025: Canada shuts out Finland 4-0
The world junior hockey championship kicked off in Ottawa with a thrilling match between Canada and Finland. Teenager Gavin McKenna stole the show by scoring a late goal in the first period, while goaltender Carter George stood tall with 31 saves to secure a shutout for the host country. The Canadians cruised to a 4-0 victory, with Easton Cowan, Luca Pinelli, and Matthew Schaefer also finding the back of the net.
Last year, Canada suffered a disappointing fifth-place finish in the tournament held in Sweden. Determined to make amends on home soil, the team set out to build a more competitive roster for the 2025 showcase. The emphasis was on delivering a professional performance, and the players did not disappoint in their opener against Finland.
McKenna, the youngest player on Canada’s roster and a projected top pick in the 2026 NHL draft, showcased his talent with a goal in the dying seconds of the first period. Cowan and Pinelli added to the lead in the second and third periods, respectively, before Schaefer sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.
Captain Brayden Yager received a lot of support after being named the team captain, including messages from NHL stars like Sidney Crosby and Mark Scheifele. Yager’s family was particularly proud of his new role, with his father showing excitement and pride.
The team’s goal song for the tournament was revealed to be the 1980s hit “Live Is Life” by Opus, adding to the excitement and energy surrounding the Canadian squad. Despite the disappointment of last year’s early exit, the returning players are focused on the future and believe in the potential of the current team to achieve something special.
Canada will face Latvia in their next match, while Finland will take on Germany. The tournament promises more thrilling action as the teams battle for supremacy on the ice. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the world junior hockey championship.
This report, originally published on December 26, 2024, by The Canadian Press, captures the excitement and drama of the opening match and sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
