Team Canada has won its first game of the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Men’s Hockey Championship from Gothenburg, Sweden. On Boxing Day, Canada beat Finland 5-2.
Two Canadians had a multi-point game. Drummondville Voltigeurs defenseman and Arizona Coyotes first round pick Maveric Lamoureux of Hawkesbury, Ontario, and Brandon Wheat Kings centre and Detroit Red Wings first round pick Nate Danielson of Edmonton, Alberta had one goal and one assist for two points each. The other three Canadians with a goal were Boston Bruins centre Matthew Poitras of Ajax, Ontario, Sault. Ste. Marie Greyhounds centre Owen Allard of Ottawa, Ontario, and Boston University forward Mack Cellebrini of Vancouver, British Columbia.
This was a strong start for Canada, unlike last year when they lost their tournament opener 5-2 to the Czech Republic. However, it should be noted that Canada went on to win their next six games last year in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and went on to win the tournament. It was the 20th time in the history of the tournament Canada won the gold medal. As for the Czech Republic, they lost 6-2 to Slovakia on Monday in their first tournament game. Canada next plays Latvia on Tuesday in Group B action.
