Team Canada was victorious over the host nation South Korea in men’s hockey and mixed doubles curling at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangneung, South Korea on Saturday. In men’s hockey, Canada clobbered South Korea 8-0, while in mixed doubles curling, Canada won by a score of 9-5. It was the opening game for Canada in mixed doubles curling and men’s hockey.
In men’s hockey, Liam Ruck of Osoyoos, British Columbia registered the hat trick. Meanwhile five other Canadians scored. They were Tynan Lawrence of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Adam Valentini of Toronto, Ontario, Mathis Preston of Penticton, British Columbia, Alessandrio di Iorio of Vaughan, Ontario, and Aiden O’Donnell of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.
Five Canadians had a multi-point game. In addition to Liam Ruck’s three goals, Markus Ruck of Osoyoos had three assists, and Preston, di Iorio and O’Donnell had one goal and one assist for two points. Meanwhile, Carter Esler of Okotoks, Alberta and Colin Ellsworth of Aurora, Ontario combined for the six save shutout, as they made three saves each. Canada next plays Finland on Monday. In other hockey action, the United States beat Slovakia 5-4 in a shootout.
In mixed doubles curling, the Canadian team is comprised of Cailey Locke of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Simon Perry of Portugal Cove-St. Philips, Newfoundland. Canada is in a first place tie with Great Britain and the Czech Republic in Group A.
