Iginla Scores Again As Canada Remains Perfect At U18's
April 29, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release
Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla
(Kelowna Rockets, Credit: Hockey Hall of Fame Images)
Gavin McKenna had a goal and two assists and four other WHLers found the scoresheet as Canada stayed perfect with an 8-1 thumping of Switzerland at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship.
The win clinched the top spot for Canada in Group B.
Switzerland struck first in the second period after outshooting the Canadians 15-6 in the first period, but Kashawn Aitcheson leveled the score after hammering an Ollie Josephson centering pass into the net.
2026 NHL Draft-eligible Gavin McKenna gave Canada its first lead of the night shortly afterward, flying down the right wing, cutting to the net and jamming the puck past the Swiss goaltender for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Kamloops Blazers defenceman Harrison Brunicke, who is ranked 52nd by NHL Central Scouting ahead of June's NHL Draft, earned a primary assist on the McKenna goal.
McKenna, coming off a record-breaking season with the Medicine Hat Tigers, dazzled again with a valiant effort on the rush, with Captain Porter Martone on the doorstep to bat the rebound into the net to make it 4-1 for the Canadians
Canada continued to pour on the offense in a high-octane second period as Prince Albert Raiders standout Ryder Ritchie showed off his powerful one-timer to snag his first goal of the preliminary round.
Just over a minute later, Ritchie (NHL CSS:19) would add a helper as well, establishing the cycle that set up Tij Iginla (NHL CSS:9) for a wicked release and Canada's sixth goal of the night.
McKenna finished off his day by making a sharp pass despite falling to the ice, setting up Porter Martone for his second of the game.
https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/1784638954949505236
The Mississauga Steelheads star would complete the hat trick in the third period to close out an 8-1 win.
WHL players combined for eight points in the victory.
McKenna has four goals and four assists in three games at the prestigious championship, leading the Canadian contingent in goals and tying for most points.
Canada closes out preliminary round action against Kazakstan on Tuesday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. MST.
Images from this story
 Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla (Hockey Hall of Fame Images) |
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