Defensive stops earn Hockey Canada World Junior prospects second win over U SPORTS Selects

Despite outshooting their opponents 34-21, the U SPORTS Selects came up short against Canada’s World Juniors hopefuls, falling 2-1 on Friday afternoon at TD Place Arena, concluding the two-game series. 

Canada forward Brayden Yager (Lethbridge Hurricanes), a Winnipeg Jets prospect, opened the scoring early in the first period with a precise wrist shot from the left point. Forward Tanner Howe (Calgary Hitmen) and defender Sam Dickinson (London Knights) earned the assists on the play.

Both teams found themselves in the penalty box for roughing during the first two periods, but neither managed to capitalize on the resulting power play opportunities.

The U SPORTS Selects outshot Canada by 13 attempts across three periods, but Canada’s goaltending duo - Buffalo Sabres prospect Scott Ratzlaff (Seattle Thunderbirds) and 2025 NHL Draft top prospect Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads) - held firm, conceding just one goal while shorthanded during a penalty kill in the third period.

U SPORTS Selects defender Kale McCallum (University of New Brunswick) scored an equalizer power play goal 5:30 minutes into the third period, but Canada reclaimed the lead with 8:17 left in the game. The Nashville Predators prospect Matthew Wood (University of Minnesota) scored a back-handed top shelf goal, assisted by forwards Luca Pinelli (Ottawa 67’s) and Yager. 

Hockey Canada is set to announce its roster for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship on Friday evening. The highly anticipated tournament will take place in Ottawa from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. While, the U SPORTS regular hockey season will resume across its four conferences from Jan. 3-5 and the FISU Games is set for January 13-23, with the men’s hockey event running from January 12-22.