The Under-18 Championships in Finland get underway on Friday, but Canada played it's second and final pre-tournament game today against Norway.
Canada's pre-tournament games ahead of the Under-18 World Championship have come to an end, and they ended it with an overtime win against Norway.
This is likely not the performance that Canada would've liked against Norway, but nonetheless they got the win and several OHLers stepped up with big performances.
2025 draft eligible defender Matthew Schaefer came up with the overtime winning goal in this game, along with an additional assist. The 2007-born Erie Otters blueliner is playing in this tournament as an underager, and this will be his second time this season playing on the international stage.
Schaefer finished pre-tournament play with five points in two games, likely establishing his spot in the top six despite eight defencemen rostered. His hockey sense and ability to create utilizing his vision is tremendous for a young defender, and he will be a big asset from the blue line for Canada in this tournament.
A big-time performance across the board in this tournament from Schaefer will tee up some high expectations heading into his draft eligible season next fall.
Windsor Spitfires captain Liam Greentree also picked up a goal in this game. Greentree is regarded as a mid-late first round pick in this year's NHL Draft, and his variety of tools across the board make him an intriguing player.
Greentree can do it all, he's an explosive skater despite his larger frame, he has elite hands and creativity, and he has a high-end shot. Whichever team selects him in the upcoming NHL Draft is getting a player that will be able to do a little bit of everything once he reaches the professional level.
This tournament is a phenomenal stage for players like Greentree to have one last look in front of scouts before the draft in June. Greentree's Windsor Spitfires team didn't make the playoffs, and otherwise he wouldn't have had another chance to play under a big spotlight.
Other players getting a spotlight ahead of the NHL Draft in June are Jett Luchanko, Cole Beaudoin, Henry Mews, Frankie Marrelli, Ryerson Leenders, and Carter George.
The OHL has several underage players playing in the tournament as well; Porter Martone, Matthew Schaefer, Malcolm Spence, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Jack Ivankovic. This is a phenomenal opportunity for these young players to get one more look in their DY-1 season before they are eligible beginning next fall.
The OHL is well-represented on Canada's Under-18 team with a total of 13 players and all three rostered goaltenders. This should be an intriguing tournament for everyone around the OHL to see which players step up on the international stage, and which players don't.