World Juniors: Canada Figured Out How To Break Through In Quarterfinal Win

Jan 3, 2026

Laser shots from Tij Iginla (UTA) and Michael Misa (SJ) prompted Slovakia to pull starting goaltender Michal Pradel (DET) in favor of Alan Lendak, but it did not make a lick of difference. Sam O'Reilly (TB) blooped one over Lendak from in close before Michael Hage (MTL), Gavin McKenna (2026 draft) and Brady Martin (NSH) connected on a gorgeous power-play goal to give Canada a 5-0 lead after one period. In those 20 minutes, only two Canadian forwards did not have a point – Braeden Cootes (VAN) and Jett Luchanko (PHI).

The Canadians found the middle of the ice often in a blowout quarterfinal win over Slovakia. Now, they have the chance for revenge against the Czechs.

thehockeynews.comWorld Juniors: Canada Figured Out How To Break Through In Quarterfinal WinThe Canadians found the middle of the ice often in a blowout quarterfinal win over Slovakia. Now, they have the chance for revenge against the Czechs.

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