Nine OHL players win gold with Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup

It was a perfect performance for Team Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. The team went undefeated and won its third consecutive gold medal.

"We came here for one thing and one thing only, and that was to win gold," said Team Canada's captain Matthew Schaefer during his post game availability.

After 5 games, Canada scored 24 goals while allowing a mere four goals against. They tied Sweden for most goals in the tournament and allowed by far the fewest goals against.

Related: Otters Defenseman Matthew Schaefer Named Team Canada Captain for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Canada opened the tournament by smashing Switzerland in a 10-0 route. They followed the impressive start with a 5-1 win over Slovakia and a 2-1 win over Sweden.

With a 3-0 record, they moved on to face the United States in the semifinal. The result was a resounding 5-1 win that vaulted them into the gold medal match against Czechia.

In the gold medal game, Canada jumped out to an early lead making it 2-0 with goals from Liam Kilfoil and Caleb Desnoyers. Canada held onto the two-goal lead until the dying seconds of the third when Tomas Poletin scored to bring Czechia within one. In the end it was not enough, and Canada took the victory by a single goal.

While all nine players from the OHL performed well during the tournament, two stood out above the rest.

Schaefer led all defensemen in the tournament in terms of points. The Erie Otters defender showcased poise and skill while controlling the puck.

Goaltender Jack Ivankovic of the Brampton Steelheads also had a highly impressive tournament. In four games played, Ivankovic allowed a mere three goals. He looked like a brick wall in goal stopping nearly every puck that was flung his way.

"We've won a lot together and I love playing with him [Ivankovic]," said Schaefer. "I don't think I could have done it without anyone on the team, but especially him. He made some big saves."

The nine OHL players who took part in the tournament were as follows:

Forwards

Jake O’Brien - Brantford Bulldogs
Tyler Hopkins (1A) - Kingston Frontenacs
Luca Romano (3G) - Kitchener Rangers
Ethan Czata - Niagara IceDogs
Brady Martin (4A) - Soo Greyhounds

Defensemen

Matthew Schaefer (2G, 4A) - Erie Otters
Quinn Beauchesne (1G, 2A) - Guelph Storm
Cameron Reid (0G, 2A) - Kitchener Rangers

Goaltenders

Jack Ivankovic (0.75 GAA, .967 SV%) - Brampton Steelheads

Congratualtions to all nine OHL players who won gold with Canada. They will now return to their OHL teams ready to compete against one another as the new season draws ever closer.

Related: Quinn Beauchesne ready to "soak it all in" at 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Related: Is Jack Ivankovic the Future of Canadian Goaltending?

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