WHL Star Gavin McKenna Scores Game-Winning Goal to Sweep Preliminary Round For Canada

Wednesday night saw arguably the best game of the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup so far, as Team Canada took on Team Sweden. After a back-and-forth affair, including a late push by the visitors, Canada skated away from the round robin portion of the tournament undefeated.

Calgary Hitmen forward Ben Kindel got things started, finishing off a pretty passing play from Caleb Desnoyers and Matthew Schaefer, roofing the puck over the shoulder of Isak Sorqvist.

After a scoreless second period, the Canadian faithful at Rogers Place got a bit of a boost; with seven and a half minutes left in regulation, Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers) rips a shot past two defenders and underneath Sorqvist to give Team Canada a 2-0 lead. Milton Gastrin cut the deficit to one late in the frame, but the red and white were able to hold on for the victory.

“There is a collective game that has to continue to tighten up here as we move into the medal round." said assistant coach Gordie Dwyer in a post game interview. "There are individuals that rise to the occasion and we want to provide the opportunity for those players to shine in those moments. Tonight, a lot of guys were able to elevate their game when it mattered most."

Canada will play the semifinal round against the USA on Friday, while Sweden will face Czechia.

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