Canucks Daily: Canadian Scores 4 Goals, Victoria Native Wins

We twirl around the World Junior Championship in Edmonton and update the performances of Vancouver Canucks prospects and BC locals. The Canadians and the Finns have two wins in Group A, although Team Finland’s second victory came in a shoot-out over the Czech Republic.

Vancouver Canucks defenceman prospect Joni Jurmo picked up an assist in the 4-3 win on Thursday, playing 13:34 and registering two shots on goal.

Canadians Waltz

Team Canada ran away with one against the Slovaks on Thursday, winning 11-1.

North Vancouver’s young star Connor Bedard had a goal, an assist, four shots on goal, and saw 16:23 in ice time. The man who stole the show was Bedard’s linemate Mason McTavish, who finished with four goals and two assists and eight shots on goal. A Canadian born in Switzerland, McTavish was the 3rd-overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Forwards Logan Stankoven of Kamloops had a goal and an assist with four shots on goal, while Port Moody’s Kent Johnson added an assist and six shots.

Vancouver Giants winger Zack Ostapchuk contributed a goal while goalie Dylan Garand, a Victoria native, made 22 saves for the victory.

Canada next plays Czechia on Saturday.

Canucks Draftees

The Americans ran into little trouble with Switzerland in the late game on Thursday, winning 7-1. 2020 Vancouver Canucks 5th-rounder Jacob Truscott didn’t contribute a point, but played a solid 16-minutes on the blueline. Team USA is 2-and-0 to lead Group B.

Team Sweden had the day off and will suit up against Austria later today (Friday). It’ll be another chance for the Vancouver Canucks player development department to watch 15th-overall 2022 NHL Draft pick Jonathan Lekkerimaki in action. A win for the Swedes and they’ll be tied atop Group B.

The tournament runs through August 20th, the date of the Medal games, with the semi-finals happening the day before on the 19th.