Canada's Tanner Howe (23) faced off against Switzerland's Nils Rhyn (14) during the second period of a pre-tournament game at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa. Goaltender Elijah Neuenschwander (30) closely monitored the action on Thursday, December 19, 2024. The match offered an exciting glimpse of the talent on display ahead of the main event.
Team Canada set the ice ablaze with a commanding 7-1 victory over Switzerland in a pre-tournament warm-up game for the World Junior Hockey Championship. Easton Cowan was the star of the night, delivering an impressive hat trick that sealed Canada’s dominant performance on Thursday at TD Place.
The Canadian team gained momentum quickly, breaking through with three rapid-fire goals within 82 seconds late in the first period. This explosive start laid the foundation for their impressive win. Adding to the scoreboard were Brayden Yager, Andrew Gibson, Berkly Catton, and Caden Price, each contributing a goal to the host team's triumphant display.
Reflecting on his standout performance, Cowan said, “I focused on strong defence, which opened up offensive opportunities. I’m thrilled I could capitalize and help the team.”
Switzerland’s lone goal came from Leo Braillard, but it wasn’t enough to match Canada’s relentless pace.
Canadian head coach Dave Cameron credited his team’s early adjustments. “We found our rhythm after the first few minutes. Generating offence brought energy, and we built on that as the game progressed,” Cameron noted.
This game was the first of three warm-ups for Canada. Next, they face Sweden on Saturday before taking on Finland in the preliminary-round opener on Boxing Day at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Elsewhere in pre-tournament action, Germany secured a 4-0 shutout victory against Kazakhstan in Arnprior, Ontario.
