Canada Starts Strong at IIHF World Championship, Eyes Tough Stretch Ahead

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Team Canada has roared out of the gates at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, winning both of their opening games in dominant fashion and reminding the hockey world why they remain a gold medal favourite.

Playing in Group A, the Canadians dispatched Slovenia 4–0 on Saturday before steamrolling Latvia 7–1 on Sunday to improve to 2–0–0. They’ve outscored opponents 11–1 and sit second in the group standings behind host nation Sweden, who have played one more game.

🎥 | Konecny had a three-point game, Johnson scored twice and Fleury made 16 saves as 🇨🇦 beat 🇱🇻 7-1 at #MensWorlds.

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 11, 2025

Veteran Leadership and Young Stars Shine Early

Captain Sidney Crosby and alternate captain Nathan MacKinnon have been at the heart of Canada’s early success. MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche star, has been electric, registering multiple points in both games, while Crosby opened his account against Latvia.

Meanwhile, the team’s youth has stepped up. 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, a projected top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, scored his first senior men’s goal against Latvia, and Kent Johnson netted a pair in the same game.

On the back end, Canada’s blue line has been assertive, with Noah Dobson and Thomas Chabot anchoring the defense while contributing to the attack.

Garand Steady in Net

Dylan Garand has been solid in goal, recording a shutout in the tournament opener against Slovenia and conceding just once to Latvia. The New York Rangers prospect is staking his claim as Canada’s number one early in the tournament.

Tougher Tests Loom

While the opening weekend was smooth sailing, Canada now faces a more challenging stretch of games, including a highly anticipated showdown with rivals Finland on May 19, followed by a marquee matchup against host Sweden on May 20 to close out the group stage.

Before that, they’ll face France, Austria, and Slovakia, matches Canada is expected to win but cannot take lightly in a tightly packed schedule.

The top four teams from Group A will advance to the quarterfinals on May 22.

Upcoming Schedule (Group A, Stockholm, Sweden):

• May 13: Canada vs France

• May 15: Canada vs Austria

• May 17: Canada vs Slovakia

• May 19: Canada vs Finland

• May 20: Canada vs Sweden

🇨🇦 GTA Weekly Sports — your home for Canadian hockey pride at the IIHF World Championship.