Canada’s Betts and Esler slam door shut throughout U18 round-robin
While Dima Zhilkin has rightfully taken the offensive spotlight at the 2026 U18 World Championships in Slovakia, Canada’s goaltending pair of Gavin Betts and Carter Esler have been nothing short of exceptional.
At the conclusion of the round-robin, the duo – who play for Kingston and Spokane respectively – haven’t conceded a goal in 191:17 of action as Canada recorded three consecutive shutouts.
On April 23, Esler stopped all 18 shots in a 6-0 win over Latvia while on April 25, Betts made 12 saves in an 8-0 decision over Norway. On April 27, Betts again got the start and turned away 19 shots in a 7-0 victory against Finland.
Even in Canada’s lone loss – a 2-1 defeat to hosts Slovakia – Betts and Esler made a combined 15 saves. Betts left the game in the third with cramp.
All in all, Betts owns a .980 save percentage and 0.36 GAA in three games and is currently riding a 132:49 scoreless streak and has turned away 49 of the 50 shots he has faced. As for Esler, he has a line of a .952 save percentage and 0.81 GAA in a pair of appearances.
As per usual, NHL scouts are at the event in droves before June’s NHL Draft. Betts was recently ranked the 24th North American goalie for the 2026 edition while Esler isn’t draft eligible until 2027.
In the 2025-26 regular, both enjoyed considerable success. Esler – who doesn’t turn 18 until late November – won 24 games and led the WHL with five shutouts as he posted a .903 save percentage and 2.80 GAA. The 18-year-old Betts’ 21 wins were the second most among qualified rookie OHL netminders while he posted a 2.81 GAA and .905 save percentage.
When Canada hits the ice against Sweden Wednesday in the quarterfinals, the expectation is that Betts will the first player on the ice. But if Esler is called into action again, you know Canada are still in capable hands between the pipes.
