Spence scores golden goal as Canada reigns supreme at Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Breclav, Czechia – Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters) scored on a breakaway with just seven seconds remaining in overtime as Canada defeated host Czechia 3-2 to be crowned champions of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup for a second straight summer.
Canada led 2-1 late in the third period before Czechia’s Matej Kubiesa knotted the score at two with 4:47 to spare, sending the game to overtime.
Spence’s game winner secured Canada’s 24th gold at the annual under-18 championship. Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads) recorded an assist in the win while Carter George (Owen Sound Attack) stopped 31 of 33 in goal.
Canada rounds out the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with an overall record of 4-1. Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit) led the 13 OHL players representing Canada with eight points (2-6–8) in four games while Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s) was Canada’s top-scoring defenceman with seven points (1-6–7).
Canada’s National Under-18 Team was coached by Alan Letang (Sarnia Sting). Marie-Pierre Néron (Ottawa 67’s) served as Athletic Therapist.
MALCOLM SPENCE WITH THE OVERTIME WINNER FOR GOLD❗️🥇 #HlinkaGretzkyCup
SPENCE AVEC LE BUT GAGNANT EN PROLONGATION❗️🥇 #CoupeHlinkaGretzky pic.twitter.com/F1Rr6cgyka
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) August 5, 2023
13 OHL Players Representing Canada:
Goaltender:
Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Defencemen:
Anthony Cristoforo (Windsor Spitfires)
Ben Danford (Oshawa Generals)
Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s)
Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s)
Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
Forwards:
Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts)
Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads)
Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)
Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters)
Canada at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup:
Monday, July 31 – Finland 9 vs. Canada 6 – Game Centre
Tuesday, August 1 – Canada 14 vs. Slovakia 4 – Game Centre
Wednesday, August 2 – Canada 5 vs. Switzerland 0 – Game Centre
Friday, August 4 – Canada 7 vs. United States 2 – Game Centre
Saturday, August 5 – Canada 3 vs. Czechia 2 (OT) – Game Centre
For complete coverage of the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, visit hlinkagretzkycup.cz.
Loading ...