U18 Round Robin: Preston Scores in Canada’s Tournament Opener
Trenčín, SVK – Vancouver Giants forward Mathis Preston scored for Canada in a 2-1 loss to Slovakia in their first game of the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship on Wednesday.
Preston tied the game 1-1 with a powerplay goal late in the second period. The winger fired two shots on goal in 15:59 of ice-time.
Giants defenceman Ryan Lin logged 22:15 of ice-time, the second most of any Canadian player.
CLICK FOR CANADA’S U18 SCHEDULE | CLICK FOR TOURNAMENT STANDINGS
Giants forward Mathis Preston scores Canada’s first of the tournament at the #U18MensWorlds!@HockeyCanada is tied 1-1 with Slovakia late in the 2nd period.
Tune in now on @TSN_Sports 4! pic.twitter.com/c29asrmpPb
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) April 22, 2026
Slovakia broke the 1-1 deadlock midway through the third period thanks to Timothy Kazda.
Canada’s defenseman Lucas Ambrosio abruptly halted Slovakia’s Ivan Matta’s rush to the net, which resulted in a penalty shot. Kazda converted on the penalty shot to help the host nation defeat Canada, who are the two-time defending Gold medallists.
CANADA REMAINING ROUND ROBIN SCHEDULE:
- Thursday, April 23 – 5 a.m. PT – Canada vs. Latvia
- Saturday, April 25 – 5 a.m. PT – Canada vs. Norway
- Monday, April 27 – 5 a.m. PT – Canada vs. Finland
