Strong start for Mateychuk, Yager & Canada in pre-tournament action

Denton Mateychuk and Brayden Yager both found the back of the net for Team Canada as they opened pre-tournament action in Sweden.

Canada cruised to an 8-0 win over a Denmark U25 team on Tuesday.

Mateychuk scored twice, while Yager added another marker for the Canadians in the lopsided win.

The Moose Jaw Warriors captain scored Canada’s second goal just 3:58 into the second period.

Yager followed that up 2:20 later to make it 3-0 for Canada.

With Canada leading 6-0 in the third period, Mateychuk hooked up with his fellow Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Jordan Dumais for his second goal of the game.

Canada will continue its pre-tournament action against Switzerland on Friday and then takes on the United States on Saturday for its final tune-up.

The 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship opens on Boxing Day when Canada squares off against Finland.

Photo courtesy: Hockey Canada