Chiefs goaltender Esler dazzles in win over United States, Canada Red advances to U17 World Challenge Semifinals

Sarnia, Ont.- Spokane Chiefs goaltender Carter Esler turned in a heroic performance in a 6-3 victory over the United States on Day Two of the 2024 World U17 Challenge, while his fellow WHLers combined for 10 points in the victory.

The United States got a boost pre-game with the addition of Kelowna Rockets forward Kalder Varga, who recently tallied his first WHL goal with the talented B.C. squad.

Everett Silvertips star and Canada Red captain Landon DuPont helped open the scoring just over a minute into the game, with Alex McLean (Guelph Storm) tipping DuPont’s shot home.

Prince George Cougars defencemen Carson Carels served up the secondary assist on the icebreaker.

The Western contingent would dish up another serving of helpers as Jaxon Jacobson (Brandon Wheat Kings) and Cruz Pavao (Tri-City Americans) earned the assists on a Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack) powerplay goal.

They’d combine again for the apples on a final Canadian goal late in the first period as Jacobson stripped the puck away from an American defender and fed Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting) as he flew off the bench.

The United States would get on the board late in the opening frame and get within a goal by scoring 23 seconds into the middle frame, but Edmonton Oil Kings forward Joe Iginla picked up his first goal of the tournament- the eventual game-winner- to make it 4-2. The American squad would draw back within one and lay down a furious push in the third period, but couldn’t beat Esler.

Iginla would add some insurance by running the clock and setting up Brett Olson (Vancouver Giants) for an empty-net goal, and DuPont would pick up a final assist on Braidy Wassilyn’s (Niagara Ice Dogs) following empty netter for a final score of 6-3.

Esler, who was drafted by Spokane 22nd overall in the first round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, was named Canada’s Player of the Game with a 29-save effort, which included denying both American powerplays and helping Canada survive five high-danger shots in quick succession midway through the third period.

The Okotoks, Alta. product sports a .906 save percentage at the tournament.

Canada Red (2-0) has sealed a first-place finish in Group A and will advance directly to Friday’s semifinals.

Varga and the United States (0-1) move on to a round-robin match versus Finland (0-1) on Tuesday, November 5 at 1:30 p.m. MST.

Canada White (1-0) is back in action later that day in a tilt against Sweden (1-0) at 5:30 p.m. MST.