Canada beat Switzerland 7-1 to open pre-tournament action at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Toronto Maple Leafs first-round pick Easton Cowan scored a hat trick and 2025 draft-eligible forward Porter Martone and Colorado Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie also had multi-point games.
Cowan was the best player in the game. He was constantly around the puck. His skill and compete level stood out consistently. He found ways to get himself involved in the play, and when he did he made a lot of creative and high-skill plays with the puck to create chances. He should be a leading player for Canada as he has been for the OHL London Knights for the last two seasons.
Easton Cowan Hat-Trick!! 🎩🎩🎩#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/qLv8ydoXY0
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 20, 2024
Matthew Schaefer may be just 17 years old but he looked like one of Canada’s better defenders. The 2025 draft-eligible defenseman’s skating for his size is extremely good. He showed he could close and go back on pucks very well at this level. He was also active in getting up into the attack and creating offensive chances due to his feet and offensive IQ. He displayed why many NHL scouts think he could be the No. 1 pick this summer.
Canada plays Sweden on Saturday in the second of three pre-tournament games.
Earlier on Thursday, Team USA finalized their roster for the tournament The most notable decision was releasing Rangers 2024 first-round pick E.J. Emery. Emery is a big, mobile defender who is a stopper, so what was notable is they kept two other 2024 draftees in Adam Kleber (Sabres) and Colin Ralph (Blues) who could fill a similar role. Ralph’s progression in particular has been notable this season.
Required reading
• Who are the best NHL prospects at 2025 World Juniors? Ranking the top 25 players
• Team Canada World Junior selection camp: Breaking down the cuts, standouts and roster
(Photo of Easton Cowan: Adam IHSE / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP)
