Patience paid off for Canada on the powerplay.
After four consecutive penalty kills by Slovakia earlier in the game, Canada scored on three-straight powerplays in the third period to turn a 1-0 lead into a commanding 4-0 victory on Friday in the first semifinal at the 2025 IIHF World Men’s Under-18 Championship in Frisco, Texas.
Jack Ivankovic stopped all 24 shots he faced for the shutout and his fifth win.
Canada entered the game with the top powerplay in the tournament but Slovakia created some headaches in the first two periods on Canada’s man advantages. The Slovaks blocked shots, got sticks in passing lanes and were propped up well by the excellent play of goaltender Michal Pradel, who…