Canada defeats Sweden to capture Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Canada is once again champions at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The Canadians defeat Sweden, 4-1, Saturday night in the gold-medal game of the annual international under-18 hockey tournament from Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer, Alta.

Tanner Howe opened the scoring for Canada at the 5:49 mark of the first period before Sweden tied the contest six minutes later thanks to a goal from Hugo Pettersson.

Ethan Gauthier regained the lead for Canada later in the opening period and Calum Ritchie extended the lead to 3-1 early in the second. 

Scott Ratzlaff made 22 saves in the victory. 

Canada went 5-0 in the tournament. 

Canada hadn't won the Hlinka Gretzky Cup since 2018 with Russia capturing gold in 2019 and 2021. The tournament wasn't played in 2020 due to the COIVD-19 pandemic.