Generational defender Chloe Primerano to lead Canada's quest for gold at U18 hockey worlds

It's been an eventful few months for Chloe Primerano.

After enrolling a year early at the University of Minnesota, the defender has scored 11 points in her first 16 college games.

Then, in November, Primerano made her Canadian senior team debut in the Rivalry Series against the United States. With the game tied in the fifth round of a shootout in Utah, head coach Troy Ryan turned to the 17-year-old, who beat one of the PWHL's top goaltenders to win the game.

Now, Primerano — who celebrated her 18th birthday on Thursday — will lead the Canadian under-18 team on its quest for gold in Finland. The tournament in Vantaa begins on Saturday with Canada taking on Slovakia, led by skilled forward Nela Lopušanová, at 1:30 p.m. ET.

There's no doubt North Vancouver's Primerano is a special player on the ice, from her skating to her shot. She led last year's under-18 tournament in points (16 in six games), setting a new single-tournament record and earning MVP honours. It wouldn't be surprising to see Primerano challenge American Amanda Kessel's 19-point single-tournament record.

Nor will it be surprising to see Primerano carve out a permanent job on the blue line of Canada's senior team ahead of the 2026 Olympics. The last player to suit up for the senior team and under-18 team in the same season was Marie-Philip Poulin in 2008-09.

WATCH | Primerano on Hockey Canada experience, Olympic dream:

Chloe Primerano on Hockey Canada experience, Olympic dreams

"I try not to think about it too much," Primerano told CBC Sports' Anastasia Bucsis in November. "There's still lots of time to go. Obviously it's in the back of my mind and a goal I have."

Shootout game-winners aside, it's how Primerano has developed off the ice over the last year