Canada beats U.S. for U18 hockey gold as McKenna picks up hat trick

 

Gavin McKenna, a junior sensation, scored a hat trick to help Canada overcome Team USA 6-4 in the men's U18 world hockey championship on Sunday in Espoo, Finland, to win gold.

Tij Iginla had a goal and two assists, the main assist on McKenna's third-period goal that tied the score at three, while Henry Mews had three assists.


Before the Americans made a quick comeback in the last five minutes, Canada added two more. By putting his third of the match and fourth point of the day into an empty net, McKenna put an end to it.

Carter George got the win, stopping 31 of 35 shots.

It's Canada's fifth title since the tournament's inception in 1999.

McKenna, just 16, had 20 points — 10 goals and 10 assists — for Canada over seven games at the tournament, finishing second behind American James Hagens, who had 23.