Canada’s men’s under-18 hockey team improved to 2-1 after blanking previously unbeaten Switzerland 5-0 Wednesday at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Slovakia.

The Canadians needed to beat the Swiss by at least three goals to secure top seed in the group and a bye to Friday’s semifinals, and did so. Brandon forward Roger McQueen opened the scoring while fellow Saskatoonian Berkly Catton tallied twice. Catton is the Canadian captain and plays for Spokane of the W-H-L. In addition, Prince Albert Raiders’ forward Ryder Ritchie added a pair of assists. Following is the news release from Hockey Canada…..

August 2, 2023

HOCKEY CANADA MEDIA RECAP – WEDNESDAY’S NOTES

2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup – Trencin, Slovakia & Břeclav, Czechia, July 31-Aug. 5

TRENCIN, SVK – Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team clinched top spot in Group B at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a 5-0 shutout victory over Switzerland on Wednesday.

• Captain Berkly Catton (Saskatoon, SK/Spokane, WHL) scored twice for the second game in a row.
• Cole Beaudoin (Calgary, AB/Prince Albert, WHL) registered a goal and an assist.
• Maxim Massé (Rimouski, QC/Chicoutimi, LHJMQ) and Roger McQueen (Saskatoon, SK/Brandon, WHL) rounded out the scoring.
• Ryder Ritchie (Calgary, AB/Prince Albert, WHL) and Michael Misa (Oakville, ON/Saginaw, OHL) had two assists each.
• Carter George (Thunder Bay, ON/Owen Sound, OHL) made 12 saves for the shutout.

Next Game:
Canada vs. TBD (semifinal) – Friday, August 4 (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT)

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast all Team Canada games and select playoff-round games during the tournament; please check local listings for details.

Quotes:

“Our players showed the resiliency to do what we do the Canadian way. We played a game knowing what was on the line and our guys rose to the occasion. It’s been a busy couple of days, playing three [games] in three [days] so we will enjoy this tonight, take some rest and worry about ourselves. If we play a certain way, I think we have got a really good chance at success.”

– Assistant coach Kris Mallette (Kelowna, BC/Kelowna, WHL) on heading into the medal round.

“We played really well together offensively and defensively. We were able to lock down defensively and then create chances in the offensive zone. I am super proud of the guys today. It is an absolute honour to wear the Maple Leaf on my chest and put on the jersey for every game. I am super pumped to be on this team and just want to keep this rolling.”

– Beaudoin on playing well defensively.

“It was a good team effort; everyone bought in to their roles, a few huge goals in big moments. It was a great team win, and we are all excited to move on. This has been an unreal experience; it feels like we are being treated like pros. Everything has been amazing and I am soaking up every moment of it.”

– George on finding success in a must-win game.