Canada White emerged victorious over Canada Red in a thrilling shootout at the World Juniors Summer Showcase on July 29, 2025. The game, held in Minnesota, ended with a 4-3 score in favor of White after overtime couldn't break a 3-3 tie.
The matchup was an intrasquad scrimmage, providing an opportunity to evaluate players vying for a spot on the final roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The game barely simulated a real hockey game. The event is being held in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota from December 26, 2025, through January 5, 2026.
The game started with good pace, with Canada Red drawing first blood. Michael Hage scored the opening goal for Red, assisted by Sacha Boisvert and Porter Martone. The second period saw power play opportunities for both teams, with Canada Red maintaining their lead. Regulation time concluded with the teams tied at 3-3 after a couple more goals were added. Overtime was scoreless, leading to a shootout where Canada White ultimately secured the win, 4-3. Carson Wetsch scored the lone goal in the shootout.
While an exhibition game, the contest was exciting to watch, characterized by speed and flow. The play went back and forth with minimal stoppages.
Several players stood out during the scrimmage. For Canada White, Malcolm Spence displayed high energy, relentlessly pursuing Red's top players. Michael Hage, playing center for Canada Red, impressed with his constant movement and playmaking abilities.
The World Junior Summer Showcase features teams from Finland, Sweden, and the United States, in addition to the two Canadian squads. These games offer a crucial evaluation period for players aiming to represent their countries at the upcoming World Junior Championship.
Alan Miller has been appointed as the General Manager, and Dale Hunter will return as head coach. Hunter previously led Canada to a gold medal in Czechia in 2020.
The United States, seeking a third consecutive gold medal at the World Junior Championships, will be led by University of Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko. Motzko previously coached the American team to gold in 2017 and bronze in 2018.
