U18 World Championships Recap

The 2024 IIHF U18 World Championships concluded in Finland in early May, one of the top scouting events for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft. Get caught up on top story lines and quick notes on some top prospects for 2024.

Medals

Gold : Canada

Silver : United States

Bronze : Sweden

Youngest Stars Take Over

James Hagens of the United States and Gavin McKenna of Canada stole the show, despite both not being eligible for the NHL draft until 2025 for Hagens, 2026 McKenna. McKenna’s hat trick + 1 assist led Canada over the United States, while Hagens finished the tournament as MVP, as well as breaking the single tournament point record held by Nikita Kucherov with 9G 13A.

Malcolm Spence, another prospect not eligible for the NHL draft until 2025, impressed scouts as well with his consistent pursuit and well-rounded game, tallying 3G 4A over 7 games.

Top Producers

James Hagens F USA : 7GP 9G 13A

Gavin McKenna F CAN : 7GP 10G 10A

Porter Martone F CAN : 7GP 5G 12A

Cole Hutson D USA : 7GP 4G 9A

Tij Iginla F CAN : 7GP 6G 6A

Melvin Fernstrom F SWE : 7GP 3G 5A

Lucas Pettersson Elias Vatne F NOR : 5GP 1G 6A

Gold Medal Game

Canada (6) vs USA (4)

Entering the 3rd period with a 3-2 lead, the United States looked to be in control before an illegal check to the head by Trevor Connelly put Canda on an extended powerplay. The comeback was on, as Canada scored 3 powerplay goals in under 5 minutes led by Gavin McKenna’s 3G 1A, Tij Iginla’s 1G 2A and Henry Mews’ 3A.

Bronze Medal

Sweden (4) vs Slovakia (0)

Slovakia reached the medal round for back-to-back years after falling to the United States in the semifinals, but a deep and offensively dynamic Sweden persisted to a 4-0 win. A tight 0-0 game until about halfway throughout the 3rd, Sweden’s bronze medal was their 6th straight at U18s, capping off a great tournament including knocking off rival Finland on their home ice.

Relegation Game Thriller

Norway (6) vs Kazakstan (5) SO

Norway and Kazakstan needed an 11 round shootout to determine which team would stay at the top IIHF level for 18s next season. The 2024 tournament was the first time Kazakstan competed at the top level of U18s since 2003, and proved they are no easy out forcing OT with 2 3rd period goals + upsetting Czechia in OT during the preliminary round. Elias Straume Vatne opened the scoring for Norway before scoring the final 2 goals of the shootout on the same, silky move.

2024 Draft Prospects

Tij Iginla - ‘06 Forward - Canada

Iginla joined Team Canada after Kelowna fell in the WHL playoffs, fitting right in as a versatile wing. Scored in the final 3 preliminary games including a dominant game vs Czechia before 2G 5A in the final 3, 1G 2A in the gold medal matchup vs USA. A high IQ player, gets to scoring spots with a release that caught goaltenders off gaurd. After 18 points in 48 games with Seattle in 22-23, Iginla popped in production with Kelowna this season, finishing the regular season with 47G 37A in 64 regular season games + 9G 6A in 11 games of the WHL playoffs.

Carter George - ‘06 Goaltender - Canada

A reliable constant for Canada all tournament, George appeared in 6 of Canada’s 7 games. The #2 rated North American goaltender had 2 shutouts over Czechia in the prelims and Latvia in the quarterfinals + 2 win over Sweden before defeating the United States for gold. 6’1” and a controlled, athletic yet technical approach, very sound on 1st shots.

Cole Hutson - ‘06 Defenseman - USA

The new leader in points by a defenseman for the US National program, Hutson made history with an assist vs Finland, now with 112 points over 2 seasons. The undersized lefty was so natural jumping off his point, a lethal wrist shot + the playmaking ability for any situation. Hutson led all defenseman in points during the tournament with 13 (4G 9A), finishing 4th overall.

Cole Eiserman - ‘06 Forward - USA

One of the most gifted shooters in the upcoming draft, Eiserman finished 2nd in goal scoring with 9G over 7 games. Pucks are off his stick in a flash, a dangerous shooter from anywhere in the ozone, off cycles, rushes, PP etc. The natural goal scorer added 2 assists in the tournament to finish 7th in points with 11. Eiserman’s powerplay goal during the gold medal game broke Cole Caufield’s USNTDP goal scoring record now totaling 127 goals.

Teddy Stiga - ‘06 Forward - USA

Quick footed Swiss army knife type of player, can play with pace but also the hands / quick thinking ability in small areas. Stiga jumped from #72 to #44 in the final NHL Central Scouting ratings, and for good reason, as he finished 5th in goal scoring and 8th in points for the tournament (7GP 6G 5A).

Trevor Connelly - ‘06 Forward - USA

Despite the heart wrenching penalty in the gold medal game, Connelly’s long stride + reach, with skilled hands, was an offensive driver for the United States. His 4G 5A over 7 games included a Michigan goal vs Latvia, one of the top goals of the tournament. Fearlessly attacked dangerous areas with pace to create for himself, a decent build at 6’1”.

Alfons Freij - ‘06 Defenseman - Sweden

Freij’s deception off the blue line and shooting ability created chances throughout the tournament, very sneaky off his blue line seemingly to barely move yet dangles to open space. Scored at key moments, opening the scoring vs Finland + the put away goal in the bronze medal game. Currently #13 amongst International skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Freij had an impressive year playing from Vaxjo, registering 14G 19A in 40 regular season games + 2G 1A in 5 playoff games in Sweden’s junior league.

Lucas Pettersson - ‘06 Forward - Sweden

Pettersson’s feet are always moving, smart deception changing directions or putting on a show with his hands, a very dangerous player on the puck. Created constantly in the quarterfinal win over Finland and semifinal loss to Canada. His quick feet and fast computing on the puck is almost Jack Hughes like, finished with 3G 5A in 7 games of the tournament.

Alan Lendak - ‘06 Goaltender - Slovakia

Lendak started games 1 and 4 of the preliminary round, a tough outing vs the USA before an easy, controlled game vs Norway, before taking the net for Slovakia’s run to the bronze medal game. The Fargo Force 2nd round selection of the recent USHL Phase II draft has great technique, with more precision a focus needed at times as there were some goals he would have liked to have back. Battled in the bronze medal game vs Sweden, a scoreless battle until mid 3rd period. An athletic, technically sound prospect to watch next year in the USHL

Tomas Galvas - ‘06 Defenseman - Czechia

The 5’10 lefty has great mobility, quick feet and tight turns with the hands to protect or create. An offensive minded D man with great tendencies off his blue line, feeling out plays and understanding where to be to continue plays. Galvas’ only point during the tournament came in the quarterfinal loss to Czechia, but has shown to be a offensive producer in Czechia junior leagues, 4G 9A over just 15 regular season games + 6A in 7 playoff games. Galvas also has played 32 games including 3 playoff games for Bílí Tygři Liberec of the top Czechia pro league Extraliga.