In a thrilling opening match of the IIHF World Championship, Team Canada showcased their dominance with a convincing 4-0 victory over Slovenia on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The game, held in Stockholm, Sweden, marked a strong start for the Canadian squad as they aim for international glory ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Leading the charge for Team Canada was Bo Horvat, who netted two power-play goals, demonstrating his elite scoring ability. Nathan MacKinnon also had a standout performance, contributing one goal and two assists, while Noah Dobson added another power-play goal to seal the win. Canada outshot Slovenia 44-11, a testament to their offensive pressure throughout the game.
Horvat's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he displayed remarkable chemistry with MacKinnon, who expertly set him up for both of his goals from the same spot just inside the top of the circle. "It’s eerie how similar the goals are," noted a source close to the team. Horvat's ability to find the back of the net not only highlights his skill but also strengthens his case for a spot on the Olympic roster. He played 19:38 in the match, the fourth-most among forwards, trailing only MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, and Travis Konecny.
Meanwhile, Dobson's contributions on the ice were just as significant. He skated for 16:36, the third-most among defensemen, and his power-play goal came from a brilliant setup by Macklin Celebrini. Dobson's ability to join the rush and create scoring opportunities is something he aims to improve upon after a less productive NHL season.
Canada's head coach, Dean Evason, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance despite acknowledging missed opportunities. "We thought we could have scored a few more goals because we had some really good opportunities that we missed on," he said. "Overall in the game, the guys conducted themselves well offensively and defensively. We have talked a lot about building chemistry quickly, and we may flip the lines tomorrow to get new guys playing with each other, but we really like the commitment of our group tonight."
Sidney Crosby, who is serving as Canada's captain for the fifth time, reflected on the importance of these international tournaments. "It is not too often that you get opportunities to play in these tournaments, represent Canada, and be a part of a group like this, so I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity," he stated. Crosby, a veteran of the game with an impressive resume, including multiple Stanley Cups and Olympic gold medals, is eager to lead this talented group.
As the tournament progresses, Canada is set to face Latvia on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 10:20 a.m. The United States, who won their opening match against Slovakia 5-0, will also be in action on the same day, playing at 6 a.m. The stakes are high as teams vie for positioning in the tournament, making every game crucial.
With the IIHF World Championship serving as the final test before the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, players are keenly aware that their performances here could influence their chances of making the Olympic roster. The tournament is not just about winning; it’s about showcasing talent and building chemistry among teammates.
As the Canadian squad continues to build momentum, fans can expect exciting hockey and fierce competition. With players like Horvat and MacKinnon stepping up, Canada looks poised to make a deep run in the tournament. The chemistry being developed now could be pivotal as they prepare to represent their country on the world stage.
In summary, Team Canada’s victory over Slovenia is a promising start to their IIHF World Championship campaign. With key players finding their rhythm and the team displaying strong offensive capabilities, the future looks bright as they aim for gold.
