USA beats Czechia to win gold at 2026 U-17 World Challenge
The United States have returned to the top of the World U-17 Challenge podium again, beating Czechia 3-0 in Oakville to win gold.
The Americans have now moved into second place all time with seven gold medals, with Canada Ontario (a defunct squad) leading the way at eight. USA has won a tournament-leading 19 medals at the tournament, while Czechia has taken its second silver medal.
USA’s victory officially ended Canada’s three-year gold-medal streak dating back to 2023. The win also marked the Americans’ third gold medal over the past decade.
Carter Morris scored the lone goal in the first period, with Dean Stevens and Joey Cullen snagging assists. Morris then scored again at 12:15 in the third period, capitalizing on the power play after Cullen found him in a scoring position. Cameron Evans then scored an empty-netter with 12.8 seconds left to seal the deal, while Mason Martin stopped all 29 shots sent his way.
Matyas Novotny had another strong effort for the Czechs, making multiple high-quality saves throughout the the third period. In the end, USA – who plays together throughout the year as part of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program – had the edge in chemistry.
Canada Red beat Canada White 8-4 for bronze earlier in the day, while Sweden stomped Finland 8-5 in the fifth-place affair.
Maddox Schultz led the way with six goals and 16 points in five games, marking the fourth-best output in a single tournament. James Hagens leads the way with eight goals and 21 points in seven games back in 2022 with the United States.
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