Martin, McKenna lift Canada past Sweden in world juniors pre-tournament game

By Canadian Press on December 17, 2025.

KITCHENER — Brady Martin scored twice as Canada defeated Sweden 2-1 in pre-tournament action for the world junior hockey championship Wednesday.

Gavin McKenna, a projected top pick in next summer’s NHL draft, provided two assists and Carter George made 19 saves for Canada.

Viggo Bjorck replied for Sweden and Herman Liv stopped 24 shots at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.

Martin, drafted fifth overall by the Nashville Predators last June, opened the scoring on a one-timer from distance off a cross-ice pass from McKenna just 39 seconds into the second period.

Bjorck replied at 5:16 on a 5-on-3 power play after a too-many-men penalty and a holding call on Jett Luchanko put Canada down two players.

Martin added his second goal of the game off another feed from McKenna at 9:02 in the third. McKenna completed a give-and-go with Michael Hage to enter the offensive zone before sliding a backhand net-front for Martin, who beat Liv with a deke.

Canada plays Sweden again in its next pre-tournament game Saturday in London, Ont.

The under-20 tournament begins on Dec. 26 in Minneapolis and Saint-Paul, Minn. Canada opens round-robin play against Czechia in Minneapolis, Minn.

Canada is looking to bounce back after finishing a lowly fifth in Ottawa last year, exiting in the quarterfinals for the second straight tournament.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2025.

The Canadian Press