Canada Wins Gold at 2018 World Junior Lacrosse Championship

SASKATOON, SK – On the final day of the K+S Potash Canada 2018 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship Canada captured gold by defeating Iroquois by a score of 15-10 in the Gold Medal Game. 

Canada came out to a quick three (3) goal lead in the first quarter with singles from Mitch Linklater, Colin Berglof, and Kyle Dawson. Iroquois was able to cut into the Canadian lead with a pair of goals from Aaron Greyeyes and Tyler Brown, respectively. Canada was able to closeout the first quarter with a two (2) goal lead with a power-play transition goal from defender Brad Lyons. 

The second quarter for Canada started out hot with a transition even-strength goal from defender Brendan Szabo. Canada then added a power play goal from Haiden Dickson after a Iroquois’ Kallen Currie took a two minute minor penalty for slashing. Finally, Iroquois was able to string a run of goals together, three even-strength goals to be exact, from David Anderson, Tyler Brown, and Nonkon Thompson. At the half Canada led Iroquois by a score of 6-5. 

Both teams had their runs in the first half, but Canada would be the only teams to score in the third quarter. Brad Lyons would open scoring in the second half with his second, this time a short-handed goal in transition. Canada’s leading scorer Tanner Buck added his only goal of the game on the power play. Brad Lyons completed his hat trick with an even strength goal in transition, and Kyle Dawson notched his first, on the power play, to end the third quarter 10-5 in favour of Canada. 

Iroquois, determined to repeat as World Junior Champions, opened up the forth and final frame with a four (4) goal run. Two (2) consecutive even strength goals from Marshall Powless, a power play maker from Blaze White, and the forth from Kainen Francis. The Iroquois would only get with within one goal of the lead, 10-9, until Canada went on a four (4) goal run of their own. Brendan Szabo notched his second while Matthew Wright scored his first, both even strength in transition. Haiden Dickson scored his second and Kyle Dziwenka tallied his only goal of the game. Iroquois’ Marshall Powell got his second to stop Canada’s run only to see Brendan Szabo recoded his hat trick and seal the deal from Canada. 

Both goaltenders played exceptionally well. Iroquois’ Cecil Jacobs faced 60 shots, making 45 saves, for a .750 save percentage and Canada’s Brody Harris faced 69 shots, making 59 saves, for a save percentage of .855, each recorded two (2) assists. 

At the conclusion of the game the 2018 IIJL All-World Team was announced. Justin Napolitano of the USA and Matthew Wright of Canada were named the All-World Defenders. Iroquois’ David Anderson was named the All-World Transition player. Iroquois’ Marshall Powless and Canada’s Tanner Buck were named All-World Forwards. The IIJL All-World Team was rounded out by Canada’s Brody Harris being named the All-World Goaltender.