Saskatoon's Kayden Stroeder enjoyed a breakout performance on Tuesday, scoring twice to help Canada remain perfect at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
The Edmonton Oil Kings forward led the way offensively as Canada defeated Slovakia 6-1 at Rogers Place, improving to 2-0 in the tournament and moving within one win of first place in Group A.
Stroeder broke open a tight game midway through the second period. With Canada leading 2-1, the 17-year-old found space on a power-play rush and snapped a shot past Slovakian goaltender Nicko Zakk Havel to give the Canadians some breathing room.
He wasn't finished. Early in the third period, Stroeder struck again, this time finishing off a setup from Everett Silvertips defenceman Landon DuPont with a one-timer from the slot to extend Canada's advantage to 5-1. The two-goal performance highlighted a four-point night for Saskatchewan players.
Regina Pats teammates Liam Pue and Maddox Schultz continued to build chemistry on the international stage. After connecting twice in Canada's tournament-opening victory over Switzerland, Schultz picked up an assist on Canada's first goal before teaming up with Pue again in the third period. Schultz found Pue behind the Slovak net, and the Pats rookie buried his third goal of the tournament to cap the scoring.
Pue also collected an assist earlier in the game, setting up Camryn Warren just 19 seconds after Slovakia had tied the contest at 1-1. The quick response restored Canada's lead before Stroeder took over offensively.
DuPont was named Canada's Player of the Game after recording a goal and an assist. At the same time, Lethbridge Hurricanes goaltender Leif Oaten made 12 saves to earn the victory in his first appearance of the tournament.
Canada closes out the preliminary round Wednesday night against Sweden. A victory would secure first place in the group and send Canada into the semifinals with an unbeaten record.
