Canada’s Win Over Finland Fueled By Superb OHL Talent, Led By Carter George & Matthew Schaefer

The opening day of the 2025 World Junior Championship wrapped up with the host nation’s confident 4-0 victory. With the help of numerous OHL players, Canada skated by Finland, but none bigger than their goaltender Carter George.

Canada controlled the pace of play and frankly dominated the game through the first two periods. The Fins had their push in the third period, as it became a shooting gallery for them in Canada’s zone.

A couple of powerplays for Finland had them threatening to get on the board, but standing tall in the crease was OHL’s Owen Sound Attack netminder Carter George.

George stopped all 31 shots he faced in the contest, 20 of which came in the third period, and 12 while his team was shorthanded. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was honored after the game as Canada’s Player of the Game.

The Los Angeles Kings prospect came into camp as the projected number-one goalie for Canada heading into the tournament. He looked phenomenal in the crease, showing off his terrific composure. George always looks in control and rarely gets frantic with his positioning and body control.

Related: Los Angeles May Have Found A Future No. 1 Goaltender in Carter George

This strong first outing for him will greatly boost his confidence moving forward in the tournament and instill confidence in his teammates, knowing they have a solid presence in goal.

George wasn’t the only OHL player from Canada who impressed.

Many scouts already knew just how incredible of a hockey player Matthew Schaefer is. Now, Canadian and hockey fans across the globe got a first look at the 17-year-old defenseman and his talents.

It was Schaefer who helped unleash Canada’s goal song for the tournament, Live Is Life by Opus. He threaded a perfect cross-rink pass to a wide-open Gavin McKenna, who patiently put the puck upstairs over the Finnish netminder to get Canada on the board in the first period.

Schaefer’s vision on the pass was great, but the accuracy and firmness of his pass were more impressive. Sending a cross-rink pass needs enough zip to avoid being intercepted and also to be a controllable pass for the recipient. He did exactly that.

Of course, his skating was extremely noticeable, both with and without the puck. Arguably, he’s an elite NHL-level skater already. His ability to separate himself from opponents is top-notch. Defensively, he uses his mobility to close gaps quickly along the boards while leading with his stick to poke pucks off the opposition’s stick.

Related: What Canada Fans Can Anticipate From OHL Players At The World Junior Championship

The cherry on top for the 2025 NHL Draft top prospect was sending a 200-foot floater into the middle of the empty net. But his goal happened because he used his feet and stick in unison defensively to get the puck off the Finland player’s stick.

Oliver Bonk recorded a secondary assist on McKenna’s goal, but his fearless shot-blocking prowess was particularly impressive. The ice bags had to be ready for him after the game because he laid his body on the lane all night long. He’s the type of defenseman that will do whatever it takes to win.

OHLers Easton Cowan and Luca Pinelli scored a goal to help secure Canada’s tournament-opening victory Thursday night. Sam Dickinson recorded a secondary assist on Pinelli’s third-period tally.

Canada is back in action Friday night against Latvia.

Related: Cole Beaudoin Wants To Bring His 200-Foot Game to World Junior Championship Squad

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