FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Truro, N.S. (December 17, 2023) – Canada East finished the 2023 World Junior A Challenge in Truro, N.S. with a silver medal after a 7-2 defeat to Canada West in the Gold Medal Final on Sunday evening at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre. Among the medalists were four Maritime Hockey League players, the largest contingent the league has ever had at the Junior A showcase, and Summerside Western Capitals Head Coach Billy McGuigan. Miramichi Timberwolves forward Will Allen had three assists in six games. Truro Bearcats defenseman Simon Mullen posted one assist in six games and was joined on the blueline by Ryan Hackett of the Campbellton Tigers and the Timberwolves’ Max Jardine.
Canada East opened the tournament with three straight wins over Slovakia, Canada West, and Sweden, before dropping the finale of the preliminary round to the United States. In Saturday’s semifinals, Canada East beat Sweden 7-5 to advance to the Gold Medal Final before losing to Canada West.