Akil Thomas’ goal at 16:01 of the 3rd period capped off a comeback for the ages as Team Canada battled back from a 3-1 third period deficit to top Russia by a 4-3 score in the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championships gold medal game in Ostrava, Czech Republic on Sunday afternoon.
Brandon’s own Calen Addison played a major role in the game, assisting on each of Canada’s final three goals including Barrett Hayton’s tying powerplay goal at 11:21 of the 3rd period along with Thomas’ game-winner.
The team also featured Winnipeg goaltender Joel Hofer, who was named the tournament’s top netminder.
Addison joins Sheldon Kennedy (1988) as Brandon-born players to win gold in the tournament. Addison finished tied for sixth overall in scoring and tops amongst Canadian defencemen with 9 points (1 goal, 8 assists) in seven games. The point total also ties for 6th all-time amongst Canadian defensemen in a single WJHC tourney.
The 19-year old is presently playing in his fourth full Western Hockey League season as a defenceman with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Prior to joining the Hurricanes, he played as a member of the AAA U18 Brandon Wheat Kings. As a second round draft choice of the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins, Addison has signed an entry-level contract with the Penguins and is expected to turn pro within their organization for the 2020-21 season.
The hometown Wheat Kings will next host Addison’s Hurricanes on January 25th at Westoba place.
Photo: Milana Paddock Photography
Updated: Jan 6, 6:57pm. Added Sheldon Kennedy information