Foote shares in gold

Photo: Kelowna Rockets

Canada brought home the gold at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup over the weekend.

And Kelowna Rockets forward Nolan Foote was among the players celebrating their 4-1 win over the Czechs.

The win marks the red-and-white’s 21st gold medal in 27 years of summer under-18 competition.

“It’s exciting. There are a lot of great teams and a lot of great countries, and to come out on top is pretty special,” said head coach Brent Kisio of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. “The place was rocking; it was a great atmosphere, and it was a lot of fun.”

The Canadians got on the board in the first with a goal from Jared McIsaac (Halifax Mooseheads) at 16:26. Team captain Joe Veleno (Saint John Sea Dogs) scored what would be the game-winning-goal at 2:19 in the second, while Kevin Bahl (Ottawa 67’s) and Jack McBain (Barrie Colts prospect) – who also marked assists on the first two goals – each potted one for Canada before the final buzzer.

Canada held the defending champions from the Czech Republic to 19 shots, peppering their goaltender with 46 shots on goal.

The tournament will be on Canadian ice next year, as it has committed to Edmonton in 2018, 2020 and 2022.