By Brendon Crossman
Above photo via @HC_WU17
Former Toronto Red Wings forward Owen Tippett scored a hat trick – netting a goal in each period – to guide Canada White to a 6-2 victory over Russia in the gold medal game at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
It is the first time a Canadian team has won gold at the tournament since 2011, when Mississauga Rebels graduate Sean Monahan scored twice in the final to lift Ontario to a 5-3 victory over the U.S. in front of more than 12,000 fans at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
In 2014, Hockey Canada introduced a three-team national team format (White, Red and Black) to replace the previous regional team format.
Forward Ryan McLeod and defenseman Elijah Roberts, who led the Toronto Marlboros to a OHL Cup title last March, also were part of Canada White’s championship team.
Tippett, who was the subject of our Breakout Star of the Week feature on Friday, scored the first goal less than 90 seconds after the opening face-off but Russia pulled ahead with two strikes before the end of the period. Tippett evened the score 33 seconds into the middle frame and completed his hat trick in the third period.
A fourth overall selection by the Mississauga Steelheads in last spring’s OHL draft, Tippett posted 5-3—8 in six games to tie for third in tournament scoring behind Finland’s Eeli Tolvanen (9-1—10) and the U.S.’s Scott Reedy (6-3—9).
The Peterborough, Ont., native was named to the tournament all-star team along with Canada White defenseman Evan Bouchard (Burlington, Ont. / London Knights, OHL) and Canada Red forward Maxime Comtois (Ste-Martine, Que. / Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL).
Gabe Vilardi, who has 7-5—12 through 13 games as a rookie with the Windsor Spitfires, notched 1-1—2 including the game-winning goal.
Earlier on Saturday, Sweden skated to a 3-0 win over Canada Red to capture the bronze medal.
Click here to view the full Team Canada roster.
Owen Tippett (left) and Gabe Vilardi (right) were selected with the No. 4 and No. 2 overall selections in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection. Former Don Mills Flyers forward David Levin (middle) was the top pick. (Aaron Bell/OHL Images)
