Defenceman Calen Addison (Brandon) and Goaltender Joel Hofer (Winnipeg) played key roles as Team Canada defeated Team Russia 4-3 to claim Gold at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ostrava and Trinec, Czech Republic.

Addison had three assists in the game and Hofer made 35 stops to help Team Canada win their 18th gold medal.

Addison, 19, had one goal and eight assists in the tournament and was the quarterback of Canada’s dangerous first power play unit. Addison currently plays for the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the Western Hockey League and is a draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins (2nd round, 53^rd overall).

Hofer, 19, was superb in the tournament, posting a 5-0 record with a .939 save percentage and 1.60 goals against average and one shutout. Hofer replaced Nico Daws (Guelph Storm) during Team Canada’s second preliminary round game against Russia after the team fell down 4-0 and he never looked back from there as he started in net for Canada’s next five games, including yesterday’s Gold Medal game. Hofer was named the top goaltender of the tournament to nobody’s surprise. Hofer currently plays for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League and is a draft pick of the St.Louis Blues (4th round, 107th overall).

Sunday’s Gold Medal victory was the first time Canada brought home gold from an overseas tournament since 2008 when the tournament was held in Pardubice, Czech Republic.

For more information on Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and #WorldJuniors.