By Drew Wilson

Morrissey and Canada win GOLD!

Aug 18, 2012 | 11:50 AM

Raider defenseman Josh Morrissey cemented his status as a potential 1st round NHL draft choice next June helping lead Canada to its fifth straight gold medal at the Ivan Hlinka Under-18 memorial hockey tournament in Slokakia and the Czech Republic.

Morrissey assisted on Canada's final goal in a dominant 4-0 win over Finland in the final. The Calgary native ended the tournament with one goal (the tieing marker against Slovakia during a 3-goal comeback late in the 3rd period to win 3-2), and 7 assists in five tournament games.

Morrissey drew the praise of many for his performance overseas, including TSN analyst Jamie McLennan. He said a combination of vision, skating ability and aggression makes Morrissey the best defenseman from the west heading into this season. 

The Raiders 2009 first round pick in the Bantam Draft played in every situation for Team Canada in the Hlinka tournament and now has a gold to go along with April's bronze medal at the World under-18 championships won with teamate Mike Winther. 

Canada outshot the Finns 44-23 in the gold medal game and broke open a scoreless contest with three unanswered second period goals. They also had to travel from the Czech Republic back to Slovakia to playsaturday's early game after beating the Czech's in the semi final late the day on Friday.

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Although this tournament isn't recognized by the IIHF as the world U-18 championship, it's the only annual gathering of best-vs-best in that age group.  Next August, Canada goes for a sixth straight championship.

Morrissey will now get ready for main camp with the Prince Albert Raiders which opens August 28th.

dwilson@paNOW.com