A Hockey Canada logo is visible on the helmet of a national junior team player during a training camp practice in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

By Logan Lehmann

Gold for Canada

Ritchie, Canada wins gold at Hlinka Gretzky Cup in overtime thriller

Aug 5, 2023 | 2:03 PM

Ryder Ritchie and Team Canada are golden at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Malcolm Spence played the role of overtime hero for Canada, scoring with just seven seconds left in the period as they knocked off the hosts Czechia 3-2 to capture their 24^th gold medal at the tournament.

Canada trailed after the first period by one, but Czechia’s found that the tables were turned in the second as the Canadians led 2-1 after two. The third period was a battle for its majority until the final five minutes when Prince Albert Raiders import Matej Kubiesa tied it back up for the Czechs at two apiece to force overtime.

It was neck and neck in the winner take all period but with less that 10 seconds to go, Spence stripped the puck off a Czechia defender near centre ice before skating in on a breakaway and going far side to help win Canada a gold medal.

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Although held off the scoresheet, Ritchie co-lead the tournament in assists with Canadian teammate Michael Misa who both finished with six. The Raiders forward also placed second in total points with nine, finishing two points behind other Canadian teammate and Canada captain Berkly Catton.

With Kubiesa’s goal in the game, the newest Raider ended his tournament with four goals and one assist in five games.

The Raiders get the 2023-24 season underway on Sept. 22 when they welcome the Moose Jaw Warriors to the Art Hauser Centre.

– with files from The Canadian Press

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann