McIsaac, Lavoie Win Gold With Canada

Jared McIsaac (#14) celebrates a goal with his teammates
Photo - QMJHL Twitter

Raphael Lavoie and Jared McIsaac will come back home as gold medalists. Team Canada had a comeback game in the third period to defeat Team Russia in the final match of the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships on Sunday evening (afternoon for Maritimers). The two teams were scoreless after 20 minutes but before long, Russia had a 2-1 lead after the second period. Charlottetown Islanders forward Nikita Alexandrov got the Russians on the board first while Dylan Cozens of the Lethbridge Hurricanes scored less than 90 seconds later to tie the game. The white, red and blue took a 3-1 lead at the 8:46 minute mark of the third period before Canada made their comeback. The Canadians scored three goals in the final 11 minutes including a nice goal by Niagara IceDogs' Akil Thomas which ended up being the game winner as the red and white were victorious with a 4-3 result.

Jared McIsaac had a goal in a 7-2 victory against the Czech Republic in the final game of the preliminary round. The Truro, Nova Scotia native finished with a goal and 3 assists and a plus-4 rating. Raphael Lavoie had two assists during the tournament and a plus-2.

Former Mooseheads import draft pick Samuel Fagemo was the leading scorer of the tournament with 13 points and helped lead Sweden to a bronze medal. Andre Tourigny, who coached Halifax during the 2016-17 season, was an assistant coach for Canada.

Congratulations to Jared, Raphael and Team Canada on winning the championship game. We're very proud of you boys.


The tournament will be hosted by Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta for 2021 and will include Austria who were promoted after they went 4-1-0-0 in the Division 1A tournament before Christmas. Halifax Mooseheads rookie Senna Peeters helped lead them with three goals and 6 points in five games.