Canada faced the Czech Republic in their first game of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.
Habs prospect Michael Hage was in action at center on a line with Gavin McKenna and Brady Martin.
It didn't take long for Hage and his linemates to get going, as Martin opened the scoring for Canada with a shot on goal following a pass from McKenna on a play initiated by Hage.
Brady Martin scores Canada's first goal at the 2026 World Juniors
: TSN | IIHF pic.twitter.com/HZ4EL2Ut95
– Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) December 27, 2025
Then Hage continued his good work, fooling the Finnish goalie with a crisp, accurate wrist shot to restore the 2-1 lead. Martin and Ben Danford also picked up an assist on the play.
Michael Hage goes bar down to put Canada up 2-1!
: TSN | IIHF pic.twitter.com/NtXMJj4uFf
– Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) December 27, 2025
Hage, Mckenna, and Martin really seemed to find each other on the ice throughout the first period, and that's very promising for what's to come.
In just one period of play, the center already has two points and could well beat his total of five points in three games obtained with Canada at the last international tournament.
Everything seems to be working for Hage this year, as he already has 28 points in 20 games this season with the University of Michigan, and he looks set to perform in the same way with Team Canadiens.
What's more, it's reassuring to see him playing well at center when some doubts remain about his ability to play that position.
All in all, it's a very promising prospect for the Habs.
Overtime
– Playing with sticks.
Canada was up to some pre-game shenanigans at center ice with Czechia.
#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/zWKYi9X4uF
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2025
– Victory for the Americans.
First win in the books
#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/FZ9N1BN4fe
– USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 27, 2025
– Wow!
STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND LOOK AT PETTERI RIMPINEN'S WORLD JUNIORS SETUP!
#WorldJuniors
(
: IG/petrisaarelainen & IG/petteririmpinen) pic.twitter.com/gj6Lf1hqbh
– BarDown (@BarDown) December 24, 2025

: TSN | IIHF
#WorldJuniors

: IG/petrisaarelainen & IG/petteririmpinen)