Jack Ivankovic was the first goaltender off the ice at Team Canada’s skate Friday morning, indicating he will get the start in tonight’s quarter-final against Slovakia.
Carter George has started three of four games for the undefeated Canadians at the tournament thus far, but has just an .844 save percentage.
George allowed four goals on 18 shots in Wednesday’s 7-4 victory over Finland to close out the preliminary round, bringing his total of goals allowed at the tournament to 10.
Head coach Dale Hunter did not confirm his goaltender plans after Canada’s morning skate, but did offer praise for Ivankovic.
“Jack’s been solid. He’s had a good year with his team and he’s come in and been solid the whole time,” Hunter said.
Ivankovic started on Dec. 27 against Latvia and allowed one goal on 27 shots in a narrow 2-1 overtime win for Canada.
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Jack Ivankovic is the first goalie off the ice at 🇨🇦 skate
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) January 2, 2026
Looks like he gets the start in the quarterfinal tonight 🆚 🇸🇰 @TSN_Sports
Canada is heavily favoured against the Slovaks Friday night, but if the past few tournaments are any indication, Canada could have its hands full.
The Canadians were eliminated in back-to-back quarter-finals in each of the past two tournaments by Czechia, including last year on home soil in Ottawa.
Canada has 16 wins and one tie in 17 meetings against Slovakia all-time at the World Juniors.
