Canada Red Edges United States 6-4 at U-17 Challenge
Kash Kwajah's power-play goal in the third period gave Canada Red a come-from-behind win at the Under-17 World Challenge in Oakville.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hockey
Canada Red defeated the United States 6-4 at the Under-17 World Challenge, moving to 1-1 in round robin play after a 5-1 loss to Finland on Sunday. Kash Kwajah scored twice and added two assists, including the winning power-play goal at 8:28 of the third period.
Why it matters
The win keeps Canada Red in contention as the tournament moves into the quarterfinal round, which begins Thursday. Canada Red rallied from a 2-1 deficit after the first period and a 3-3 tie entering the third, showing it can recover from early setbacks in a tight field.
Canada Red went 2-for-3 on the power play while the United States went 0-for-6, and Owen Loftus made 37 saves in goal for Canada Red despite the U.S. outshooting Canada Red 41-36. The source does not detail how the two teams' standings will be affected beyond Canada Red's 1-1 record.
The players
Kash Kwajah
Forward for Canada Red who scored twice and recorded two assists, including the game-winning power-play goal.
Dean Steven
Forward for the United States who recorded two goals and an assist in the loss.
Owen Loftus
Goaltender for Canada Red who made 37 saves against the United States.
The details
Dean Steven scored twice and Jack Queally added a goal and two assists for the United States, while Drew Bate scored twice for Canada Red. Canada Red now has Tuesday off before starting the quarterfinal round on Thursday.
Timeline
Sunday, November 1, 2026: Canada Red lost 5-1 to Finland.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Canada Red defeated the United States 6-4.
Tuesday: Canada Red has a scheduled day off.
Thursday: Canada Red begins the quarterfinal round.
Season Trajectory
The Under-17 World Challenge serves as a proving ground for Canada's junior hockey pipeline, and Canada Red's comeback win keeps it in the tournament hunt. Its quarterfinal berth depends on how it performs in the round robin's remaining games.
Canada Red's quarterfinal start on Thursday means its next game is the most important on the schedule, with a ticket to the knockout stage at stake. Fans tracking young Canadian talent can follow the team's progress through the quarterfinal round.
The takeaway
Canada Red's ability to erase a one-goal deficit and a tie in the third period shows the resilience that tends to matter most in single-elimination quarterfinal play. Following the team's Thursday start is the best way to track how it handles the knockout round.
What happens next
Canada Red begins the quarterfinal round on Thursday after a scheduled day off on Tuesday.
Further reading
For more on the country's junior programs, see Hockey coverage across Canadian youth leagues.
