Attached is a link to the IIHF’s list of individual awards for this event. Slovakia forward Timothy Kazda (2027 draft-eligible) was named tournament MVP. We will be hearing a lot about Kazda over the next year, as he moves from the USHL to Boston College prior to next summer’s draft. This was his last U18 tournament, as will turn 18 on October 4. As such, he misses 2026 draft eligibility only by a matter of weeks.
Also of note is Sweden forward Elton Hermansson (#5 International skater) being named the tournament’s Best Forward, and not the MVP. At first this was a bit of a surprise to me, as I would have thought he would win the MVP award as a gold medalist. However, I have come to conclude this is appropriate, as Sweden is loaded with high-end talent, while Kazda’s Slovakia team is a bit of an upstart relying on fewer players to guide them to a medal. Regardless, these awards are well-deserved by both players, as each of them were heavily involved for their teams all the way until the end. This is highlighted by Edmonsson’s goal for Sweden in yesterday’s gold medal game, and Kazda assisting on both Slovakian goals in a furious effort to overtake Sweden for the top prize.
For me, the largest omission is Canada d-man Keaton Verhoeff (#4 North American skater) not being named the tournament’s Best Defender. That award went to Slovakia’s Adam Golger (#14 International skater). While Goljer did have an excellent tournament worthy of being named an All-Star, Verhoeff was head and shoulders the best defender. While Goljer did have a +6 rating to Verhoeff’s +7, Goljer was the beneficiary of his team scoring 11 goals while he was on the ice. Canada’s opponents did not score a single goal when Verhoeff was on the ice, typical for Verhoeff’s shutdown style of play.