Photo credit: Vivid Imagination
Since its inception in 2009, Team Canada has won eight of the 13 championships and has defeated Team USA to win the championship title the past two years in a row. This year, some Atlanta Gladiators fans were fascinated by this international tournament because two Atlanta players, Zach Yoder and Dylan Carabia, were selected to represent Team USA. The last time Team USA won the Australian International Hockey Cup title was in 2017.
On July 4, Team USA and Team Canada began the first game of the 2024 Tournament, with the USA winning by a landslide, final score of 12-4. On July 7, in the second game of the tournament, Canada tied the score with three minutes remaining late in the third period, making the USA nervous. However, the USA fought hard and won by a final score of 7-5. In the penultimate game of the tournament, Team USA defeated Canada by a final score of 8-3, maintaining their undefeated record. In the final game of the tournament, Team USA defeated Canada by a final score of 9-6, remaining undefeated and winning the championship cup.
Zach Yoder recorded two goals and 10 assists during the tournament for third place overall with 12 points. Yoder finished the tournament behind Team USA teammates Jay Krupp (Columbus River Dragons/FPHL) and Sam Dabrowski (Knoxville Ice Bears/SPHL) who each had 14 points. Dylan Carabia was the leading points earner on both teams with a combined five goals and 13 assists for 18 points. He also leads the tournament in assists.
Full 2024 roster – https://australianicehockeycup.com/rosters/2024-rosters/
2024 AIIHC Statistics – https://australianicehockeycup.com/stats/
The tournament takes place annually in Australia and features teams made up of current professional hockey players as well as teams made up of players with NHL experience.
The Atlanta Gladiators will open the 2024-25 regular season on Oct. 19 against the Indy Fuel.
