Full Breakdown
Scheifele’s Overtime Hat Trick Propels Canada Past Norway in Fribourg
5/22/2026, 11:14:28 PM
Overtime Thriller Secures 6-5 Victory
On May 21, 2026, Canada defeated Norway 6-5 in overtime at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship preliminary round, Group B, in Fribourg, Switzerland. Norway had taken a 2-0 lead early in the first period on goals by Eskild Bakke Olsen and Johannes Johannesen. Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets completed a hat trick, scoring the decisive goal 29 seconds into the extra period. Ryan O’Reilly’s equalizer with 1:39 left in regulation forced overtime after Canada pulled goaltender Cam Talbot for an extra attacker.
Tournament Setting
The 2026 championship features a round-robin format with the top four teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Canada entered the game unbeaten after three regulation wins, while Norway sought its first upset. Group B also includes Slovakia, Czechia, Denmark and the host nation Switzerland, which had already posted a 5-0 record.
Key Contributors
Canada’s scoring came from Scheifele (3 G, 1 A), O’Reilly (1 G), Vilardi (1 G, 1 A), Cozens (1 G), Bouchard (3 A) and Celebrini (2 A). Norway’s goals were scored by Olsen, Johannesen, Steen (2 G) and Koblar.
Numbers at a Glance
Final score: Canada 6, Norway 5. Scheifele: 3 goals, 1 assist (4 points). Canada: 11 group points (three regulation wins, one overtime win) – first place in Group B. Norway: 8 points, second place. Overtime win yields two points; regulation wins yield three.
Implications for Group B
Canada’s overtime win preserves its unbeaten streak and puts it atop Group B, securing a quarter-final spot. The two points raise Canada to 11, extending its lead over Norway (8 points). Switzerland’s perfect record and Slovakia’s 11 points keep the top tier tight.
Official Reactions
Scheifele said the team showed resilience after feeling a setback in earlier games and praised the collective effort that led to the overtime winner. Canada’s coaching staff highlighted the depth of scoring and the successful use of an extra attacker in the final minutes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the name of Norway’s goaltender, citing both “Tobias Normann” and “Jonas Arntzen Normann.” No Norwegian player or coach comments were provided in the available excerpts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It felt good obviously,” — Mark Scheifele, 2016 world champion
- “I felt a little snake-bitten in the games before, but we have such a great team, just a resilient effort for everyone, so it was awesome to get the winner.” — Mark Scheifele
- “Yeah, I felt a little bit snake bitten in the games before, but we have such a great team,” — Mark Scheifele, TSN broadcast
- “Just a resilient effort by everyone, it was awesome to get the winner.” — Mark Scheifele, TSN broadcast
What’s Next
Canada’s next Group B opponent is Slovenia, scheduled for Friday in Fribourg.
