After a perfect run of three victories in exhibition matches, Canada will begin its preliminary round at the World Junior Championship on Thursday evening against Finland at the Canadian Tire Center in Kanata, near Ottawa.
Fifth last year in Gothenburg, Sweden, the maple leaf will also face Latvia, Germany and the United States between now and December 31 before the medal round.
Océanic fans will closely monitor Mathieu Cataford and Bradly Nadeau.
Left out last Monday in Canada's last preparatory match against the Czech Republic, Cataford is one of two Quebecers chosen to participate in the competition with Ethan Gauthier of the Voltigeurs de Drummondville.
“I think I gave a good impression by playing according to my identity during the selection camp. I know that the leaders really liked my preparatory camp last summer. They came to watch my matches this season. I worked on what I could control while keeping a good attitude,” he said following his selection.
Nadeau among the leaders
If the Océanic staff hopes for his return to Rimouski after the holidays, Nadeau was already assured of his position even before the selection camp. He will be one of the players to watch, among all teams, during the 2025 World Championship.
A first-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023, he has already collected 15 points, including six goals, in 22 games with the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League.
Bradly Nadeau also scored on Monday against the Czech Republic.
“He is a very good player who has experience at the American League level. We expect him to contribute greatly to the team's success,” commented head coach Dave Cameron during the selection camp.
Le Soir.ca will monitor the actions of Mathieu Cataford and Bradly Nadeau during the World Junior Hockey Championship.
