I can’t wait to see how Canada will be able to forget its fifth place last year at the World Juniors.
At 66 years old, the master on board, Dave Cameron, is very experienced with eight world championships under his belt, including four in the under-20 category, which is worth its weight in gold in a tournament where squad management is often decisive.
Let’s be honest, the path to his training promises to be tortuous. The clash alone against the reigning champions, the United States, and their 10 veterans from last year will represent quite a challenge on the evening of December 31.
The fizzled end of last year disappointed many people, me first and foremost, incredulous to see the fate of Canada rest on the shoulders of young Macklin Celibrini, who moved to the San Jose Sharks this season.
The Canadian team has just four veterans from last year, including Oliver Bonk, who will play in the Canadian city where his father, Radek, spent most of his NHL career.
Even if Canada has some interesting experienced players – Calum Ritchie started the season with the Avalanche in the National League for example – I have the impression that we are likely to talk a lot about young people in the coming days.
For the first time in 34 years, the Canadian team is made up of three 17-year-old players, forward Gavin McKenna, defenseman Matthew Schaefer and goalie Jack Ivankovic.
That’s not counting the six 18-year-old players, including Porter Martone, a fiery forward who doesn’t hesitate to drop the gloves, a style on the verge of disappearing in junior hockey in 2024.
Quebec’s voice will be so weak in the tournament (only Mathieu Cataford and Ethan Gauthier were selected) that it is better not to have too much hope of seeing the QMJHL shine, but the case of Bradly Nadeau intrigues me.
The presence of the New Brunswick native is the dream of many in Rimouski who would like to see the Carolina Hurricanes sell him to the Océanic after the tournament.
Nadeau has done very well this season in the American League. Could this be a hidden card in the tournament from a Canadian perspective? He is one to watch.
The youth of the team is evident, but we have seen so many times the leaders of the national program turn to older players at the expense of more talented youngsters that we cannot complain.
When a country like Canada struggles to score goals against Czechia, last year’s great surprise, we have to draw conclusions. This year, the big guys at Hockey Canada are betting on talent.
It’s the right choice even if youth carries its share of risks.
Admire Gavin McKenna and Matthew Schaefer.
Two winners full of talent.
Have a good tournament and a very happy new year 2025!
