Junior Team Canada | Two Quebecers are fighting for the same position

(Ottawa) Ethan Gauthier and Mathieu Cataford are the only two Quebecers who have the chance to showcase themselves at the Junior Team Canada selection camp. Everything indicates that they are competing for the same position in the Canadian team.

After a few twists and turns on their way between Montreal and Ottawa, the two Quebecers took to the ice for the first time on Wednesday morning.

“It wasn’t a normal arrival, but a little adversity never hurt anyone. We have no excuses, especially since we were not the only ones in this situation,” said Gauthier.

The latter certainly leaves with a head start over his compatriot due to his past success with the Canadian program. The Voltigeurs de Drummondville forward helped Canada win the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2023 with seven points, including six goals, in just five games.

“I have a reputation for playing the power forward style which is difficult to play against. This is what makes me successful every time I play with the Hockey Canada program. […] We’re often told here to be able to perform on demand, and that’s what I’ve always been able to do. This is what I want to build on for the selection camp. »

When analyzing the possible Canadian lineup, many agree that there will only be room for one of the two Quebecers. However, they did not come here to show off, quite the contrary.

“We came here as allies. We want to represent the QMJHL well, and that’s the key,” explained Gauthier.

The reality still remains that the two good friends will be competing against each other until the end of the selection camp.

“They are absolutely fighting for the same position, as are several other players. I still believe that there can be room for both. They must play in their identity and bring what they do well with their respective junior teams,” mentioned assistant coach Sylvain Favreau, who led the two Quebecers in the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Mathieu Cataford was not made available to the media due to injury. He trained after his teammates with Easton Cowan, who is also sidelined preventatively due to injury.

A family story

Ethan Gauthier could become the third member of his family to earn a position with Junior Team Canada. His father Denis was there in 1996 and his cousin Julien, in 2016 and 2017.

“It would definitely be very special. I remember videos of my father with the gold medal around his neck next to Jarome Iginla. It’s a childhood dream for me too to represent my country at the Junior World Championship. It would be a very beautiful family story. »

The Canadian team will play the first of two preparatory matches against the university stars this Thursday at 3 p.m.