No need to repeat the same formula hoping for a different result, they say. For the Hockey Canada staff, it’s pretty much the opposite.
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Just because the World Junior Championship (WJC) gold medal narrowly escaped the last edition of the Maple Leaf lineup doesn’t mean the plan was turned upside down. There is only one way to play “canadian”, and it has already proven its worth despite the recent disappointment.
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That’s exactly what we’ll see in action as the traditional holiday tournament returns to Edmonton and Red Deer on December 26th.
“For us, it’s important to play like we’ve always done,” said Louis Robitaille, Dave Cameron’s assistant. “It is with resilience, relentlessness and with a lot of speed. We have the players who will allow us to continue on this path.
“We have good depth in all positions, we have players who are devoted to the cause over 200 feet. It will really be the strength of our team. “
In principle – and barring a huge surprise – the Canadian team’s road to the top spot in Group A should only be a formality.
She will take on the Czech Republic as a curtain raiser and then face off against Austria, Germany and Finland on New Year’s Eve. This last game of 2021, against the most recent bronze medalists, will be the most imposing challenge for the local favorites in the preliminary round.
The hard work could begin in the quarterfinals, since it is at this moment that Cameron’s troop cross swords with the teams of Group B, which one could easily qualify as the group of death. The United States, the defending champions, will battle it out with Russia, Sweden, Slovakia and Switzerland.
As is the case every year, no matter what opponent stands in its way, Canada is expected to triumph. Especially since he has a second consecutive opportunity to win gold in his territory for the first time since 2015, after the missed appointment last January.
“We have a bit of everything in our team; we have talent, sandpaper and guys who are ready to accept any role, ”observed forward Mavrik Bourque, one of the four representatives of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) at the within the Canadian team.
“Obviously we still have a chance to win, but we’re not talking about that or the pressure. The final is still a long way off and we have a long way to go to get there. We want to focus on what we can control. We have a chance to experience this event and we must take full advantage of it every day. “
Forwards Xavier Bourgault and Elliot Desnoyers, as well as New Brunswick defenseman Lukas Cormier are the other players from the Quebec junior circuit who will be on the mission.
In the mold
When you look at the big picture, this edition of Junior Team Canada seems to have a little less offensive punch than last year. There are very talented players, of course, but the general staff has mainly relied on elements capable of delivering the goods in the three zones.
A lot will therefore be demanded from Cole Perfetti – one of the three returning players with defender Kaiden Guhle and goalkeeper Dylan Garand – Mason McTavish and Kent Johnson in terms of production. There will also be a bit of pressure on a certain Shane Wright, the potential first pick at the upcoming NHL auction.
“We have players who are as threatening in attack as they are responsible defensively,” said Robitaille. We like our speed and the mix between skillful players and those more robust and efficient in front check. It’s a diverse group, but one that fits the same mold. “
At the blue line, Guhle and Owen Power, the first overall pick in the last draft, will share most of the responsibilities. It is mainly through them that the revival will pass.
“They are two big guys quite imposing and tough to face,” Bourque noted. Offensively, Power is capable of doing things few defenders do on the ice. And I have rarely seen guys be able to overwhelm Guhle in training. It goes well with a defense with them. “
Garand, Sebastian Cossa and Brett Brochu will battle it out in front of the net. A final decision on who to start is expected to be taken after the pre-season matches.
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