The anticipation is building as Team Canada gears up for their pre-tournament tests leading to the much-awaited World Junior Hockey Championship. With their roster finalized and bonding activities having occurred at Petawawa, Ontario, Canada is ready to take on their first challenge against Switzerland this Thursday.
Head coach Dave Cameron is focused on solidifying his lines and possibly determining who will guard the net when the tournament officially commences against Finland on Boxing Day. Hockey Canada unveiled the 25-player roster last week, featuring 14 forwards, eight defencemen, and three goaltenders, showcasing youthful talent.
On the roster is Gavin McKenna, star forward for the Medicine Hat Tigers, who is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. Several others, including forward Porter Martone and defenceman Matthew Schaefer, are also present as they look to make their mark as 2025 draft-eligible prospects.
Cameron has expressed his intentions of giving all three goaltenders—Carter George, Carson Bjarnason, and Jack Ivankovic—a chance to play during the pre-tournament games. According to TSN's Mark Masters, Bjarnason stands out with impressive stats, recording an 8-6-2 record and .913 save percentage this season.
“I have my feet under me a bit more,” said Bjarnason, referring to his change of stance during the offseason. His height, 6-foot-4, gives him an advantage, but he is aware of the fierce competition from his teammates. George continues to build his confidence after winning gold at the recent under-18 World Championship, accumulating a .915 save percentage throughout six games, which he credits for his international experience.
The team's preparation for the World Juniors not only encompasses skill on the ice but also camaraderie and teamwork. With past disappointments like finishing fifth at last year's tournament in Sweden, the pressure is on for the Canadian squad. “You have to put the work in every day,” Cameron stressed as he clarified the competitiveness of the tournament where every match will test their mettle.
Meanwhile, the junior A Hawkesbury Hawks are making headlines themselves as they prepare to challenge Team Kazakhstan this weekend. Captain Rémi Gagné expressed his astonishment at being part of such a momentous event, though not directly representing Canada. “It was nice, like you dream to be part of [the] World Juniors,” he mentioned, reflecting on the thrill of the upcoming game.
The opportunity came about when Kazakhstan, needing additional game practice before the tournament, had no scheduled opponent. Hockey Canada reached out to junior teams, and the Hawks jumped at the chance, even postponing holiday plans to accommodate their hosting duties. Coach Ryan Leonard excitedly shared, “Right away, I piped up [and] said, 'Hey, we'll do it here in Hawkesbury, we'd be excited to do it!'”
Assistant captain Aleksy Bandu expressed mixed emotions, thrilled by the chance of representing Canada albeit indirectly. “I’m glad I can represent Canada in some way, that's for sure,” he said. This game is expected to attract considerable attention as local community members are eager to witness high-level hockey firsthand.
While the Hawks are set to bring their best against Kazakhstan, Team Kazakhstan's captain, as well as his teammates, are treating their time in Carleton Place, where they are based for their training camp, as special. “It's super amazing. We're really welcomed here,” remarked captain Zhusupbekov.
According to Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell, the community support for Team Kazakhstan has been overwhelming, with residents attending their practices. “This is gonna be something special,” said Randell, inviting locals to experience world-class hockey. He openly stated his support for Kazakhstan during their matchup with the Hawks.
The pre-tournament series includes 11 games spread across eastern Ontario communities leading up to the championship's opening. Local towns like Arnprior, Brockville, and Kingston are slated to host games as Hockey Canada aims to engage smaller communities and provide them with this rare opportunity. Dean McIntosh, Hockey Canada's senior vice-president, emphasized the legacy and inspiration brought to communities, especially the youth, when they get to experience such high-caliber hockey live.
“The legacy that's left behind when a community hosts... inspiring kids is really important,” McIntosh highlighted. Beyond just the sport, the outreach and connection formed between players and communities are part of the mission Hockey Canada strives to fulfill.
The excitement surrounding both the national team and junior teams accentuates the spirit of Canadian hockey, as they prepare to make their marks during this World Junior Championship season.
