Way back to anybody can keep in mind, Canada has been one of the best nation on the planet for hockey. Within the recreation’s historical past, a lot of the nice groups and gamers got here from the Nice White North. Canada’s dominance over the game is a centerpiece of Canadian satisfaction. It’s a staple of Canadian tradition, and all groups, each at a neighborhood and nationwide degree, have virtually cult-like followings.
A technique Canada has flexed its muscle mass on the subject of hockey has been the World Juniors Match. All through the match historical past, Canada has constantly been probably the most dominant workforce. They’ve gained 20 tournaments probably the most by any nation. They’ve additionally medaled 35 occasions, the second most within the match historical past. The one nation that beats them is when you mix the Soviet Union and Russia.
Nonetheless, after profitable their twentieth match in 2023, issues have gone off the rails for Canada. Prior to now two tournaments, Canada has been unable to make deep runs, falling within the quarter-finals back-to-back years. It’s the primary time within the nation’s historical past they’ve didn’t make it out of the quarterfinals in back-to-back years. These shortcomings have uncovered main issues in Canadian hockey.
Canada was Flawed the Complete Match
The issues in Canadian hockey began even earlier than the primary puck was dropped. They had been proven when Canada introduced the roster that they had been going to make use of. There have been just a few notable gamers that had been left off the roster. Particularly, Michael Misa, the present objective chief within the OHL, one of many high junior leagues in Canada. In addition they left off gamers like Beckett Sennecke, Zayne Parekh, Michael Hage, and a number of other different high-profile gamers. Making many really feel the workforce constructed the roster improper.
Their play on the ice didn’t ease Canadians’ fears in regards to the roster. The workforce was undisciplined and relied extra on the gamers’ particular person expertise to make up for issues they lacked. Particularly, to attempt to masks the shortage of chemistry the workforce had. Nonetheless, that technique doesn’t work when each different workforce within the match places a significant emphasis on workforce chemistry. A workforce taking part in as people won’t ever be capable to beat a workforce that has good chemistry.
You assume that if the chemistry was such a problem throughout the match, the teaching employees would attempt to construct it as a lot as potential. Do drills and extra on-ice training to attempt to construct it. Nonetheless, Canada did the precise reverse. Canada canceled apply a number of occasions all through the match. Together with the morning skate earlier than the do-or-die recreation towards Czechia. How do you anticipate to win video games, and get your workforce higher, when you don’t apply?
Different International locations Have Caught Up
Not solely was Canada uncharacteristically worse off, however different international locations have caught as much as them. Particularly america. The US has taken Canada’s spot because the workforce to worry in latest reminiscence. They’re the defending back-to-back champions of World Juniors. This has been a development we’ve been seeing over the previous decade. Prior to now ten tournaments, the US has medaled eight occasions. They’ve additionally gained two extra tournaments in 2017 and 2021.
This rise in US dominance is thanks largely to the funding the nation has made in its hockey program. The US has spent a number of money and time into growing this present group of gamers and it has paid off. It’s a bunch of very expert people, however the main distinction is these guys have been taking part in with one another endlessly. They’ve nice chemistry and looks as if a locker room everybody needs to be in. Go take a look at all of the movies popping out after they gained.
By no means will get previous 🇺🇸 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/HtldQXAxbE
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) January 6, 2025
With this younger core of gamers on the NHL doorstep, the subsequent era could possibly be dominated by Individuals. Thus growing the recognition of the game within the US and making extra children wish to begin taking part in. Giving these US hockey packages an inflow of expertise they’ve by no means seen. As an alternative of taking part in soccer, baseball, or basketball, they’ll turn into hockey gamers. Sending extra Individuals to the NHL, and giving these juniors workforce extra success. Though Canada will all the time be a hotbed for hockey, the times of them being the only dominant nation are over.
Thanks for studying! Credit score for my characteristic picture to Minas Panagiotakis. You’ll find extra NHL/Hockey content material at Stomach Up Sports activities and observe me on Twitter/X.