In a unique bid to recapture its winning form, Canada's national junior hockey team is turning to an iconic sound from the baseball diamond for inspiration at the upcoming world championship.
A Cross-Sport Boost for National Pride
Hockey Canada announced on social media that the celebrated home run horn from the Toronto Blue Jays will blare inside the arena following every goal scored by Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The tournament is set to begin on Friday in St. Paul, Minnesota.
This move is a deliberate attempt to harness the positive energy and national excitement generated by the Blue Jays' memorable postseason run, which culminated in a thrilling Game 7 of the 2025 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The horn became a booming symbol of celebration for fans across the country watching on Sportsnet.
"From Canada’s team to Team Canada," declared Hockey Canada in its social media post. "Our friends at the #Bluejays have loaned us their home run horn for the #worldjuniors."
Seeking Redemption After Past Disappointments
The sonic addition comes as Canada looks to rebound from consecutive underwhelming performances at the tournament. The team is particularly motivated by a painful 4-3 quarterfinal loss to Czechia last year on home ice in Ottawa, where a goal was conceded in the final minute of regulation.
Offensive production was a significant issue in 2024, with the squad managing only seven even-strength goals in five games. The hope is that the familiar and electrifying sound of the Jays' horn will help ignite the goal-scoring prowess of this year's roster, comprised of the nation's top teenage talent.
For the goal celebration in Minnesota, the plan is to follow the horn with "Courage" by the legendary Canadian band The Tragically Hip, creating a distinctly Canadian audio celebration.
Tournament Schedule and National Hopes
Canada opens its tournament campaign on Friday, December 26th, with a high-stakes 8:30 p.m. ET rematch against Czechia. The round-robin schedule then continues with games against Latvia on Saturday, December 27th, and Finland on Wednesday, December 31st.
The World Junior Championship is a cherished holiday tradition for hockey fans across Canada, with broadcasts on TSN drawing massive audiences. This year, viewers will not only watch for on-ice heroics but also listen for the unmistakable sound of Blue Jays magic, as a new generation of players aims to bring a gold medal back home.
