MINNEAPOLIS — The Canadian national junior hockey team has secured two victories in its first two games at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. On the surface, that's an improvement from last year's shocking opening loss to Latvia. Yet, the narrative surrounding this year's squad is one of escape, not command, as they struggle to meet lofty pre-tournament expectations.
Eerie Echoes of Past Disappointments
The game against Latvia on December 27 felt hauntingly familiar. Just like in the 2024 tournament, Canada played its second game in as many nights, while Latvia was fresh for its opener. Goaltender Jack Ivankovic was back in net. After forty minutes, Canada held a slim 1-0 lead. History nearly repeated itself when Latvia scored late to force overtime, mirroring the previous year's upset.
This time, however, Michael Hage played the hero. The Montreal Canadiens prospect and University of Michigan sophomore scored in the extra frame to secure a 2-1 win, averting a catastrophic start. The narrow victory, however, highlighted deeper issues for a team assembled to exorcise the demons of back-to-back quarterfinal losses to Czechia.
Underwhelming Performances from Key Stars
The core concern for Canada is the quiet play of its marquee names. Michael Misa, the second overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has failed to dominate junior competition as many predicted. Expected to be an MVP contender, his offensive explosiveness from the OHL has been largely absent.
Captain Porter Martone, a top NCAA freshman scorer, has been contained to the perimeter, struggling to generate high-danger chances alongside Misa and Tij Iginla. "We expect a lot more from ourselves," Martone admitted regarding his line's production.
Even potential 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna has been inconsistent. While brilliant on the power play and instrumental in setting up Hage's winner, his impact at even strength has been muted. Among players with NHL experience, only Brady Martin has consistently made his presence felt.
Defensive Lapses and Bright Spots
Canada's defensive game has been a significant weakness. The 7-5 opening win over Czechia was a chaotic affair marked by coverage breakdowns. Offensive-minded defender Zayne Parekh has produced points but, along with Harrison Brunicke, has been guilty of shaky play in his own zone.
A notable bright spot has been undrafted defender Ethan MacKenzie, who is tied for the team lead with three points. Forward Sam O'Reilly has also been effective in a bottom-six role. However, the puzzling underuse of players like Liam Greentree and Carter Bear has raised questions about the team's lineup decisions.
The Path Forward: Talent Needs to Become a Team
Despite the concerns, Canada's position is strong. They are undefeated and atop Group B, having already defeated a top contender in Czechia. The raw talent on the roster is undeniable and remains the best in the tournament on paper.
The critical challenge is transforming that individual skill into cohesive, dominant team play. Canada has yet to control a full period, let alone an entire game. As the tournament advances, the margin for error shrinks dramatically. The memory of the past two quarterfinal exits looms large.
If Canada is to convert its wealth of talent into a gold medal, the time for the switch to flip is now. The escape acts against Czechia and Latvia provided points, but the quest for domination must begin in earnest.
