WJC: 2025 Team Canada Roster Talk

[NordiquesForeva]

I like the lines I’d probably swap out McKenna and Yager as I doubt McKenna as a centre is going to happen at this level right now. Other then that I’m a fan.

If the concern is d-zone coverage, I’d actually have Beaudoin as the man that plays deep on that line. Mckenna can cheat a bit up closer to the blue line, but I’d definitely want the puck on his stick and him accelerating through the neutral zone.

Part of the problem (I think) is Cameron has too many forwards playing their off wing:

Nadeau
Cowan
Pinelli
Howe
Cataford (mixes in on both wings)

Pinelli hasn’t played a shift at RW in the three years I’ve watched him play in Ottawa; why is he doing so now? It’s all suboptimal and results in sloppy passing and puck receiving.

 

[Mathieukferland]

 

[FLAMESFAN]

I'd like to have Martone in there vs the US, but the way penalties have been called so far, he'd probably put us short a few times.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

I'd like to have Martone in there vs the US, but the way penalties have been called so far, he'd probably put us short a few times.

Hard to say if Martone will get another look this tournament. He certainly hasn’t given Cameron a good reason to play him. He was careless with the puck and wasn’t able to impact the game offensively when he was dressed. Cataford hasn’t been lighting the world on fire either, but can eat some minutes on the PK at least.

 

[FLAMESFAN]

Hard to say if Martone will get another look this tournament. He certainly hasn’t given Cameron a good reason to play him. He was careless with the puck and wasn’t able to impact the game offensively when he was dressed. Cataford hasn’t been lighting the world on fire either, but can eat some minutes on the PK at least.

I agree, but you want to see how a player responds after sitting. We know Martone can give more.

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

I really don't know why they insist on Cowan and Ritchie being together, they clearly have no chemistry.

 

[Isaac Nootin]

I really don't know why they insist on Cowan and Ritchie being together, they clearly have no chemistry.

Who does have chemistry so far?

I'd personally swap Beaudoin and Rehkopf

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

Who does have chemistry so far?

I'd personally swap Beaudoin and Rehkopf

They are two players that want the puck on their sticks, and that's where they make the most plays. Unfortunately, there's only one puck to go around - that's why I think it makes sense to split them up. I do agree though, the whole team seems to lack any cohesion.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Being “in form” is a thing in sports. In the US thread some are speculating a goalie change if Augustine struggles again. The last time we saw him the puck was bouncing off his glove into the net. There’s no chance of a change or doubt with Canada because George has basically never lost internationally and hasn’t allowed a goal in this tournament yet. I don’t know how someone could have as much confidence in Augustine as George right now without major cope.

Oh come on, what a weak argument.

Those are overly reactive and weak arguments. Some random nobody on the internet calls for something crazy, so it’s good proof? Please.

Two games isn’t even form. It’s a very small sample.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Oh come on, what a weak argument.

Those are overly reactive and weak arguments. Some random nobody on the internet calls for something crazy, so it’s good proof? Please.

Two games isn’t even form. It’s a very small sample.

George has a pretty long track record at this point. Augustine does as well, could absolutely find his game at any point. His play does bring questions to tonights game though.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

George has a pretty long track record at this point. Augustine does as well, could absolutely find his game at any point. His play does bring questions to tonights game though.

Right, but George has been very average this year in the O. Give me the better player over the bigger sample and track record.

It’s like people saying the American offense is so much better and more explosive than the Canadians because of like three games. Coming into the tournament all the talk was how the Americans offense is one dimensional and Canada has a deeper offense. I would bet on Canada having less offensive issues from this point forward. The best indicator of future success is long samples of past performance, not 2-3 game segments of it.

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

Hard to say if Martone will get another look this tournament. He certainly hasn’t given Cameron a good reason to play him. He was careless with the puck and wasn’t able to impact the game offensively when he was dressed. Cataford hasn’t been lighting the world on fire either, but can eat some minutes on the PK at least.

You could literally swap Martone's name out for any player and it would hold true. Unfortunately the team is just atrociously assembled and coached.

 

[JackSlater]

Enjoyed the throwback clips to TSN from 20 years ago, as well as the horrific golden jerseys from the pre-tournament game. Best and most memorable team ever in this tournament, in a way even the dominant statistics don't convey.

 

[PAZ]

They are two players that want the puck on their sticks, and that's where they make the most plays. Unfortunately, there's only one puck to go around - that's why I think it makes sense to split them up. I do agree though, the whole team seems to lack any cohesion.

Hard to fault Team Canada, it's not like they had the option to take a bunch of teammates with proven chemistry that were all eligible...

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Enjoyed the throwback clips to TSN from 20 years ago, as well as the horrific golden jerseys from the pre-tournament game. Best and most memorable team ever in this tournament, in a way even the dominant statistics don't convey.

If a time traveller told you in January 2005 that one of the players in the gold medal game would already be inducted into the hall of fame 20 years later, how many players would you have to list out before getting to Shea Weber?

 

[JackSlater]

If a time traveller told you in January 2005 that one of the players in the gold medal game would already be inducted into the hall of fame 20 years later, how many players would you have to list out before getting to Shea Weber?

Anyone would pick Crosby, Bergeron, Carter, Getzlaf, Phaneuf, Seabrook and Richards earlier. Then there would be a bunch of contenders. That was a real coming out for Weber even though Phaneuf got most of the attention.

 

[slobbergob]

At least Cowan is hitting the net. Can’t say the same about most of them.

It's often killing any offensive zone momentum they have. He's definitely not the only one guilty of it though.

 

[therealdeal]

They’ve not looked good so far, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good. They need to find chemistry, composure, make good passes to teammates in motion, and have some fun.

Let’s go boys.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Not looking bad exactly....but still completely unable to generate dangerous chances.

 

[DJB]

Alright anyone have a. 2026 lineup?

Also huge emphasis on an entire new coaching staff. I never want to see Dave Cameron again

 

[Woodrow]

Rehkopf looking dangerous then goes to the box.

 

[Rob]

Any tournament historians out there know when was the last time that Canada lost two games in the round robin?

 

[DJB]

All the talent in Canada and Cameron puts no hands Bonk as net front presence on the PP

 

[DavidLamb]

It is time to play trap hockey as the 'highly intelligent' HC staff has put together 6 checkers.
They are not as quick, dynamic, and skilled as team USA.

USA for Gold!!!

 

[DavidLamb]

Too many checkers = dirty style of games, slower forwards and more penalties.
Thank you for putting the virus, it is time to control the virus, maybe!! They are too smart to recognize this.