WJC: 2025 Team Canada Roster Talk

[EXTRAS]

When is the team usually announced?

 

[Digital Dog]

When is the team usually announced?

They have 2 games against Usports 12 & 13 December, cuts usully follow immediately after game 2

 

[mooseboy28]

Bradly Nadeau is the first player confirmed to have made the team and will join them Dec. 15

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Wow, didnt see such a deep dive coming from my throw away comment, kudos. For what its worth i dont think he is a terrible choice to paly a fourth line role but i also have other preferred candidates

I also have other preferred candidates for the forward group but wanted to give an overview of Pinelli because posters on here have jumped all over him, Howe and a few others without really understanding the player (as he's not a top draft pick/prospect). I'm more trying to give some insight into his strengths and weaknesses and what I think management/coaching staff see as his potential role on the team.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

I think that part of the issue for Sennecke is that, according to what McKenzie has said a few times, they are viewing Ritchie as a RW on this team. So not only does he not get a "chemistry" boost, but his regular centre becomes part of his competition for a roster spot.

If that is indeed the case, I can kind of get what they're thinking. I think Sennecke would be at his best when he's the primary offensive driver on his line. Think of him along the lines of Rick Nash...big, powerful, strong skating winger coming down the wing, able to make a play to his linemates, shoot, or drive the net. Ritchie is more of an all-around offensive weapon, imo best used at centre.

I don't think there is any inherent chemistry advantage with him and Ritchie. They are simply two players on the same team who are able to dominate in the OHL either together on the same line, or separately.

If Canada is committed to bringing a top-6 and a bottom-6, I could see how Sennecke gets left off. I would disagree strongly with that approach of course. I think its an outdated way of constructing a roster. In my ideal scenario, the Ritchie-Sennecke combination would form the basis for a strong Canadian 2nd line. But, not up to me.

 

[JackSlater]

If that is indeed the case, I can kind of get what they're thinking. I think Sennecke would be at his best when he's the primary offensive driver on his line. Think of him along the lines of Rick Nash...big, powerful, strong skating winger coming down the wing, able to make a play to his linemates, shoot, or drive the net. Ritchie is more of an all-around offensive weapon, imo best used at centre.

I don't think there is any inherent chemistry advantage with him and Ritchie. They are simply two players on the same team who are able to dominate in the OHL either together on the same line, or separately.

If Canada is committed to bringing a top-6 and a bottom-6, I could see how Sennecke gets left off. I would disagree strongly with that approach of course. I think its an outdated way of constructing a roster. In my ideal scenario, the Ritchie-Sennecke combination would form the basis for a strong Canadian 2nd line. But, not up to me.

McKenzie listed Ritchie as one of the prominent RW candidates and at least once referred to him as a RW candidates for this team before that, so I think that's very likely what Hockey Canada thinks. I believe that they don't have any notable chemistry, as chemistry that translates internationally is rare, but it won't help Sennecke to have Ritchie as a possible lock at RW.

The idea of a bottom six exists because professional teams generally don't have enough talent to pick 12 elite forwards. They ride their best forwards and put role players in the other spots in order to maximize their more limited ice time. I agree that there is no need for it here. You need a few guys who can kill penalties and play the defensive roles, but even those guys can be elite players if the personnel is there. Canada could opt for 13 elite forwards for this level, but probably won't.

 

[Castle8130]

This Canada team is Staaaaacked. Last year their roster was very underwhelming. Completely different story this year. I know they are always expected to win gold, but this roster has so many incredible choices. If they don't win gold this year, I'd be disappointed.

I feel like they should include Sennecke in their top 9. Cowans also versatile, but would you rather have him or Sennecke play a top line role? Then keep all of Luchanko, Beaudoin, and Barkey as energy bottom 6-ers that can rotate.

Sennecke - Catton - Ritchie
Mckenna - Yager - Nadeau
Rehkopf - Luchanko - Martone
Cowan - Beaudoin - Barkey
Wood/Cristall/Cataford (extra skill or grit)

 

[jefforteo]

Hey guys heres my shot so far

Howe -Yager - Nadeau
Misa - Carlill - McKenna
Pinelli - Gauthier - Martone
Satton - Cowan - Sennecke
Barkey

Dickenson - Schaefer
Bonk - ?
? -?
?

Bjarsson
Ivankovich

 

[Mathieukferland]

Lines and pairings from the first practice