WJC: 2025 Team Canada Roster Talk

[jj cale]

Fair enough man, I get what you’re saying. We have high expectations, nothing wrong with that. Should be a great game tonight vs Finland, looking forward to this.

We are shortly from launching off, let's see how they do tonight

 

[JackSlater]

There is definite room for improvement after the first game but overall it was a good effort. Good pressure, defence was solid, An ugly stretch in the third but that can be a learning experience. George was really good. Luchanko was actually useful after being useless in the pre-tournament. I'd like to see Rehkopf sub in for Cataford.

I have no idea why Cameron put Bonk on the point of the first power play, especially after he was on neither unit in the pre-tournament games. He was terrible, must obvious but also easiest fix coming out of this game. Schaefer on PP1, Molendyk on PP2.

 

[All the Answers]

There is definite room for improvement after the first game but overall it was a good effort. Good pressure, defence was solid, An ugly stretch in the third but that can be a learning experience. George was really good. Luchanko was actually useful after being useless in the pre-tournament. I'd like to see Rehkopf sub in for Cataford.

I have no idea why Cameron put Bonk on the point of the first power play, especially after he was on neither unit in the pre-tournament games. He was terrible, must obvious but also easiest fix coming out of this game. Schaefer on PP1, Molendyk on PP2.

It's Cameron, he's a dope (like our choice last year). In London Bonk plays net front on the PP so it's not even a position he regularly has found himself in the past 2 years.

 

[JackSlater]

It's Cameron, he's a dope (like our choice last year). In London Bonk plays net front on the PP so it's not even a position he regularly has found himself in the past 2 years.

Yes I know, TSN has talked about it and last year they used Bonk on the wall on the second unit. It is a bizarre choice.

 

[All the Answers]

Yes I know, TSN has talked about it and last year they used Bonk on the wall on the second unit. It is a bizarre choice.

Last year Letang when he finally used Rehkopf on the pp, put him in front of the net?!?!?!? No bigger WTF moment, and I knew we were screwed. Rehkopf has an above avg NHL shot and probably scored 37 of his 50 goals last year for Kitchener outright beating goalies ripping it from his off wing.

Lesson to be learned here stop picking coaches who have no clue what their players' strengths and habits are. It's too short of a tournament to teach square pegs into round holes.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Some thoughts from the game

George: after two muffins against the Czechs, he dialed in today. Gréât latéral pushes, top of his crease, battled hard in the last 10 mins

Schaefer: what else is there to say, he’s Canada’s best player as a young 17 year old. Best player on the ice and apart from one bad angle on a 1v1 midway through the third, played a flawless game


Rest of the Defense: 5v5 they played really well. Tied up sticks in front of the net, limited second chances, and created a lot from the blue line

Gauthier: for as hard as I have been on the depth of this team, he created a lot tonight; his contemporaries however, Howe Cataford etc, were still missing in action in the hard to get to areas of the ice of the offensive zone

Top 6: dominate when they’re on the ice, they all played really well and generated all but the empty net goal


Overall a good win against a decent team, and the last 20 mins will have been a useful experience with weaker competition coming up in view of the Dec 31 game

 

[Mooche]

There is definite room for improvement after the first game but overall it was a good effort. Good pressure, defence was solid, An ugly stretch in the third but that can be a learning experience. George was really good. Luchanko was actually useful after being useless in the pre-tournament. I'd like to see Rehkopf sub in for Cataford.

I have no idea why Cameron put Bonk on the point of the first power play, especially after he was on neither unit in the pre-tournament games. He was terrible, must obvious but also easiest fix coming out of this game. Schaefer on PP1, Molendyk on PP2.

Well said.

Had a good chuckle to myself when the broadcast talked about Cameron loving the shot with Bonk on PP1.

You have offensive talent and shooting potential all over that unit. You need a quarterback who can keep the puck moving smoothly and create all sorts of looks by doing so.

Wish Dave had a 17 year old future star in the making at his disposal who could do exactly that.......

 

[snipes]

Strong first two periods. Didn’t play with enough pace or attacking speed in the 3rd period for my liking.

Could have been a bit more physical on the forecheck I thought.

Goaltending was excellent.

Some good stuff overall but areas to improve on as well. Gutsy work on the PK which deserves recognition, that type of team effort is what this tournament requires.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Very strong game from the entire team.

George continues to look incredible in all tournaments for Canada. What a stud!

 

[Silky Johnson]

My sources tell me that it's because Bedard and Celebrini are being flown in by the New Year's Eve game.

I forgot Bedard and Celebrini were both eligible this year... Jesus. If HC had a brain and put Yakemchuk and/or Parekh on the team for the PP and those two were on the team...yawzah!

 

[Fatass]

I forgot Bedard and Celebrini were both eligible this year... Jesus. If HC had a brain and put Yakemchuk and/or Parekh on the team for the PP and those two were on the team...yawzah!

Not too sure why Yakemchuk isn’t on the club. Going to need goals to beat a high powered USA team.

 

[Statsy]

I forgot Bedard and Celebrini were both eligible this year... Jesus.

Zach Benson also still eligible this year. However, Jesus is no longer eligible.

 

[smitty10]

What a game last night! Domination against a good Finnish team!

 

[wishywashy19]

Really What a game last night! Domination against a good Finnish team!

 

[kyle44]

Overall, I liked the game and share the observations above.

Having said that, I don't want to see Bonk or Howe on PP1 again. Swap out Bonk for Schaefer (I'd like to see Dickinson get a shot against Latvia, too) and Howe for McKenna (rotate in Catton as well). You don't need to spread the talent around if your top unit can score at or above 40% like some of the better Canadian teams have done.

I just don't understand why Bonk was the first choice for PP QB. He is not one and never will be. He plays the bumper for London but Cameron decides to let him QB the national team PP? Just stupidity.

As some of us pointed out during the selection camp, if the powerplay becomes a problem, they're going to regret leaving Parekh and/or Yakemchuk at home. Akey played 3 minutes last night and Mynio is in the press box. You'll never convince me those spots wouldn't be better utilized for Parekh/Yakemchuk to rotate in if a goal is needed.

 

[JackSlater]

Canada's play in the first game reminded me of several of the 2000s teams from the five consecutive tournament wins. Strong defensively and smothering the opposition a lot, good goaltending, offence as a group effort. That is a valid path to winning, even if it is not one Canada needed to pick.

 

[FLAMESFAN]

I liked the physicality & the shot blocking. That's what we'll need vs that top US line.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I thought Canada took the foot off the pedal in the 3rd and George had to be very good. The U.S. will be an interesting contrast as they play a more run and gun style. Could be a high scoring game.

 

[Joe Zanussi]

Canada looked great last night. You guys are the favorites for sure

 

[ottawarenegader613]

Easton Cowan, whether if it's the OHL or World Juniors, is a scoring machine. His first goal of the tourny that gave Canada a 2-0 lead against the Finns is an example of his reign of terror against his opponents even in his 56 game point streak with the London Knights. Hope he keeps it up in the next few games of the tournament.

 

[jj cale]

Canada looked great last night. You guys are the favorites for sure

Watching the U.S last night despite Augustine having an off night the positives of the U. S team are pretty obvious.

We are still co faves with the U.S.

 

[Statsy]

As some of us pointed out during the selection camp, if the powerplay becomes a problem, they're going to regret leaving Parekh and/or Yakemchuk at home. Akey played 3 minutes last night and Mynio is in the press box. You'll never convince me those spots wouldn't be better utilized for Parekh/Yakemchuk to rotate in if a goal is needed.

It would have made sense to bring one of them in any year, but with this new 25 man roster that basically gives you an insurance policy to bring an extra player that can help you with a very specific need, it makes even more sense. If their powerplay was humming anyway they could leave those guys as a healthy scratch but we’re one game into this thing (plus the exhibitions) and we’re already running low on ideas to get that PP going. THIS is why you bring a PP specialist.

 

[ORRFForever]

Good Lord...

I signed up to read ONE (World Juniors) article at the Atlantic. Ever since then, I have been inundated with emails. Yikes! They don't miss an opportunity, do they?

 

[ORRFForever]

NOTE TO SELF :

Do NOT get involved in the ugliness that is HF. Stick to hockey.

 

[NyQuil]

Good Lord...

I signed up to read ONE (World Juniors) article at the Atlantic. Ever since then, I have been inundated with emails. Yikes! They don't miss an opportunity, do they?

I assume you mean the Athletic?

And not the Atlantic?