WJC: Most Important for the World Juniors? Coaching, Team Chemistry, or Goaltending?

[TheTwelfth]

One reason: Karri Kivi. Maybe Teräväinen and Saros too, mut mostly Kivi.

Maybe it was good that Kapanen wasn't there.

But all so great Canada can't find a junior coach on the level of Karri Kivi? Just excuses.

Also, there has not been a goaltender that has been kept from the WJC by the NHL ever I dare say (please correct me if I'm wrong, but it has at least not happened the last ten years), yet Canada continues to send average to sub-average goalies. Perhaps the fans should stop coming with excuses like above when they don't win, and instead demand their hockey federation to change their goalie coaching.

 

[Dolemite]

Since the WJC is over, we can talk about every team and the ones that have overachieved, finished where they expected, and teams that underachieved.

And it seems that every year there are surprises', some disappointments, and others that are in a mix between. BUT what do you think is the most important success to win Gold at the juniors where risks, wildcards, and mistakes are that more noticeable?


Here are a couple examples...
- Canada have not won Gold in five years (until '15) due to a whole range of problems, but the one that fans, pundits, and insiders kept coming back to is goaltending.

- Czech Republic haven't even made a medal round with the talent they have had the last 2-3 years from extremely poor coaching.

- USA has had problems with coaching, but the last couple of years have shown a huge problem with chemistry. A reason why Eichel in particular played with so many line-mates, but has (chemistry) dealt some blows in the previous two to three years.


So....what are your guys' opinion on the single most important strength a particular team needs to win gold at a consistent rate?

The US's problem wasn't only coaching. It was the players playing for themselves and not their country. Just look at tape of all the shots they took and the other players that were open.

USA Hockey has some huge problems they need to solve.