There’s a straightforward reason why Canada’s hockey dominance appears to be waning at the world junior championships: We’re not sending our best.
The country’s vaunted junior squad has muddled its way to two consecutive non-medal years with Sunday’s bronze medal game loss to Russia, a defeat that’s sent a minor current of alarm through the hockey establishment.
One part of the explanation for why Canada finished fourth in Malmo, Sweden is that a handful of eligible Canadian players are tied up in the pros – meaning they’re too good to be released by their teams to compete in the tournament.
That group includes last year’s No.1 draft pick, 18-year-old Nathan MacKinnon, who through 41 games this season with the Colorado Avalanche has notched an impressive 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists).
It was MacKinnon who, with teammate Jonathan Drouin, helped anchor Canada’s offense last year.
Another eligible player tied up in the NHL is 19-year-old playmaking centre Sean Monahan, who the Calgary Flames drafted sixth overall last year.
Other notables held back by a pro club are Toronto defenceman Morgan Reilly and fellow 19-year-old Tom Wilson, who’s playing wing this year with the Washington Capitals.
Both would have brought size and grit to Canada’s roster.
A second and controversial reason has been raised by the likes of Don Cherry: Hockey Canada’s desire to construct the team with players from across the country, rather than solely look to the most talented pool of available players regardless of where they’re from.
The roster selection, he said, was aimed at achieving a “politically correct” balance.
Cherry highlighted players like Connor Brown, who leads the Ontario Hockey League with 76 points this year, and London Knight Max Domi, both of whom didn’t receive invites to camp.
“And you’re wondering why we lose,” Cherry said.
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