Canada before the World Championship: the Maple Leafs will send a team of young hockey players to defend their gold medals

The Canadians have promised the Czech Republic the arrival of star players in exchange for a place in the Prague group. The team is made up of predatory youngsters who will have the task of defending last year’s gold medals. Fans who were looking forward to a few star names in the selection can at least look forward to draft number one Connor Bedard.

Canadian hockey players are regularly pigeonholed as the favourites for the entire World Championship and this year will be no different. Since 2015, the only exception has come when the Canadians have missed the final game. Moreover, they won gold medals at the last World Championship in the Czech Republic.

It’s usually the case that Canada doesn’t nominate its biggest stars for the championships and this year is no different. Fans all over the world were looking forward to Sidney Crosby, who did not make the NHL playoffs with Pittsburgh, but is not in the final selection of the Maple Leafs.

On the other hand, Connor Bedard, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, is not missing, as he showed good qualities in his first NHL season. He will be joined by talented defenseman Owen Power and forward Adam Fantilly.

These youngsters were to be joined by several star names such as Brady Tkachuk from Ottawa, Dylan Larkin from Detroit and Johnny Gaudreau from Columbus. However, they are missing from the final roster.

Canada’s nomination for the 2024 World Cup

Goaltenders:
Jordan Binnington
Nico Daws
Joel Hofer

Defenders:
Bowen Byram
Kaiden Guhle
Jamie Oleksiak
Colton Parayko
Owen Power
Damon Severson
Olen Zellweger

Forwards:
Connor Bedard
Michael Bunting
Macklin Celebrini
Dylan Cozens
Adam Fantilli
Ridly Greig
Dylan Guenther
Andrew Mangiapane
Jack McBain
Jared McCann
Dawson Mercer
Brandon Tanev

With a team full of predatory youth, the Canadians are eager to defend the gold they won against Germany last year when the championship was played in Finland and Latvia. They have the best memories of the World Championships in the Czech Republic as they also celebrated first place there in 2015 and 2004.

Canada’s schedule in Group B:
11. may – 11:20 a.m
Great Britain – Canada

12. may – 16:20
Denmark – Canada

14. may – 20:20
Canada – Austria

16. may – 20:20
Canada – Norway

18. may – 16:20
Canada – Finland

19. may – 20:20
Switzerland – Canada

21. may – 16:20
Canada – Czech Republic

The Canadians will start Group A with the teams they face as clear favourites. After duels with teams that are not considered medal aspirants, games against Finland and Switzerland will follow. The last match will be against the Czech national team.

Source: Hockey Canada