How Canada came up short at the World Juniors yet again
It happened again.
For the second consecutive year, Czechia ousted Canada from the World Juniors in the quarterfinals. To make matters worse, they erased a two-goal deficit only to lose on a last-minute goal both times.
Now, for the first time in the modern format of the World Juniors, Canada has been eliminated in the quarterfinals in back-to-back years.
Yes, the bounces didn’t favour Canada in this tournament – shooting under seven per cent – but after falling short in consecutive years with different coaches and players, it’s time for Hockey Canada to change its strategy.
So, let’s discuss what went wrong for Canada and what should come next.
Low-percentage games equals low-percentage results
Canada couldn't score goals. They had just 13 in five games.
Yes, they had 12 different goalscorers,