Key Takeaways:
- Team Canada lost to Sweden 4-2 in a pre-tournament game for the World Juniors, with Gavin McKenna’s own goal contributing to the defeat.
- Despite the loss, McKenna and his teammates remain optimistic, with McKenna saying he’s "not too worried" about the power play’s struggles.
- Brady Martin is leading the team with two goals and three points in pre-tournament play and is known for his physical play and verbal antics on the ice.
- Team Canada will hold a practice on Monday in Niagara Falls, Ont. before flying to Minnesota for a final pre-tournament game against Denmark.
- The team is drawing confidence from their play in the second period, where they outshot Sweden 10-2 and scored twice.
Introduction to Team Canada’s Pre-Tournament Game
Team Canada held an off-ice workout and autograph session at the Gale Centre in Niagara Falls, Ont. on Sunday, a day after losing to Sweden 4-2 in a pre-tournament game. The loss was a disappointment for the team, but they remain optimistic about their chances in the upcoming World Juniors. Gavin McKenna, Team Canada’s top-line left winger, had a mixed game, scoring an own goal in the first period but also producing some strong plays in the second and third periods.
McKenna’s Own Goal and Response
McKenna’s own goal was a turning point in the game, giving Sweden a 1-0 lead. However, McKenna was not too down about the mistake, saying "it’s tough, especially on such a big stage, but it’s the game of hockey and stuff happens." He also said that he felt he played better in the second and third periods, and that the team’s power play needs to improve. McKenna’s teammates rallied around him, with Brady Martin saying "we all forgot about it" and Michael Misa saying "he’s going to do much bigger things in the future and in this tournament in general."
Team Canada’s Power Play Struggles
Team Canada’s power play has been struggling in the pre-tournament games, with the team failing to convert on several opportunities. Assistant coach Brad Lauer said that the team needs to simplify their game and be more direct with their plays. He also said that the team has a lot of skill and needs to let the players be creative, but also needs to be more predictable with their plays. McKenna said that the team just needs to "keep working on it" and that he’s "not too worried" about the power play’s struggles.
Brady Martin’s Physical Play and Verbal Antics
Brady Martin is known for his physical play and verbal antics on the ice. He said that he loves to "chirp" opposing players and get under their skin, and that it’s a big part of his game. Martin also said that he’s "not superstition" and that his pre-game routine, which includes eating two chocolate-glazed donuts, is just something he enjoys. His teammates enjoy his antics, with Cole Reschny saying that Martin is a "difference maker" and that his intensity and physical play are assets to the team.
Team Canada’s Lineup and Upcoming Games
Team Canada’s lineup in Saturday’s game included McKenna, Misa, and Martone on the top line, with Iginla, Hage, and Martin on the second line. The team will hold a practice on Monday in Niagara Falls, Ont. before flying to Minnesota for a final pre-tournament game against Denmark. The team is drawing confidence from their play in the second period, where they outshot Sweden 10-2 and scored twice. McKenna said that the team needs to "find a way to bury those chances" and that they have a lot of work to do before the tournament starts.
Conclusion and Outlook
Despite the loss to Sweden, Team Canada remains optimistic about their chances in the upcoming World Juniors. The team has a lot of skill and depth, and they are drawing confidence from their play in the second period. McKenna and his teammates are focused on improving their power play and finding ways to score more goals. With a strong lineup and a positive attitude, Team Canada is ready to take on the challenge of the World Juniors and compete for a gold medal.
