Key Takeaways:
- Team Canada defeated Denmark 13-2 in their final pre-tournament game, with Michael Misa and Tij Iginla leading the team’s offense.
- Misa did not play in the third period due to a minor injury, but is expected to be ready for the tournament opener on Boxing Day.
- Canada’s power play broke through against Denmark, with both units scoring goals.
- The team is looking to a Canadian icon, Sidney Crosby, for inspiration, with several players having shared the ice with him or being fans of his game.
- Team Canada will enjoy a Christmas dinner and Secret Santa gift exchange on Wednesday, a rare day off from the rink.
Introduction to Team Canada’s Pre-Tournament Games
Team Canada defeated Denmark 13-2 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minnesota, on Tuesday night. The team is now preparing for the World Juniors tournament, which begins on Boxing Day. In their final pre-tournament game, Canada’s offense exploded, with several players contributing to the team’s dominant victory. Michael Misa, a key player for Team Canada, did not play in the third period due to a minor injury, but is expected to be ready for the tournament opener.
Michael Misa’s Injury and Expected Return
Misa, who was the second overall pick in last June’s NHL draft, missed a month of action earlier this season due to a right-ankle injury. Although it is unclear if the issue that kept him from playing in the third period is related to the ankle injury, Team Canada’s World Junior management group lead Mark Hunter says it’s "nothing major" and expects Misa to be ready for the tournament opener. Misa’s teammates are also confident that he will be ready, with Gavin McKenna saying "we don’t want him to push it too hard" and Porter Martone stating "why worsen it when he can be ready 100 per cent for Boxing Day".
Canada’s Offense and Power Play
Canada’s top line, featuring Misa, Martone, and Tij Iginla, had a strong game against Denmark, with Iginla scoring two goals and Misa setting up several scoring opportunities. The team’s power play also broke through, with both units scoring goals. Martone created the first man-advantage marker with a heavy shot that created a rebound, which was batted in by Jett Luchanko. McKenna set up Brady Martin for a tap-in goal on the power play in the third period. The team’s offense is looking strong heading into the tournament, with several players contributing to the team’s scoring.
Team Canada’s Goalies and Defense
Team Canada is bringing three goalies to the World Juniors, including returning goalies Carter George and Jack Ivankovic, as well as Joshua Ravensbergen. The team’s defense is also looking strong, with Ben Danford, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, experiencing a scary moment in the second period when he was hit into the boards from behind by Denmark forward Sebastian Stromstad. However, Danford declared himself "all good" and is expected to be ready for the tournament.
Inspiration from Sidney Crosby
Team Canada is looking to a Canadian icon, Sidney Crosby, for inspiration. Several players, including Misa and Harrison Brunicke, have shared the ice with Crosby or are fans of his game. Brunicke, who is on loan with Team Canada, sent Crosby a congratulatory message after he broke the Penguins franchise scoring record and received a response wishing the team good luck and telling them to "win that gold medal". The team is hoping to draw inspiration from Crosby’s work ethic and puck management skills.
Team Canada’s Christmas Celebrations
Team Canada did not hold a practice on Wednesday, instead enjoying a rare day off from the rink. The team will enjoy a Christmas dinner and Secret Santa gift exchange in the evening, with assistant coach Misha Donskov revealing that he has Dale Hunter in the Secret Santa and has gotten him a gift. Donskov and Hunter have a long history, having worked together with the London Knights, and Donskov credits Hunter with being a great mentor and coach. The team is looking forward to a fun evening and a chance to unwind before the tournament begins.