Key Takeaways:
- Team Canada is set to face off against Team Slovakia in the quarterfinals of the World Juniors, with Jack Ivankovic likely to start in net.
- Ivankovic has been solid in his lone preliminary round appearance, stopping 26 of 27 shots against Latvia.
- Canada’s coach, Dale Hunter, has expressed confidence in Ivankovic, citing his impressive numbers with the Michigan Wolverines.
- Slovakia’s forward, Jan Chovan, has stated that his team will beat Canada, but Canadian defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson is not fazed by the statement.
- Canada is looking to avenge their quarterfinal loss from last year, with several players from that team returning, including Cole Beaudoin, who is motivated to win a gold medal in his last chance at the World Juniors.
Introduction to the Quarterfinals
Team Canada and Team Slovakia skated at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis on Friday, gearing up for their quarterfinal matchup. Canada is poised to make a change in net, with Jack Ivankovic likely to start against Slovakia. Ivankovic has been impressive in his lone preliminary round appearance, stopping 26 of 27 shots to win against Latvia in overtime. The Nashville Predators prospect has had a scorching start with the Michigan Wolverines this season, going 16-4-0 with a.927 save percentage in NCAA play.
Coach Hunter’s Decision
Head coach Dale Hunter declined to confirm his lineup, but Ivankovic’s departure from the ice first at the morning skate suggests that he will be starting. Hunter expressed confidence in Ivankovic, citing his impressive numbers with the Michigan Wolverines. "Jack’s been solid," Hunter said. "He’s had a good year with his team and he came in here and he’s been solid the whole time." Defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson also praised Ivankovic, saying, "You see the numbers he’s doing in Michigan, and they’re there for a reason."
Canada’s History with Slovakia
Canada and Slovakia will be facing off at the World Juniors for the first time since Connor Bedard authored a memorable moment three years ago during a quarterfinal game in Halifax. Bedard deked around all three Slovak players on the ice before depositing the puck behind the goalie. However, coach Hunter is hoping his players remember how tough that game was before Bedard’s brilliance. "That’s how hard they can play, guys," the coach noted. "You gotta prepare going into the game that it’s going to be a one-goal game."
Slovakia’s Confidence
Slovakia’s forward, Jan Chovan, has stated that his team will beat Canada, saying, "It was beautiful to watch" when referring to the 2023 game between the two teams. Chovan repeated his prediction multiple times during a brief interview, saying, "We’re ready to play and we’re going to beat Canada." However, Canadian defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson is not fazed by the statement, saying, "I don’t really like to talk before [games] and say things. We just gotta put our head down and go to work and let them talk and let the score be the result."
Canada’s Preparation
Canada’s Cole Beaudoin is vowing to stay focused on defence, despite his offensive outburst against Finland on New Year’s Eve. Beaudoin will be tasked with containing Slovakia’s Tomas Chrenko, who is tied for the tournament scoring lead with eight points. "He’s a super skilled player," Beaudoin said. "He’s at the top for a reason. Our line’s been doing a good job being physical, and being reliable." Coach Hunter also emphasized the importance of discipline, saying, "They got to be disciplined. They got to be focused on defence first when they go out on the ice and then the offence will come."
Personal Motivations
Beaudoin is one of six Canadian players back from last year’s quarterfinal loss in Ottawa. "It’s motivated me a lot," the Barrie Colts centre said. "You just want to win a gold medal. This is my last chance at the World Juniors, so I want to go out there with this group and do it." Beaudoin’s teammate, Kashawn Aitcheson, also has personal motivations, having dropped the gloves with Beaudoin during a Colts practice before joining Team Canada. The two players have bonded through their competitive nature and are now fighting for gold together.
Team Dynamics
Aitcheson and Beaudoin have a strong relationship, having played together on the Barrie Colts. Aitcheson praised Beaudoin’s performance against Finland, saying, "He’s one of my best friends, so it was definitely a cool moment." Beaudoin also expressed his appreciation for Aitcheson, saying, "He means a lot. He’s a competitive player. You see him out there, and he’s doing so good. It’s been amazing to have him alongside me here." The two players are part of a strong team dynamic, with several players returning from last year’s team and a newfound focus on discipline and defence.