Let’s talk about Canada’s performance at the World Junior Championships
There were many layers of disappointment in the games the hockey powerhouse played

Canada was kicked out of the game after losing 4-3 to Czechia. (Dave Olson/Wikimedia Commons)

If there are three stereotypical things the average person associates with Canada, it would be poutine, maple syrup, and hockey.
However, after the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Canada being considered the best in the world at a sport it is commonly associated with is questionable.
During the preliminary rounds of the event, players in Canada’s team finished third in their group with two regulation wins, one overtime loss, and one regulation loss. These two losses just so happen to be very noteworthy.
The overtime loss came up against Latvia, losing 3-2 in a shootout. While Latvia is continuing to grow in hockey talent, including the likes of Vancouver Canucks goaltender prospect Arturs Silovs, I doubt the average person would bet their lifesavings on them beating Canada. Even though Canada did outshoot Latvia 27-57 through three regulation periods and overtime, the result has got to sting for the ones bearing the maple leaf.
The regulation loss handed to Canada was by none other than their North American rival — the United States. Losing 4-1, they were outshot 39-28 in the match, and while Canada eventually tied the game at one goal each, the opposition responded back with three straight goals in the third period. In case it means anything, the U.S. eventually went on to win the whole event, beating Finland 4-3 in overtime.
To those wondering if Canada ever got a rematch against their geographical rivals, it never materialized, as they were knocked out by the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. This means Canada didn’t even get a chance to compete for a medal.
I haven’t even mentioned that this all happened while Canada was the host country for the event. I remember a colourful hockey personality saying something similar to this years ago — if you’re going to be bad, don’t do it in front of your fans who are paying to watch you.
Granted, some players could’ve performed better at the event, but it’s also important to remember that all these players are still young and developing their skills. Obviously, no one wants to go into a slump, let alone on a world stage, but rough times can and will come up. It’s just unfortunate they came up at the event for Canada.
However, I think bringing some different players onto the team could’ve helped Canada increase their chances of going a bit further in the event.
I know one of the more notable players left off the team was Zayne Parekh, a defenseman playing for the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit. Recording 96 points in 66 regular games last season in one of the esteemed junior leagues, his scoring prowess would’ve been welcomed during the game against Latvia. There’s some more names I could list, but he’s definitely one of those guys who could have helped Canada out.
While Canada seems to have gone through a difficult time this year, there’s plenty of players — such as Gavin McKenna, a projected top pick for the 2026 National Hockey League draft — who can guide the country to maintain its place as a hockey powerhouse.