Out of nowhere
Brett Leason has been a revelation in his final draft-eligible season, scoring at will and playing his way into an unlikely trip to the World Juniors
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January 2, 2019
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Brett Leason has always stood out on the hockey rink. At a mammoth six-foot-four and 200 pounds and still a teenager, he’s hard to overlook based purely on physical stature.
But over the last year it’s his skills and what he’s doing with that size on the ice that’s attracting more attention.
As a member of Canada’s National Junior Team at the IIHF World Junior Championship, Leason is undoubtedly enjoying a genesis in his junior hockey career.
It was just over 14 months ago when the Tri-City Americans dealt the strapping forward to the Prince Albert Raiders for a third-round pick in the WHL Bantam Draft.
As an 18-year-old at the time, Leason was mired on the Americans’ depth chart behind a seasoned group of veteran forwards, making opportunity and ice time difficult to garner.
His expendability became a blessing and the trade a jumping off point to restart his aspirations in the game.
“It’s been a breakout year for me,” says Leason, now 19, and an important part of Team Canada’s desire for consecutive gold medals at the World Juniors. “In Tri-City, I was buried behind older, experienced guys. When I got to P.A., I got a fresh start and was able to build up from that.”
To call this season a “breakout year” might be understating it just a little, and the numbers back that up.
In his first 135 WHL games with the Americans and Raiders, the Calgary product scored just 24 times. In 31 games this season, he’s totaled 28 goals and 64 points, including points in each of his first 30 games.
“This jump from last year to this year has been really significant,” says Hockey Canada head scout Brad McEwen. “The way he plays with the purpose he has. There haven’t been any lulls from the start of the season. He’s been as consistent a CHL player as any.”
After being passed over in the NHL draft the past two summers and knowing he was on the outside looking in at the World Juniors, Leason realized it was time to change a few things in his off-season routine.
He worked hard last summer to improve things like overall strength and puck control, but the biggest area of focus was foot speed and quickness “to get the extra step on my speed,” he says.
“I’ve known (Brett) from his Bantam days right through,” says McEwen. “He’s improved his skating. He’s gotten himself to be quicker and he’s learned to use his size more productively.”
Leason has made the most of his opportunities; his hot start earned him a spot on the Team WHL roster for the CIBC Canada-Russia Series in November, and he was one of the best players on the ice in the two games.
That earned him an invitation to Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp in early December, and his performance there further proved he belonged on Team Canada.
“We’re always looking at the start of the year to track players,” says McEwen “And if there’s individuals that you start to follow from the start of the year and you think there’s some things about his game that would be good for us then you pursue that avenue.”
“For me, (the Russian series) was one of the tipping points. His game kept growing.”
Leason’s ascending development this season can also be traced to his WHL team. The Raiders are the No. 1-ranked team in the CHL with an impressive 33-3-0-1 record, which certainly attributes to players like him building confidence and setting no ceiling for success.
“He’s on a really good team,” says McEwen. “And when he’s had success early like they’ve had, his confidence went through the roof. It’s just kept building and building.”
In reality, nobody should be really surprised about Leason’s rise in the game. He was always a standout through his minor hockey days in and around Calgary. But the moniker of ‘late bloomer’ does seem to apply here.
“That’s a legitimate comment for sure,” McEwen says. “It takes time to get everything going the same way sometimes. When you look at his younger years, he was able to produce offence and now that things have grown together you see he’s getting into spots to use his skill set and size. As bigger kid, it took a little longer for him to fill into his body at the Major Junior level.”
His experience looks similar to that of Tanner Pearson, another undrafted player who came out of nowhere to make Team Canada in 2012, won bronze and ended up as a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings the following summer.
Leason would be happy to follow that path when his final draft comes around this summer (in Vancouver, ironically), even if he’s not looking that far into the future.
“I want to have the best year I can to help set myself up for the future,” he says. “You can’t think about [the draft] too much. It’s something I want to prove, but I just go out and play every day to prove that.”
And undoubtedly a solid performance at the World Juniors would certainly help continue to increase his value among NHL scouts.
“This is a big step in my hockey career,” he admits. “Coming into last year, I would have never expected to be here.”
National Junior Team staff named for 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship
Alan Letang to serve as head coach alongside assistants Gilles Bouchard, Shaun Clouston, Scott Walker; Brent Seabrook joins management group
NR.068.23
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October 13, 2023
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CALGARY, AB – With less than three months until the puck drops on the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, Hockey Canada has named the staff that will lead Canada’s National Junior Team in its gold medal defence in Gothenburg, Sweden.
After helping Canada win gold at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship as an assistant coach, Alan Letang (Renfrew, ON/Sarnia, OHL) returns to take the reins as head coach. He will be joined by assistant coaches Gilles Bouchard (Normandin, QC/Sherbrooke, QMJHL), Shaun Clouston (Viking, AB/Kamloops, WHL) and Scott Walker (Cambridge, ON/Guelph, OHL), as well as goaltending consultant Justin Pogge (Penticton, BC) and video coach James Emery (Calgary, AB).
In addition, three-time Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medallist Brent Seabrook (Tsawwassen, BC) will serve as a member of the management group alongside Peter Anholt (Naicam, SK/Lethbridge, WHL), the U20 lead for the Program of Excellence management group. Anholt helped select the staff alongside Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON), senior manager of hockey operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Alan after a successful year where he helped Canada capture gold medals at the World Juniors and Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and to have Peter and Brent’s extensive management and playing experience leading our National Junior Team,” said Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of hockey operations. “We are also excited to have Gilles, Shaun, Scott, Justin and James round out our coaching staff, as they all bring a winning pedigree at the international and Canadian Hockey League levels. We believe this is an exceptional staff that will provide our players with an opportunity to be successful as we look to win our third-straight World Juniors gold medal.”
Seabrook is set to make his international management debut after a 15-year professional playing career. As a player, he won a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, silver and gold at the 2004 and 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship, respectively, gold at the 2003 IIHF World U18 Championship and silver at the 2001 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Seabrook also played in more than 1,100 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, amassing 464 points and winning three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, 2015). He recently served as an assistant coach (2021-22) and development coach (2022-23) with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Letang most recently won a gold medal as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, as well as a gold medal as an assistant with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. He also won a gold medal as an assistant at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship. Letang is in his third season as head coach of the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and previously spent five seasons with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack as an assistant coach (2016-19) and head coach (2019-20).
Bouchard has represented Canada three times at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge (2014, 2015, 2018), winning a silver medal as the head coach of Team Canada Red in 2018 and gold as an assistant with Team Canada White in 2015. He is currently in his first year as head coach of the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) after five years (2018-23) as an assistant with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL). He also served five years (2013-18) as the general manager and head coach of the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, leading the team to a QMJHL championship in 2016.
Clouston won two gold medals with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2014 and 2015 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament, as well as a bronze medal with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship. He is currently in his fourth season as head coach of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, adding the title of general manager in 2021-22. Clouston previously spent 16 seasons (2003-19) with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers as general manager and head coach, associate coach and assistant coach, helping lead the team to Memorial Cup appearances in 2004 and 2007.
Walker has served behind the Team Canada bench at all levels of the Program of Excellence. As an assistant, he won a bronze medal at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, bronze and gold at the 2012 and 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship, respectively, and gold at the 2012 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament. He also won a gold medal as head coach of Team Canada White at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Walker is currently a partner and president of hockey operations with the OHL’s Guelph Storm, where he also served as head coach for six seasons (2010-15, 2022-23). He also spent time with the Vancouver Canucks (2015-17, 2018-19, 2021-22) and Arizona Coyotes (2019-21) in various hockey operations roles.
The support staff that will work with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship includes:
- Athletic therapists Kevin Elliott (Charlottetown, PE) and Andy Brown (Owen Sound, ON/Owen Sound, OHL)
- Team physician Dr. R.J. MacKenzie (Albert Bridge, NS/Cape Breton, QMJHL)
- Equipment managers Chris Cook (Ottawa, ON/Brantford, OHL) and Tyler Jay (Charlottetown, PE/Saint John, QMJHL)
- Strength and conditioning coach Sean Young (Ennismore, ON/Ottawa, OHL)
- Mental performance consultant Luke Madill (Kirkland, QC)
- Manager of hockey operations Mitchell Furlotte (Bathurst, NB)
- Media relations manager Esther Madziya (Lethbridge, AB)
“I am excited to work with this world-class staff as we look to achieve our collective goal of defending gold and winning a World Junior Championship,” Anholt said. “I know every staff member is grateful for this opportunity and will represent our country with pride in Sweden, and we look forward to assembling a roster that will make Canadians proud as they cheer us on this holiday season.”
Canada’s National Junior Team will gather at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario for a four-day selection camp, Dec. 10-13, before selecting a final roster ahead of the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. The selection camp will include a pair of games against a team of U SPORTS all-stars on Dec. 12-13.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
111 players participate in Program of Excellence summer meetings
National men’s under-17 program and National Junior Team began preparations for 2023-24 season during three days of virtual meetings
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July 26, 2023
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CALGARY, AB - Hockey Canada is proud to recognize the 111 players that took part in the Program of Excellence summer meetings in preparation for the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. Sixty-six under-17 players were selected by Alan Millar (Tottenham, ON), director of player personnel, Byron Bonora (Brooks, AB), U17 head scout, and Dave Brown (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON/Erie, OHL), the U17 lead for the Program of Excellence management group, with input from Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of hockey operations. Regional scouts Rob Simpson (Ontario), Pierre Cholette (Quebec), Darren Sutherland (Atlantic) and Darrell Woodley (Ontario), as well as Member representatives, also provided input.
All 66 under-17 players have been drafted by Canadian Hockey League (CHL) teams, including 37 from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), 15 from the Western Hockey League (WHL) and 14 from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
“This impressive group of athletes is an excellent representation of the talent pool in our country, and these meetings were a great opportunity to kick off a new season and begin our preparations for two major international events,” Millar said. “This was a great opportunity to introduce prospective national team players to the Program of Excellence and help prepare them for international competition.”
Forty-five under-20 players were selected by Millar and Peter Anholt (Naicam, SK/Lethbridge, WHL), the U20 lead for the POE management group, with input from Salmond and Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON), senior manager of hockey operations. The list includes three players who won a gold medal on home ice at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in Halifax and Moncton (Beck, Fantilli, Korchinski), and seven who won gold on home ice at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup (Barlow, Benson, Gauthier, Ratzlaff, Ritchie, Wood, Yager). It also includes 12 players who were selected in the 2023 NHL Draft last month, including seven first-round picks (Barlow, Benson, Danielson, Fantilli, Ritchie, Wood, Yager).
Players took part in virtual meetings that covered a variety of topics, including education on the Program of Excellence, sport safety presentations, short-term international competition preparation and meetings with the Hockey Canada management group. The discussions will allow participants to continue to evolve as high-performance athletes and utilize the strengths and experience of the Program of Excellence’s leadership.
Players will continue to be evaluated through the early portion of the 2023-24 season before Canadian rosters are named for the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The future is now at 2023 NHL Draft
A closer look at Canadian content from Nashville – from Connor Bedard to Tyler Peddle
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June 29, 2023
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After another successful NHL Draft, one thing remains clear – no country develops hockey players quite like Canada.
In total, more than one-third of the players who had their names called in Nashville – 87 of 224 – hail from north of the 49th parallel. (That includes players who were born outside the country but are products of the Canadian hockey system, like No. 37 pick Ethan Gauthier.)
The list features representation from 10 Members, and 33 who have worn the Maple Leaf in international competition.
The red-and-white run started from the top, with two-time IIHF World Championship gold medallist Connor Bedard going No. 1 to the Chicago Blackhawks. The North Vancouver, B.C., native is just the second player from Canada’s westernmost province to be taken with the first pick, joining Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2012).
CONNOR BEDARD IS A CHICAGO BLACKHAWK pic.twitter.com/7mZD3btVSM
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 28, 2023
Bedard rewrote the World Juniors record book, setting all-time records for goals (17) and points (36) by a Canadian.
Adam Fantilli followed quickly behind, going to the Columbus Blue Jackets with the third pick. He had a historic 2022-23 season on the international stage, becoming just the second Canadian – after Jonathan Toews (2007) – to win gold at the IIHF World Championship and IIHF World Junior Championship in the same season.
Canadians accounted for 12 of the 32 first-round picks; that list included seven players who helped Canada win gold at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Red Deer (Barlow, Benson, Bonk, Molendyk, Ritchie, Wood, Yager) and three who earned bronze at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship (Barlow, Ritchie, Wood).
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) was well represented among the Canadian contingent; 68 of the 87 players selected were products of CHL programs, from 39 different teams – led by six members of the WHL champion Seattle Thunderbirds. The Western Hockey League and Ontario Hockey League led the way with 29 picks each, followed by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 10.
The Seattle Thunderbirds (Hanzel, Milic, Myatovic, Mynio, Ratzlaff, Sawchyn) paced all club teams with six players selected, while the Brantford Bulldogs (Brown, Lardis, Thomas, Xhekaj), Flint Firebirds (Bertucci, Day, Hay, Pitre), London Knights (Barkey, Bonk, Cowan, Julien) and Ottawa 67's (Foster, Gardiner, Mayich, Pinelli) had four apiece.
CANADIAN PLAYERS DRAFTED – BY MEMBER
Ontario Hockey Federation (34) – Beau Akey, Cam Allen, Matthew Andonovski, Denver Barkey, Colby Barlow, Tristan Bertucci, Sebastian Bradshaw, Cole Brown, Jonathan Castagna, Warren Clark, Easton Cowan, Nathaniel Day, Adam Fantilli, Cooper Foster, Brad Gardiner, Andrew Gibson, Ethan Hay, Jacob Julien, Larry Keenan, Nick Lardis, Angus MacDonell, Ryan MacPherson, Matthew Mayich, Ethan Miedema, Alex Pharand, Luca Pinelli, Coulson Pitre, Carson Rehkopf, Calum Ritchie, Ryan Roobroeck, Konnor Smith, Patrick Thomas, Zaccharya Wisdom, Florian Xhekaj
BC Hockey (19) – Owen Beckner, Connor Bedard, Zach Benson, Luca Cagnoni, Aiden Celebrini, Andrew Cristall, Lukas Dragicevic, Terrell Goldsmith, Kaden Hammell, Jeremy Hanzel, Justin Kipkie, Connor Levis, Thomas Milic, Tanner Molendyk, Nico Myatovic, Sawyer Mynio, Austin Roest, Hoyt Stanley, Matthew Wood
Hockey Alberta (8) – Nate Danielson, Aiden Fink, Emmitt Finnie, Brett Hyland, Ty Mueller, Scott Ratzlaff, Gracyn Sawchyn, Koehn Ziemmer
Hockey Saskatchewan (8) – Noah Chadwick, Riley Heidt, Kalan Lind, Hudson Malinoski, Kalem Parker, Matthew Perkins, Caden Price, Brayden Yager
Hockey Quebec (7) – Mathieu Cataford, Ethan Gauthier, Justin Gill, Rudy Guimond, Charles-Olivier Legault, Quinton Miller, Étienne Morin,
Hockey Manitoba (3) – Carson Bjarnason, Jayden Perron, Carter Sotheran
Hockey New Brunswick (3) – Dylan MacKinnon, Matteo Mann, Bradly Nadeau
Hockey Eastern Ontario (2) – Oliver Bonk, Quinton Burns
Hockey P.E.I. (2) – Luke Coughlin, Cam Squires
Hockey Nova Scotia (1) – Tyler Peddle
CANADIAN PLAYERS DRAFTED – BY INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
2023 National Men’s Team Adam Fantilli
2023 National Junior Team Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Thomas Milic
2022 National Junior Team Connor Bedard
2023 National Men’s Under-18 Team Cam Allen, Colby Barlow, Tristan Bertucci, Carson Bjarnason, Quinton Burns, Andrew Cristall, Lukas Dragicevic, Andrew Gibson, Riley Heidt, Nick Lardis, Angus MacDonell, Étienne Morin, Alex Pharand, Caden Price, Calum Ritchie, Matthew Wood
2022 National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team Cam Allen, Denver Barkey, Colby Barlow, Zach Benson, Carson Bjarnason, Oliver Bonk, Mathieu Cataford, Andrew Cristall, Ethan Gauthier, Riley Heidt, Kalan Lind, Dylan MacKinnon, Tanner Molendyk, Caden Price, Scott Ratzlaff, Carson Rehkopf, Calum Ritchie, Matthew Wood, Brayden Yager
2022 National Men’s Under-18 Team Connor Bedard, Lukas Dragicevic, Adam Fantilli, Kalem Parker, Matthew Wood
2021 National Men’s Under-18 Team Connor Bedard, Thomas Milic
2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Charles-Olivier Legault (White), Thomas Milic (Red)
2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games Nate Danielson, Adam Fantilli
2022 World Junior A Challenge Aiden Celebrini (West), Aiden Fink (West), Hudson Malinoski (West)
WJC: CAN 4-GER 1 Highlights (TSN)
Foote, Foudy and Dellandrea had a goal and assist each to help Canada to the win.
Ottawa to host 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship
World Juniors returns to National Capital Region for first time since 2009
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June 22, 2023
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OTTAWA, Ont. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has announced that the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship will be played in Ottawa, Ont., from Dec. 26, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025.
The successful bid represents a partnership between the Ottawa Senators, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), Ottawa Tourism, Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), the City of Ottawa and the Province of Ontario.
“We are thrilled that the IIHF World Junior Championship will return to Canada and our nation’s capital in 2025,” said Pat McLaughlin, chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “The bid that was submitted to host the World Juniors in Ottawa was exceptional, and we cannot wait for fans throughout Canada and the world to experience the celebration of hockey for themselves.
“Hosting the World Juniors is a privilege, and we are grateful to the IIHF for its trust in allowing us to deliver the event on its behalf for the 19th time in Canada, and to the CHL for its continued support of the tournament each year.”
The 18,652-seat Canadian Tire Centre, home of the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators, will serve as the primary competition venue and host 17 games, including both semifinals and the bronze and gold medal games. The additional 14 games are set for TD Place, home of the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67's, which can welcome approximately 9,000 fans.
“The IIHF is thrilled to return to Canada for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship,” said Luc Tardif, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation. “Ottawa is undoubtedly a city that rallies behind hockey, as we can remember from the exceptional atmosphere during the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship. The World Juniors has a unique place in the calendar as it takes place during the holiday season and is an eagerly awaited event.
“We look forward to seeing fans from the four corners of Canada and all around the world in Ottawa in December 2024.”
In 2009, the IIHF World Junior Championship generated $80.5 million in economic impact in Ontario, with over 450,000 fans attending the tournament. On the ice, Canada’s Jordan Eberle’s game-tying and game-winning goals in a semifinal win over Russia set off celebrations across the country, ultimately leading to Canada’s fifth-consecutive gold medal in front of a sold-out crowd of red and white.
“Ottawa is the ideal place to host the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship,” said Mark Sutcliffe, mayor of Ottawa. “Our love for hockey is second to none and our city rallies behind hockey at every level of the game, from youth hockey to our very successful junior hockey team, the Ottawa 67’s, to the highest level of the professional game, the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa hosted one of the most successful World Junior tournaments in 2009 and we regularly host national and international tournaments in our city.
“The 2025 World Juniors will be a great boost for our city, our economy, and our thousands of hockey fans and players of all ages, and it will showcase Ottawa to the world.”
Jamie Lee Rattray, a member of Canada’s National Women’s Team and 2022 Olympic gold medallist, will be the honorary chair of the Ottawa host committee, while James Boyd (Ottawa 67’s), Erin Crowe (Ottawa Senators), Valerie Hughes (OSEG), Krista Outhwaite (HEO), Chris Phillips (Ottawa Senators) and Lesley Pincombe (Ottawa Tourism) will serve as co-chairs.
Pre-tournament games for the 2025 World Juniors are expected to take place in Ottawa and surrounding communities, allowing fans in and around the nation’s capital to watch the best under-20 hockey players in the world before the puck officially drops on Boxing Day.
With demand for tickets expected to exceed availability, more information about a priority ticket draw and tournament ticket packages will be announced in the coming months. Fans looking to receive updates about the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship as soon as they become available can sign up to become a Hockey Canada Insider today.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by using #WorldJuniors.
Hockey Canada names Program of Excellence management group for 2023-24 season
Brown, Russell, Anholt to oversee men’s U17, U18, U20 programs
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March 22, 2023
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CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has announced the three Canadian Hockey League (CHL) general managers that will make up the Program of Excellence management group for the 2023-24 season.
Dave Brown (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont./Erie, OHL) and Cam Russell (Cole Harbour, N.S./Halifax, QMJHL) will make their debuts as members of the POE management group, with Brown guiding the men’s under-17 program through the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and Russell leading the under-18 program through the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Peter Anholt (Naicam, Sask./Lethbridge, WHL) will return to the program to advise the under-20 program and Canada’s National Junior Team through the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Anholt will take over for James Boyd (Midland, Ont./Ottawa, OHL), whose two-year tenure with the under-20 program included back-to-back gold medals at the 2022 and 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships.
“We are excited to welcome Dave and Cam to the POE to lead our under-17 and under-18 programs, and to welcome back Peter as the under-20 lead after an outstanding job guiding our under-18 program,” said Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), senior vice-president of hockey operations. “All three individuals bring a wealth of CHL experience to our program, and we look forward to having them work alongside our athletes and staff while leading our men’s national teams next season.
“We also wish to thank James Boyd for two years of commitment and dedication to Canada’s National Junior Team. James was instrumental in helping Canada win two-straight gold medals at the World Juniors, and we are grateful for his effort and leadership over the past two years.”
Brown is in his eighth season (2015-23) as general manager of the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after serving four seasons (2011-15) as director of hockey operations with the team. He helped lead Erie to an OHL championship in 2017, and contributed to a CHL record of four-consecutive 50-win seasons (2011-15). Prior to joining the Otters, Brown spent seven seasons with the Mississauga/Niagara IceDogs, serving as assistant general manager (2003-05) and general manager (2005-10).
Russell has spent 22 seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He has served as general manager for the past 15 years (2008-23), helping the Mooseheads win the Memorial Cup in 2013. Russell started his coaching career as an assistant with Halifax for three seasons (2000-03) before serving as a player development consultant for two years (2004-06). He also served as head coach for parts of five seasons (2006-11), adding the GM title to his coaching duties in 2008. As a player, he played 396 NHL games over 10 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks (1989-99) and Colorado Avalanche (1998-99), and won two Presidents Cup championships with the QMJHL’s Hull Olympiques.
Anholt has led the under-18 program for the past two seasons, helping Canada’s National Summer Under-18 Team win a gold medal at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He is currently in his eighth full season (2015-23) as general manager of the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL) after being promoted from assistant general manager in 2014. Anholt also spent time as head coach of the Hurricanes for part of the 2014-15 season, and has won the WHL Executive of the Year award twice (2015-16, 2019-20). Anholt brings a wealth of WHL experience as a head coach, assistant coach and scout, including stints with the Prince Albert Raiders (1986-89, 2002-07), Seattle Thunderbirds (1989-92, 2012-14), Red Deer Rebels (1992-95, 1998-2000, 2007-08, 2011-12) and Kelowna Rockets (1996-98).
The management group will work alongside Salmond and Alan Millar (Tottenham, Ont.), director of player personnel, as well as the organization’s hockey operations staff. Day-to-day operations for the POE management group include assisting in coach and player selections, supporting the coaching staffs and providing input during camps and tournaments throughout the season.
The Program of Excellence will be overseen by Pat McLaughlin (Saint John, N.B.), Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer; Salmond; Millar; Dan MacKenzie (Guelph, Ont.), CHL president; David Branch (Bathurst, N.B.), OHL commissioner; Mario Cecchini (Saint-Lambert, Que.), incoming QMJHL commissioner; and Ron Robison (Indian Head, Sask.), WHL commissioner.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
WJC: The tradition of the World Juniors (Pt. 2)
What makes the WJC such an iconic Canadian tradition?
Canada wins gold at 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship
3-2 overtime win over Czechia gives Canada 20th World Juniors gold medal
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January 6, 2023
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HALIFAX, N.S – Canada's National Junior Team has repeated as champions at the IIHF World Junior Championship for the first time since 2009, winning gold on home ice after downing Czechia 3-2 in overtime on Thursday night.
Dylan Guenther (Edmonton, Alta./Arizona, NHL) was the overtime hero, scoring the golden goal and picking up his third point of the night off a give-and-go with Joshua Roy (Saint-Georges, Que./Sherbrooke, QMJHL) 6:22 into the extra frame. The win gives Canada its 20th gold medal and 35th medal overall at the World Juniors.
“Tonight was amazing. It is great that we were able to win, and words cannot really describe this feeling. It means everything to win a gold medal because you never know when you are going to have another opportunity like this,” Guenther said. “To win the World Juniors with this team, and do it in front of incredible fans was a moment I will never forget.”
Guenther opened the scoring on the power play just over 12 minutes into the first period, firing a one-timer off a pass from Brandt Clarke (Nepean, Ont./Los Angeles, NHL), who also recorded an assist on the overtime winner. The goal was Guenther’s sixth power play goal of the tournament, setting a new Canadian record.
Captain Shane Wright (Burlington, Ont./Seattle, NHL) roofed a backhand to increase the Canadian lead to two just over four minutes into the second period before Jiri Kulich and Jakub Kos scored 54 seconds apart for the Czechs to even the score in the third and send the game to overtime.
“I could not be more proud of this group. I am so excited and happy for everyone on our team, but it has not really sunk in yet. To win a gold medal at the World Juniors on my birthday is an unbelievable feeling,” said Wright, who celebrated his 19th birthday Thursday. “Playing in a gold medal game is about as high-pressure as it gets, especially when it goes to overtime, but we all felt confident and we were able to come away with the win.”
Thomas Milic (Coquitlam, B.C./Seattle, WHL) turned in another strong performance in the Canadian goal, making 24 saves.
A full game summary can be found at HockeyCanada.ca.
Following the gold medal game, Connor Bedard (North Vancouver, B.C./Regina, WHL) was named Most Valuable Player and Top Forward after leading the tournament in goals (nine), assists (14) and points (23), setting four Canadian records in the process. Bedard was also named to the media all-star team
“We said from the start that we need to be resilient for 60-plus minutes. As much as we want to win games in 60 minutes, we know we were going to face a lot of good opponents in this tournament and it was no different tonight,” said head coach Dennis Williams (Stratford, Ont./Everett, WHL). “I loved how our players came to the rink hungry every day and continued to stick together. I am just so proud of this team.”
Canada finished the preliminary round in second place in Group A with a 3-1 record after a loss to Czechia (5-2) and wins over Germany (11-2), Austria (11-0) and Sweden (5-1). It booked a spot in the gold medal game with a 4-3 overtime win against Slovakia in the quarterfinals and a 6-2 win over the United States in the semifinals.
Since 1977, Canada has collected 20 gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championship, to go along with 10 silver and five bronze.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
World Juniors Preview: Canada vs. Czechia
Thursday, January 5 | 7:30 p.m. AT | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Gold Medal Game
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January 5, 2023
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GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. CZECHIA (JAN. 5)
The 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship ends the same way it began for Canada’s National Junior Team – facing off against Czechia. This time, though, there’s a gold medal on the line.
LAST GAME
Canada shook off a slow start in its semifinal against the United States, scoring the game’s final six goals to earn a 6-2 win. Thomas Milic was spectacular in a 43-save effort, and Joshua Roy scored twice and added two assists. Connor Bedard had a goal and an assist to push his tournament total to 23 points, the third-most ever.
The Czechs won an absolute thriller to earn their place in the final, edging Sweden 2-1 in overtime in its semifinal. David Jiricek tied the game with 38.8 seconds left and Jiri Kulich won it in the final minute of the extra period, sending the Czechs to play for gold for the first time since 2001.
LAST MEETING
Canada had its Boxing Day party spoiled by the Czechs, dropping a 5-2 decision in the preliminary-round opener. Shane Wright opened the scoring and Connor Bedard made it a one-goal game in the second period, but a pair of power-play goals by Czechia on a five-minute advantage proved to be the difference.
WHAT TO WATCH
Bedard has had the headlines, and for good reason, but his linemates have been terrific. Logan Stankoven is tied for second in tournament scoring with 11 points (3-8—11) and has 22 in his World Juniors career (the eighth-most by a Canadian ever). Roy is up to 10 points, and was the best Canadian skater in the semifinal win. And let’s not forget about Milic. He has gotten progressively better as the tournament has gone along, and his 43-save effort against the Americans will live in World Juniors lore.
The big names have stepped up for the Czechs on their unlikely run to the gold medal game. Jiricek, the sixth-overall pick by Columbus in the 2022 NHL Draft, tied the game in the last minute against Sweden and Kulich, the No. 28 pick by Buffalo, won it in overtime. And then there’s the experience. Czechia has a whopping 16 players back from the team that reached the bronze medal game in Edmonton last summer, including goaltender Tomas Suchanek, who has played every second in the tournament, registering a 1.30 goals-against average and .938 save percentage, while chipping in offensively with a record four assists.
A LOOK BACK
Canada and Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic) have met 23 times at the World Juniors since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993. The Canadians have dropped just two of those games, the prelim meeting and a shootout setback in the preliminary round in 2013.
The teams are familiar foes in recent years. In addition to the opener 11 days ago, they also met in the semifinals (a 6-3 Canada win ) and the preliminary round (a 5-1 Canada win) last summer, in the prelims of the cancelled 2022 tournament (a 6-3 Canada win) and the quarterfinals of the 2021 World Juniors in the bubble in Edmonton (a 3-0 Canada win).
All-time record: Canada leads 20-2-2 (0-1 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 115 Czechia goals: 43
WJC: RUS 6-CAN 0 Highlights (TSN)
Daws and Hofer combined for 34 saves, but Canada fell to the Russians.
World Juniors Recap – Canada 6, United States 2
Joshua Roy had a four-point night and Thomas Milic made 43 saves to help Canada advance to the gold medal game.
January 4, 2023
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GAME STATISTICS | LIVE GAME BLOG
HALIFAX, N.S. – Canada's National Junior Team scored six unanswered goals to punch its ticket to the gold medal game at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, defeating the United States 6-2 on Wednesday night.
- Joshua Roy (St-Georges-de-Beauce, Que./Sherbrooke, QMJHL) led the offence with two goals and two assists.
- Connor Bedard (North Vancouver, B.C./Regina, WHL), Logan Stankoven (Kamloops, B.C./Kamloops, WHL), Adam Fantilli (Nobleton, Ont./University of Michigan, Big Ten) and Brandt Clarke (Nepean, Ont./Los Angeles, NHL) chipped in with a goal and an assist each.
- Ethan Del Mastro (Freelton, Ont./Mississauga, OHL), Zach Dean (Mount Pearl, N.L./Gatineau, QMJHL), Olen Zellweger (Fort Saskatchewan, Alta./Everett, WHL) and Owen Beck (Port Hope, Ont./Mississauga, OHL) contributed one assist apiece.
- Thomas Milic (Coquitlam, B.C./Seattle, WHL) was spectacular in a 43-save performance.
- The United States outshot Canada 45-37.
Following the game, Bedard, Roy and Logan Stankoven (Kamloops, B.C./Kamloops, WHL) were named Team Canada’s best players of the tournament.
Next Game:
Canada vs. Czechia (gold medal game) – Thursday, Jan. 5 (7:30 p.m. AT/6:30 p.m. ET)
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, are providing extensive coverage of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, broadcasting all 31 tournament games. TSN Radio is also providing comprehensive tournament coverage.
Quotes:
“There was no panic on our bench. We knew it was going to be at least a 60-minute game, so we took a deep breath and started trying to execute our game plan [after falling behind 2-0]. I said to our guys that we have one more game together, and we need to stay bought into our group. We have done a great job since we came together in early December, and I am really proud of our team’s effort. [The United States] is a good team, but we stayed the course and got a lot of help from Thomas Milic, and when he plays like he has the last two games it gives us a lot of confidence.”
- Head coach Dennis Williams (Stratford, Ont./Everett, WHL) on falling behind 2-0 and the effort of his team
“[Playing for gold] is what we came here to do. Last [World Juniors] in the summer was incredible and I want to relive that moment here. We did not have the start we wanted and [the United States] outplayed us at the beginning of the game. We stayed calm and got back to our game, and the Bedard goal gave us momentum.”
“I like the big moments. When you are playing in a big game against a good team, it is always nice to be able to contribute. The crowd in Halifax has been incredible, and they give us a lot of momentum in these tough games. I feel great in moments like that, and I just try to embrace them.”
- Roy on going for gold and playing in big games
“The Canada-USA rivalry is one of the best in sports, and I was very happy to be able to get my moment in that rivalry. More importantly, I am happy we were able to get the win and give ourselves an opportunity to try to win a gold medal. We were not happy about what happened earlier in the tournament [against Czechia] because that was not the way we wanted to play. If we stick to our game and continue to play the way we have been, I think we will have a good chance of winning tomorrow.”
- Fantilli on the Canada-U.S. rivalry and the rematch against Czechia
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by using #WorldJuniors.
World Juniors Preview: Canada vs. United States
Wednesday, January 4 | 7:30 p.m. AT | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Semifinal
January 3, 2023
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GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (JAN. 4)
Coming off a sensational overtime victory against Slovakia, Canada’s National Junior Team looks to continue its winning ways when its faces off against the United States on Wednesday night in semifinal action at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.
LAST GAME
Connor Bedard scored an unbelievable overtime winner to sink Slovakia 4-3 in what can only be described as an instant classic on Monday night in Halifax. Bedard also scored the opening goal in the first period and added an assist, breaking four Canadian records (more on that below). Dylan Guenther and Zack Ostapchuk also scored and Thomas Milic was terrific in goal, making 24 saves that included snagging a Slovak rebound attempt out of mid-air in overtime to keep Canada alive.
The United States’ last game was an 11-1 quarterfinal victory over Germany on Monday. Logan Cooley had a hat trick and an assist, Ryan Ufko had five helpers, and Cutter Gauthier and Red Savage scored twice each for the Americans, who got points from 15 different players.
LAST MEETING
The teams last met in the gold medal game of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship inside the Edmonton bubble. Spencer Knight was the story, making 34 saves for the Americans, and goals from Alex Turcotte and Trevor Zegras left the Canadians with silver after a 2-0 loss .
WHAT TO WATCH
If it isn’t obvious by now, it should be. Connor Bedard. His performance Monday helped him break four Canadian records – most career goals at the World Juniors (16), most career points at the World Juniors (34), most points in single World Juniors (21) and most assists in a single World Juniors (13). He’s a major reason the Canadians are two wins away from a 20th gold medal. Canada has also benefited from the play of Milic, who has stopped 46 of 50 shots in his last two starts and made a couple of huge stops late in the third period and in overtime to help keep the Canadians alive.
For the Americans, Logan Cooley and Jimmy Snuggerud come into the game with 11 and 10 points, respectively, the only players other than Bedard to hit double-digits so far. Trey Augustine has been very good between the pipes as a 17-year-old; his 1.36 goals-against average leads the tournament, and his .938 save percentage is good for second.
A LOOK BACK
Historically, Canada has dominated the United States at this tournament, winning 33 of 48 meetings, with three ties. In recent years, however, things have been a little more even. In the last 10 meetings, going back to 2012, Canada has a record of 4-6, with its most recent win being a 6-4 preliminary-round victory in 2020.
The last time these two teams met in the semifinals was in 2013, a 5-1 U.S. win. However, Canada does have 4-1 record over the Americans in semifinal play, which includes a 3-2 win in Halifax back in 2003 – Jeff Woywitka netted the winner with 8:20 left in that one.
All-time record: Canada leads 33-12-3 (3-3 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 194 United States goals: 134
WJC: The tradition of the World Juniors (Pt. 1)
What makes the WJC such an iconic Canadian tradition?
World Juniors Recap – Canada 4, Slovakia 3 (OT)
Connor Bedard’s record-breaking night helped Canada down Slovakia in overtime to advance to the semifinals
January 2, 2023
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GAME STATISTICS | LIVE GAME BLOG
HALIFAX, N.S. – Canada's National Junior Team advanced to the semifinals at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in dramatic fashion, beating Slovakia 4-3 in overtime on Monday night.
- Connor Bedard (North Vancouver, B.C./Regina, WHL) scored the game-winner on a solo effort 5:17 into overtime.
- Bedard also scored the opening goal in the first period and added an assist, breaking four Canadian records – most career goals at the World Juniors (16), most career points at the World Juniors (34), most points in single World Juniors (21) and most assists in a single World Juniors (13).
- Dylan Guenther (Edmonton, Alta./Arizona, NHL) and Zack Ostapchuk (St. Albert, Alta./Vancouver, WHL) rounded out the scoring.
- Logan Stankoven (Kamloops, B.C./Kamloops, WHL), Brennan Othmann (Pickering, Ont./Peterborough, OHL), Zach Dean (Mount Pearl, N.L./Gatineau, QMJHL) and Nathan Gaucher (Richelieu, Que./Québec, QMJHL) chipped in with one assist apiece.
- Thomas Milic (Coquitlam, B.C./Seattle, WHL) made 24 saves.
- Canada outshot Slovakia 57-27.
Next Game:
Canada vs. United States (semifinal) – Wednesday, Jan. 4 (7:30 p.m. AT/6:30 p.m. ET)
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, are providing extensive coverage of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, broadcasting all 31 tournament games. TSN Radio is also providing comprehensive tournament coverage.
Quotes:
“Obviously the [Bedard] goal was memorable, but Thomas Milic made some big saves for us. The way Connor scored and how he played tonight was huge, but we do not get to that moment without Thomas’ performance. He was lights out and made some key saves in overtime and in the third period. We outshot [Slovakia], but they had a lot of high-quality chances that we needed [Milic] to step up for, and he was dynamite for us tonight.”
- Head coach Dennis Williams (Stratford, Ont./Everett, WHL) on the play of Milic
“I saw [the Slovak defender] make a move and there was a lane to the net, so I tried to make my move using my instinct and luckily it went in. That moment [in overtime] was special for all of us. It was pretty cool to score that goal, but it was the quarterfinals and we still have a lot of hockey left. I am happy about the win, and like I said in intermission I was not really thinking about [the records]. Obviously it matters, but for me it is about winning, and that is what we are here to do.”
- Bedard on his overtime winner and breaking Canadian records
“[Three-on-three overtime] is exciting and not something I shy away from. It is an opportunity to give your team a win, and if I am called upon to go out there and do a job then I am excited for it. I try to play opportunistic and try to help finish the game off. The game was closer than we would have liked, but [Slovakia] is a good team and they were better than the Slovak team we saw in pre-competition. We have to give them credit because they battled hard, but we stuck with it and found a way to pull off the win.”
- Stankoven on three-on-three overtime and the challenges of playing Slovakia
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by using #WorldJuniors.
For more information: |
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2023 U18 Nationals: Saturday, November 11 (Medal Games)
2023 U18 Nationals: Friday, November 10 (Semifinals & Placement)
2023 U18 Nationals: Thursday, November 9 (Quarterfinals)
2023 U18 Nationals: Tuesday, November 7 (Preliminary)
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