Canada, led by 6 returning players, looking to rebound off world junior flops | CBC Sports

Hockey ·New Six returning players and their teammates looking to make amends following Canada's quarterfinal loss to the Czech Republic last January at the world junior hockey championship in Ottawa. 'You lose on home ice, it's not the way that anyone draws it up,' says returning forward Porter Martone, second from left.(Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press/File) 'Motivated group': Led by returnees, Canada looking to rebound off world junior flops Hockey Canada took hard look at under-20 program after 2025 quarterfinal loss Gavin McKenna had tears in his eyes. His voice cracked with emotion. The teenage phenom dreamed of capturing gold for Canada on home soil. His first experience at the world junior hockey championship instead ended in bitter heartbreak. "A lot to deal with," McKenna said looking back at the country's second straight quarterfinal exit some 12 months ago. "Canada, they've got a lot of pride in their country, and when you let them down like that, they're not afraid to let you hear about it, not saying we didn't deserve it. "Processing that was tough, but just trying to turn that into fuel." The 18-year-old and his teammates, including five fellow returnees from the Ottawa horror show, are also looking to make amends. And board a plane in a few weeks with a record 21st gold medal. "They're not happy with the results last year," said general manager Alan Millar. "And let's face it, the mood of the country afterwards was tough. There was a lot of talk about the team. They're a motivated group. "And maybe a little pissed off." Anger was just one of the emotions experienced in the wake of last year's disappointment. "You think about it throughout the summer, you think about it now," said forward Cole Beaudoin, assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct in Canada's quarterfinal ouster to the Czech Republic. "Definitely in the back your mind, but it's a new year." WATCH | Canada's returning players 'will have big chip on their shoulders': ‘Great opportunity’ The current roster features the usual mix of high draft picks, top prospects and help parachuted in from NHL clubs. While the Canadian contingent won't have star centre Macklin Celebrini -- still eligible for the world juniors at age 19 -- and a number of other players in the professional ranks, it did get centre Michael Misa, who wasn't invited to last year's selection camp before going No. 2 overall at the 2025 draft, from the San Jose Sharks. "A great opportunity," said goaltender Carter George, another returnee along with forwards Jett Luchanko and Porter Martone, and backup netminder Jack Ivankovic. "Every guy in that room is not happy with the results the past two years." Neither is the country. "Definitely tough as a Canadian kid," Martone said of the furor following last year's flop. "Tournament's in Canada, you dream of that since you're little. You lose on home ice, it's not the way that anyone draws it up." Hockey Canada took a hard look its men's under-20...

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