The next few days were to be among the most memorable in the lives of Quebec hockey players Mavrik Bourque, Xavier Bourgault and Elliot Desnoyers. Ditto for Montreal Canadiens prospect Kaiden Guhle and all the other members of the Canadian team.
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However, the possible cancellation of the World Junior Hockey Championship, Wednesday afternoon in Alberta, stands as the new chapter in the nightmare represented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada obviously seemed among the favorite countries to win gold. The troop led by Dave Cameron had also won their first two matches of the preliminary phase, having won 6-3 Sunday against the Czech Republic to start the tournament before defeating Austria 11-2 on Tuesday. After a duel with Germany, due to take place on Wednesday night, the most exciting Group A game was ahead against Finland on Friday.
Bedard makes his mark
Despite the cancellation of the remainder of the tournament, hockey fans were able to appreciate the talent of several promising players from Canada, including youngster Connor Bedard, who scored four goals against the Austrians. The 16-year-old forward, who plays with the Regina Pats in the Junior Western League, represents a bright prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft.
Cole Perfetti, drafted in the first round (10th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in 2020, for his part collected six points in two games for the Canadian team. Forward Mason McTavish and defenseman Owen Power each had three goals and two assists.
About Guhle, who was the team captain, he was limited to one assist in two games. In his case, the Albertan also took part in the World Junior Hockey Championship last year. Canada then lost in the final against the United States to win the silver medal.