Team Canada has a lot to prove at the World Juniors

The World Juniors get started on Boxing Day. Team Canada finished fifth at last year's tournament and players vow to do much better this time around.

Team Canada always has high expectations at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

That’s why the past two years have been so disappointing.

Canada hasn’t made it out of the quarter-finals.

Last year, Czechia got the best of them, and that didn’t sit well with forward Gavin McKenna.

“Canada should never finish fifth, and I think coming into this year, there’s going to be a lot of eyes on us to do well, and that’s our motivation to do it for the country,” said the 17-year-old.

“We let them down a few times now, and we owe it to them.

“I expect a lot. I expect to be one of the top guys. I want to lead this team, and I want to show the guys what it takes and hopefully lead us to a gold medal.”

High expectations

McKenna is Canada’s youngest forward and has already faced plenty of adversity this season.

He was projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft but has struggled at times adjusting to playing in the NCAA with Pennsylvania State University.

McKenna has four goals and 14 assists in 16 games.

He says it’s been a learning year and looks to be on a mission heading into the World Juniors.

“I’m confident going into the tournament,” he said.

“There’s a lot of chatter around my year and stuff, but I think it’s a growth year for me.

“I’m playing against harder guys—I could’ve stayed in (the WHL) and put up a bunch of points, but I wanted to challenge myself this year, and I’ve been getting challenged, so I think the NCAA prepares me for this tournament.”

Rivals now on same team

Another player with something to prove this year is Flames defenceman Zayne Parekh.

He was a late cut from last year’s team but will no doubt suit up for Team Canada this time around.

Parekh played for the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL and had a big rivalry with head coach Dale Hunter’s London Knights.

For the World Juniors, they’ll be on the same team, and Parekh says it’s a little strange.

“I wanted to joke with him and ask him if I’m on the dark side now,” said Parekh.

“It’s nice. I think he’s a really knowledgeable guy. I mean, he played in the NHL, and he’s obviously coached at really high levels and he wins every year, it seems like.”

Hunter is impressed with Parekh’s game.

“He’s a real good player,” said Hunter.

“He sees the ice so well, and every time he touches the puck, something dangerous happens. We watched lots of video on him, and sometimes it didn’t help.

“That’s a unique player that can play at that high level.”

Canada will open up the World Juniors on Boxing Day against Czechia.