Team Canada has released its 25-man roster for the 2022 World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton, Alberta. For the players on this team, this is an opportunity to play for their futures. Hockey Canada has come under scrutiny lately in light of sexual abuse scandals, years of mismanagement, and a lack of accountability. Everyone is keenly aware we need a resolution to these problems. So that is why these players having a successful tournament, will hopefully make those responsible for the dark past, realize it is time to come clean. They want us all to be able to join in on the fun of our future generations, our children’s role models.
They’re back! 🇨🇦
2⃣5⃣ players will wear the 🍁 at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton.
ROSTER ➡️ https://t.co/Vs5gBIxaiF
NEWS RELEASE ➡️ https://t.co/bH3Z0uPAHJ#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/c1maH8PN9p— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) August 1, 2022
2022 Canada World Junior Roster Forwards
This Team Canada roster, playing in the height of summer, in the city of champions, wants a win on home soil. There will be lots of role players and depth on this squad. Up front, they are loaded with 50-goal scorers from the CHL; such as Connor Bedard, William Dufour, Brennan Othmann, or Joshua Roy. Further, players like Riley Kidney or Logan Stankoven were able to punch triple-digit point totals. They have toughness, in the likes of Nathan Gaucher or Zack Ostapchuk. Finally, one key part the forward crew has is professional experience, with the likes of Ridly Greig, Tyson Foerster, or Kent Johnson.
Those Responsible for the Defense
In terms of preventing goals, this squad has no shortage of players able to fill that role. Many of the defencemen has some experience at the professional level, even if it is just a game or two. This is led by Grand Rapids Griffins defender, Donovan Sebrango, who has suited up in 96 games for them. Ryan O’Rourke had a big 2020-21 season, playing 33 games for the Iowa Wild, before returning to the Soo last year for a big season. A couple other players had incredible seasons at the junior level. Lukas Cormier scored 81 points in 62 games for the Charlottetown Islanders. Maybe more impressive was his 21 points in 15 post-season contests. Also, the Everett Silvertips see a pair of D-man team-up in Olen Zellweger and Ronan Seeley. Zellweger was third on the team in points, with 78 in just 55 games.
Team Canada Backstoppers
Between the pipes, Canada will be in a position of strength. Dylan Garand has experience at the World Juniors. That should allow him to be a front-runner, but that is not guaranteed. Another possibility is Brett Brochu, who is coming off a strong season with the London Knights. One final option, who could end up being the top man, is Detroit Red Wing prospect, Sebastian Cossa. He was remarkable, backstopping the Edmonton Oil Kings to a 16-3 playoff record, before seeing their run cut short by Mason MacTavish and the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Memorial Cup tournament.
This will be a fun tournament for those involved. Yes, there are some big names not there, like Shane Wright or Kaiden Guhle. Also, there is a dark cloud around the organization. However, this should not take away from these players, and what they represent. The dreams of all the young kids trying to be just like them one day.
The last 16-year-old to record a 🎩🎩🎩 for 🇨🇦 before Connor Bedard?
That would be The Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky, who did it on Christmas Day 1977 against Czechoslovakia.#WorldJuniors | @BCHockey_Source | @WHLPats | #OurGameIsBack pic.twitter.com/Cpxclagh8i
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 29, 2021
