Canada’s last three years at the Worlds has seen a gold-gold-silver finish, and this year the team looks particularly impressive up front.
Introduction
In a year without NHL participation at the Olympics, it’s clear many Canadians were more happy than usual to accept an invite to the World Championship in Denmark. And with a long and successful history of participation, early signs point to Canada being one of the most exciting teams for Danish fans to watch live and up close.
Goal
The Canadians will have two of the best NHL backups in tow this year, with Toronto’s Curtis McElhinney and Arizona’s Darcy Kuemper vying for the top job when the playoffs get under way in mid-May. McElhinney was sensational with the Maple Leafs, despite playing only 18 games. In 15 starts, he earned three shutouts and eleven wins, posting a sparkling 2.12 GAA. Kuepmer, meanwhile, had four shutouts in only 25 starts and a 2.52 GAA on an NHL team that finished well out of the playoffs.
Defence
There is a ton of experience on the blueline, both in the NHL and internationally. Leading the pack is Aaron Ekblad. Only 22, he just finished his fourth NHL season with the Florida Panthers. He also played for Canada at the 2014 U20, 2015 Worlds (winning gold), and 2016 World Cup (playing on the U24 team).
Joining him are Ottawa’s Tom Chabot, the MVP from the 2017 World Juniors; Colton Parayko, a member of last year’s silver-medal team; Ryan Murray, a teammate of Ekblad at the World Cup who first played for Canada at the 2018 U18; and, Darnell Nurse, who won U20 gold in 2015.
They’ll be joined by two less experienced d-men in Ryan Pulock and Joel Edmundson.
Forward
When the centerpiece of the team is captain Connor McDavid, you know things are starting off well. He led the NHL in scoring this year and is, quite simply, the fastest skater in the hockey world. Skill and speed to burn, he leads a team loaded with goals-coring ability. Alongside him will be teammates Jordan Eberle, in his sixth World Championship (including gold in 2015), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the first overall draft choice by the Oilers in 2011.
The New York Islanders are equally well represented among the forwards including Matt Barzal, who tied for 13th in NHL scoring with 85 points, and Josh Bailey, who very quietly had 71 points in 76 games this year. Veteran Ryan O’Reilly is back, and anyone who has seen him play knows there are few players as competitive as he is. Now in his sixth World Championship, he has won two gold and a silver to go along with a World Cup championship in 2016.
The fact that every player has some Hockey Canada experience is a huge advantage for coach Bill Peters, as they are all familiar with a system that will make chemistry and integration much easier.
Coaching
Coach Bill Peters in back for a second time in three years, all the while boasting stronger than ever connections to Calgary, Alberta. Not only is that where Hockey Canada has its main offices, it’s where Peters will be coaching next winter, having just resigned from the Carolina Hurricanes to take the reigns of the Calgary Flames. He led Canada to gold in 2016, and his lineup this year looks even stronger.
Projected Results
Anything off the podium would have to be a disappointment for this team, and given its recent streak of success and the impressive players wearing the maple leaf in Herning, a trip to the gold-medal game would hardly constitute a great surprise.
Introduction
In a year without NHL participation at the Olympics, it’s clear many Canadians were more happy than usual to accept an invite to the World Championship in Denmark. And with a long and successful history of participation, early signs point to Canada being one of the most exciting teams for Danish fans to watch live and up close.
Goal
The Canadians will have two of the best NHL backups in tow this year, with Toronto’s Curtis McElhinney and Arizona’s Darcy Kuemper vying for the top job when the playoffs get under way in mid-May. McElhinney was sensational with the Maple Leafs, despite playing only 18 games. In 15 starts, he earned three shutouts and eleven wins, posting a sparkling 2.12 GAA. Kuepmer, meanwhile, had four shutouts in only 25 starts and a 2.52 GAA on an NHL team that finished well out of the playoffs.
Defence
There is a ton of experience on the blueline, both in the NHL and internationally. Leading the pack is Aaron Ekblad. Only 22, he just finished his fourth NHL season with the Florida Panthers. He also played for Canada at the 2014 U20, 2015 Worlds (winning gold), and 2016 World Cup (playing on the U24 team).
Joining him are Ottawa’s Tom Chabot, the MVP from the 2017 World Juniors; Colton Parayko, a member of last year’s silver-medal team; Ryan Murray, a teammate of Ekblad at the World Cup who first played for Canada at the 2018 U18; and, Darnell Nurse, who won U20 gold in 2015.
They’ll be joined by two less experienced d-men in Ryan Pulock and Joel Edmundson.
Forward
When the centerpiece of the team is captain Connor McDavid, you know things are starting off well. He led the NHL in scoring this year and is, quite simply, the fastest skater in the hockey world. Skill and speed to burn, he leads a team loaded with goals-coring ability. Alongside him will be teammates Jordan Eberle, in his sixth World Championship (including gold in 2015), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the first overall draft choice by the Oilers in 2011.
The New York Islanders are equally well represented among the forwards including Matt Barzal, who tied for 13th in NHL scoring with 85 points, and Josh Bailey, who very quietly had 71 points in 76 games this year. Veteran Ryan O’Reilly is back, and anyone who has seen him play knows there are few players as competitive as he is. Now in his sixth World Championship, he has won two gold and a silver to go along with a World Cup championship in 2016.
The fact that every player has some Hockey Canada experience is a huge advantage for coach Bill Peters, as they are all familiar with a system that will make chemistry and integration much easier.
Coaching
Coach Bill Peters in back for a second time in three years, all the while boasting stronger than ever connections to Calgary, Alberta. Not only is that where Hockey Canada has its main offices, it’s where Peters will be coaching next winter, having just resigned from the Carolina Hurricanes to take the reigns of the Calgary Flames. He led Canada to gold in 2016, and his lineup this year looks even stronger.
Projected Results
Anything off the podium would have to be a disappointment for this team, and given its recent streak of success and the impressive players wearing the maple leaf in Herning, a trip to the gold-medal game would hardly constitute a great surprise.