The World Junior Championship is a highlight for most players, but it can also be a nightmare if the bounces don’t go in their favour.
Former NHL defenceman Ryan Whitney participated in back-to-back tournaments for Team USA from 2002-2003, but failed to medal in each. Whitney recalled the 03’ tournament being especially painful after the Americans fell to Canada 3-2 in the semi-finals. The Scituate, Massachusetts native recalled Jeff Woywitka scoring with a minute left and crushing the USA’s dreams.
That’ll give a player nightmares for years.
Both teams ultimately lost their next game, as the USA fell 3-2 to Finland and the Canadians suffered the same fate against the Russians in the Finals. Still, a silver is better than nothing and the idea of leaving back-to-back tournaments without a medal must be horrible to think about for Whitney.
His energetic opponent Tootoo was a wrecking machine for Canada and was one of many future NHLers on their roster. Other notable players included Matt Stajan, P.A. Parenteau, Carlo Colaiacovo, Brooks Laich, Ian While, Joffrey Lupul and Derek Roy, to name a few.
As the tournament unwinds, Whitney will surely be cheering the Americans on as they continue their quest toward winning gold on home soil. Now that his career's over, all he can do is reflect and think about what could have been.
(H/T Ryan Whitney)
