As of right now, the 2022 Canadian World Junior team could go down as one of the best ever to not win gold, for obvious reasons that are out of their control. Owen Power, Cole Perfetti, Mason McTavish, Connor Bedard, Shane Wright, the list goes on and on. We’re remaining hopeful that the IIHF and Hockey Canada find a way to make it happen, but in the meantime, we couldn’t help but wonder…
What are the best Canadian World Junior teams that didn’t get it done?
Jesse gave his take in a video on his own that we’ll let you watch before viewing the whole rosters. It’s pretty amazing to think that these teams didn’t come out on top!
Okay, let’s take a closer look at these ones.
5) 2012
Mark Stone, Jonathan Huberdeau, Mark Scheifele, Dougie Hamilton, Jaden Schwartz, Boone Jenner, the list goes on and on. Crazy to think this team didn’t even make it to the finals. They would go on to win bronze, while Sweden would defeat Russia to capture gold.
4) 2010
Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Alex Pietrangelo Ryan Ellis, Nazem Kadri, Jake Allen and Martin Jones weren’t able to extend Canada’s gold medal streak to six years in a row in 2010. John Carlson but a dagger in Canada’s hearts after scoring the OT winner in the final.
3) 2002
This team isn’t talked about enough. Not too many superstars necessarily, but a ton of solid NHL players (including TSN’s very own Carlo Colaiacavo!!!!). Unfortunately the Russians got in their way… look at all of these studs!
2) 2021
Who could forget last year’s heartbreaker. A plethora of talented forwards, a stacked blue line and the best goalie in the tournament wasn’t enough to lead the Canadians to gold. They would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for those darn Americans.
1 ) 2004
We all know how good the 2005 roster was, but the ’04 roster wasn’t much different. Definitely doesn’t hurt that everyone was a year older the following tournament but just look at these names for crying out loud!
So… which team do you think had the best roster that didn’t win it all? Let us know @BarDown.
