UNITED STATES 8 - CANADA 3
There could be plenty of assist-goal combinations for Canada featuring linemates Matthew Wood of Nanaimo and Connor Bedard from North Vancouver over the next few years, up to the World Junior Hockey Championship.
The partnership began on Saturday with Bedard assisting on Wood’s goal in the IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Landshut, Germany. But there was little to celebrate as defending champion Canada opened with an 8-3 loss to the United States.
Bedard, who plays for the Regina Pats of the WHL, is considered a prodigy and overwhelmingly projected to be the top overall selection in the 2023 NHL draft. He had a goal and assist in the opener. Wood, who plays for the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL, is touted for the top 10 in the first round of the 2023 NHL draft.
Also on the Canadian team, composed of players from junior clubs that missed the playoffs, are forward Brayden Schuurman and defenceman Kalem Parker of the Victoria Royals of the WHL.
“Obviously, it is a tough loss and you don’t want to start off the tournament like that, but we definitely see some positives in the team,” Wood said in a statement.
“We just came together, so we’re still learning how to play with each other, and moving forward. I think we’re going to be a stronger team,” added the Grizzlies rookie, who led the BCHL in goals and points.
“We will learn a lot [from Saturday] and we will be ready to go. We are not happy with the loss, but definitely there are some things to build on and look forward to.”
Canada head coach and former NHLer Nolan Baumgartner noted the U.S. has a centralized U-18 team.
“[The U.S. team has] been together for two years and it shows. They know their systems and they know how to play,” said Baumgartner. “For us, we just want to get better every day that we go through this tournament, and be peaking when we hit that quarter final game.”
Canada plays host Germany today at 10:30 a.m. PT before meeting Czechia on Tuesday. TSN will broadcast 13 games in the tournament, including all the Canada games.
Canada has won four gold medals since 2002 at the U-18 worlds, in 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2021. Canada took silver in 2005 and bronze in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
