Team Canada realized it would be difficult to repeat as World Junior Hockey champions quite quickly. Hockey Insiders considered the Canadian team's squad to be one of the finest ever, but the Czechs gave the players a harsh reality check.
With early pressure, the Canadian team challenged the Czech Republic, with captain Shane Wright scoring the opening goal. Unfortunately, team Canada overstretched itself in its efforts to score goals worthy of highlight reels, making two tries at the Michigan move in the first period.
Top prospect for the Arizona Coyotes and member of Team Canada, Dylan Guenther, criticized Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli for relentlessly attempting the Michigan move:
