Canada entered the 2023 U-18 World Championships as heavy favorites. They dismantled USA in last year's Summer Select Series. They dominated the field in the preliminary round of the tournament, and they had perhaps the most talented roster Canada has fielded in years . But they were upset by Czechia in the semifinals before beating Finland 8-1 for bronze .
It was a disappointing end, one that none of Canada's returning players have forgotten.
"Nobody forgets about that third place. You know we all wanted gold more than anything," said Sara Manness, one of five returning players from the 2023 team. "I think it's good because you learn more from from a loss and from failure. We know what we have to do differently this time around, how we have to play as a team and what we have to do as a team. Having that loss under our belt is only going to make us want it more. It taught us a lot of lessons that we'll think about going into the USA series."
"Playing with that chip on our shoulder, every single player that was there last year, we're not going to forget about that," said Chloe Primerano, the 2023 U-18 World Championship MVP. "Using that experience to help us this time around, we're going to keep that in the back of our heads to help us out this year."
To overcome the result of 2023, Canada's returning players will not only use the loss as motivation, but they'll need to step up as leaders to ensure it doesn't happen again.
"I want to make a good impression on all the new players here, and really set a good example on and off the ice," said Stryker Zablocki. "I'm trying to get to know everyone, and just kind of make everyone feel safe here. It's obviously scary, everyone's nervous, so if I can be approachable, and be someone people can talk to, I'll try to be that person for them."
The veterans know the importance of helping the younger players, or those who weren't on Team Canada last year find their way in camp. To win gold, this is an important opportunity to build a team culture early.
"You want to be a leader," said Manness. "You want the younger players to kind of look up to you and you want to try to help them in the best way you can because they're in the same spot you were a year ago, so you try to do everything you can to make them feel comfortable, make them feel a part of this team and a part of this group."
While they're veterans, Zablocki, Manness, and Primerano all preached of the importance that they not only lead, but that they still need to earn their own spots on Canada's roster. As they learned last year, nothing is guaranteed.
The U-18 Women's World Championships are scheduled to take place from January 4-12 in Vantaa, Finland.
Canada will choose a Select team to face USA's U-18 roster later this month.
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