- Team Canada opened the 2026 World Juniors with a 7–5 win over Czechia, a long-awaited redemption after quarterfinal losses to them in 2024 and 2025.
- Standout performances go to Gavin McKenna with a special shoutout to Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford.
- Some fans say the win was a wake-up call with room for improvement in the team’s defence.
Team Canada opened the 2026 World Juniors with a victory against Czechia. Hockey fans across the country are reacting to the win, with many saying – it was too close.
The first goal of the game came from Brady Martin with a sharp back pass by Gavin McKenna. That was by shots from Michael Hage, Zayne Parekh, Tij Iginla, Ethan MacKenzie and Porter Martone – four in the third period alone – for a final score of 7-5.
It was a redemption two years in the making – after Czechia swept away Canada’s run for its 21st gold medal in 2024 and again in 2025, both in the quarterfinals.
Make no mistake, it was far from a sweeping victory, with Czechia giving Canada a run for their money.
“Solid game! Czechia is no joke,” a fan commented on Facebook.
Canadian players receiving World Juniors spotlight
The spotlight was on Gavin McKenna from Yukon, with his electric performance and chemistry with teammates. No surprise there. The 18-year-old is the projected number one pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, according to Sportsnet.
“I understand now why some scouts were saying McKenna was too good,” one Reddit user wrote. “He is oozing skill.”
Also receiving some attention was Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford, with a series of smart moves.
Ben Danford knew what he was doing here. 🤣#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/sDpTAcXAY8
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2025
“What a sequence of events by Ben Danford,” one Reddit user wrote.
“Bro skates and moves like [Austin] Matthews,” an X user wrote of Danford.
Hockey fans react to 2026 World Juniors opening game
Many were impressed with what they saw on their screens last night.
“All these kids can f***ing shoot, holy moly,” one Reddit user wrote.
But some say Friday’s win was not convincing enough.
“Too close of a game,” one fan wrote. “U.S.A. will stomp them again.”
Canada’s goaltender Carter George allowed only five of 32 shots, but fans say he was left to fend for himself too often without much help from the team’s defence line. As the team looks ahead to the rest of the tournament, fans are urging for improvements closer to the net.
“Defence has to step up if we want to win but it’s a good start,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Defence is quite shaky, lots of guys out there looking lost,” a Reddit user wrote, adding the game was a “good wakeup call right out of the gate.”
“Need better defence for the rest of the tournament, or we will be out fast,” another echoed. “We were lucky to escape with a win.”
Still, there is optimism and patience.
“It’s early. A lot of the guys look nervous and are standing still,” one Reddit user wrote. “Normal for this tourney.”
Team Canada has a lot of work to do but I’m not sure people realize how good the Czech program is right now. Lots of talent and drive in that group.
— Steve “Dangle” Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) December 27, 2025
Some fans also felt obligated to remind others that this is the junior league, afterall, with all players under 20 years old.
“Very important reminder that these are a bunch of kids,” another wrote, to which another replied, “Yeah… y’all gotta ease off a bit eh.”
Team Canada’s upcoming games
Dec. 27 @ 4:30 p.m. EST (Canada vs. Latvia)
Dec. 29 @ 8:30 p.m. EST (Canada vs. Denmark)
Dec. 31 @ 8:30 p.m. EST (Canada vs. Finland)
Quarterfinals kick off Jan. 2.