Report: Coaches calling out Canada HC after canceling practices

Canada head coach Dave Cameron David Reginek-Imagn Images

Report: Other coaches are calling out Team Canada HC Dave Cameron after canceling practices

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jan 4, 2025 11:21 AM ET

Team Canada has been eliminated at the World Juniors, and now a decision from head coach Dave Cameron is drawing immense amounts of scrutiny.

While Team Canada qualified for the quarterfinals at the 2025 World Juniors in Ottawa, it came with plenty of criticism, especially given the roster decisions made by head coach Dave Cameron.

That criticism continued ahead of their battle with Czechia for a spot in the semifinals, as he decided to leave one of the team's biggest offensive weapons out of the lineup once more.

Amid the criticism and controversy, hockey personality Don Cherry has offered a blueprint on how to fix the team.

However, another issue has been brought up by Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, who notes that the team canceled several practices throughout this tournament, and after the 4-1 loss to Team USA, they didn't skate ahead of a do-or-die game, which they ended up losing.

According to Wheeler, a pro coach asked him that same question on Thursday, texting him this simple question ahead of the game: "Why doesn't Team Canada ever go on the ice?"

While Easton Cowan has taken plenty of criticism on the ice, that's on Cameron too, as he continues to play him in a role he's simply not built for, and with the team that was brought to the tournament for discipline continually giving away penalties, it's hard to see why anyone thought this roster and strategy was built to win.

Now that Team Canada has been eliminated by Czechia for the second year in a row, there's bound to be even more criticism.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: