Head Coach of Team Canada U-20: "There's no better place to play ball hockey than in the Czech Republic"

How challenging was it for you and your colleagues to put together the final roster for the 2023 Junior World Championships in Liberec?
Putting our roster together was relatively easy. Under the leadership of our general manager, Gary Slavin, we thoroughly scouted these players through video and in person at our Canadian national championship in July 2022. The team was selected from this tournament.

How did you select the right players for your team? Did you look for players who meet specific skills, where the team will focus on playing specific styles? Or do you rely on your players' individual abilities?
The team is built in a certain way that I, as a coach, am very excited about. We have a mix of elite skills, but we also have men with high character. We didn't select a team with the top scorers in the national team, but the team with the right players who play a certain style. Although all our players are very skilled, we have players who will rather fill defensive roles and excel in it. I am grateful to general manager Slavin for putting together such a comprehensive team.

How is your team's preparation going so far? What are you focusing on? Is it about tactics or building your players' sports skills, such as speed and endurance? What are your team's strengths?
Because we live in such a large country and have players living from British Columbia to Newfoundland and everywhere in between, we cannot meet personally at any camp. We have started our preparation, which involves video calls. Our preparation will be strictly tactical to ensure that we are on the same wavelength before arriving in Pilsen for the training camp. As for athletic abilities, our team consists of elite hockey players who are just finishing their season. I expect them to be in great physical condition. Our strength is that we have elite athletes who like to compete. This competition, combined with elite skills, is the key to our success.

There will be no easy opponents in the tournament. I expect a quality championship. These are the best under-20 players that this sport offers. I am also aware that other teams have been together at joint camps, so I expect them to be well-prepared.

What are your ambitions for the tournament? Would you like to win a medal? What are you willing to sacrifice for a medal?
We are focused on the gold medal. The Canadian U20 team hasn't won gold since 2012, and we believe that this year, with our team selection, we can change that. As a team, we are willing to sacrifice individual success for team success. That's what it takes to win.

How is your team feeling?
We're really excited for the tournament. When I think back to my playing career, when I played for Canada in Pardubice in 2017, I was really impressed with the tournament held in the Czech Republic. The Czechs are at the forefront of organizing ball hockey tournaments, and the events are always world-class. Our players are excited about the tournament, but I think they'll be surprised at how amazing this tournament will be. We love coming to the Czech Republic to play ball hockey - there's no better place.

How is this team different from the last team your nation fielded at the 2018 World Junior Championships in St. Johns?
I wasn't the U20 team coach in 2018, but I know that not winning gold at home was a disappointment. I can only speak for this team and say that this selection is very good. Our team will be very well prepared for the tournament.