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Canada’s world junior team hopes to reclaim gold this winter on home ice — and the journey began Monday in Windsor.
After its most recent disappointing fifth-place finish, that pathway back to the podium at this year’s World Junior Championship in Ottawa begins with the team’s summer camp at the WFCU Centre.
“It’s summer, but this is a business and we’re in the business of winning,” said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of operations.
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“It starts right here. We’re going to lay the foundation here this week for what’s going to happen in December.
“Dave Cameron, our coach, talked about being on the clock, and everything they do from this point forward will be evaluated. We’re trying to build the best possible team to help us be successful in Ottawa.
“It’s incredibly important and I think that’s been expressed to everyone from our staff to or players.”
Team Canada’s Windsor summer camp, which includes a game against Sweden, is running in conjunction with the World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Mich.
The showcase is the first step for the national teams from Canada, U.S., Sweden, and Finland to select rosters for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship, starting Dec. 26.
“When we looked at it and we got the invite, we said why would we go straight to Plymouth?” said Salmond. “Why wouldn’t we do a training camp in Windsor?
“We know they’ve got a great facility. I have a personal relationship with some people in Windsor that I have a lot of respect for.”
Salmond said those who spoke highly of Windsor included former Spitfires assistant coach D.J. Smith, now an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings after being the Ottawa Senators’ head coach, and Steve Ott, a former Spits player who is now assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues.
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“So we thought it’s a no-brainer to come and train in Canada, be in Windsor, and then just drive down to Plymouth after,” said Salmond.
“But then we thought, let’s play a game. Let’s see if we can get the Fin’s or the Swedes to come up to Windsor and play against us. Right away, they were keen to do that. It just ended up being a perfect scenario for us.”
Following Monday’s open practice session, there will be a Red vs. White scrimmage on Tuesday. Team Canada will then face off against Sweden on Wednesday.
“This is one of the most important programs and teams in Hockey Canada and for Canadians,” said Salmond. “We take that responsibility very seriously.
“Fifth is not even close to being good enough. It’s our intent every year to play in a medal game, but particularly in a gold medal game.
“We have the depth and the right mindset to get back. But it’s not easy. And it’s also not our divine right to be in the gold medal game.
“You’ve got to earn it. That’s a lot of the messaging this week as well.”
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Tickets for Red vs. White and Canada vs. Sweden are $35 per game or $45 for a two-game package.
To buy tickets, go to WindsorSpitfires.com or HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.
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