(Oakville) Owen Beck got a taste of the World Junior Hockey Championship last year in Halifax.
The center was cut by Team Canada before the start of the World Cup, but was recalled before the playoff games due to injuries. Selected 33rd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens prospect suddenly found himself in the thick of things.
Three matches later, he had a gold medal around his neck.
Nearly 12 months later, the 19-year-old is the only returning player at the national team’s selection camp, where 30 players will try to punch their ticket to Gothenburg, Sweden.
“There are always ups and downs, but you have to find stability,” Beck said of his surprise recall Sunday. Don’t go too high and don’t go too low. Just make sure you’re always prepared.
“Duty can call at any time. »
The camp takes place in the suburbs of Toronto. Players must practice for two days before two intrasquad matches. The team that will travel to Sweden will be announced on Wednesday.
“They look super serious,” head coach Alan Letang said after Sunday night’s practice. Many of them have made long journeys. Our energy was great from the start. Seems like a confident group. »
Letang, who took the reins of the team after participating in two World Championships as an assistant instructor, said Beck was an important part of the preparation, as almost all players will be heading into the unknown with a first participation in a international tournament of this magnitude.
“He can talk about the intensity of the matches, the importance of the small details,” Letang explained. We talked about it a little during individual meetings. He’ll be able to paint the picture, but I think they all know what they’re getting into. »
“It’s become such an important tradition across Canada. »
Beck, who scored 16 goals and totaled 30 points in 25 games this season with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OHL), hung his medal in his bedroom.
Beck said last year’s team, which included Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and Kevin Korchinski – who could play but are currently in the NHL – was resilient.
“They had their ups and downs during the tournament,” he said. When they got to the medal round, everyone knew they had to be focused, ready for the next appearance at any moment. »
“Everyone bought into [the plan and] was ready to play their part. »
While some players traveled across the country to the Toronto metropolitan area for camp, others had free time at the hotel. Letang took the opportunity to hold meetings between players and coaches. He spoke to Beck in particular.
“[It was] maybe to help them let their guard down and be comfortable with what we’re doing,” the pilot explained.
Beck didn’t play much last year, recording an assist and forcing an opponent to take a penalty, but he was solid on faceoffs and responsible defensively.
Other hopefuls who want to participate in the World Cup can learn a lesson from this, according to Letang.
“It proves that no matter where you are in the lineup, everyone, at some point, can contribute and potentially become the hero. »
