Easton Cowan receives hate comments after not passing on a 2-0 and costing Canada the game

Team Canada has been one of the most disappointing squads at the 2025 World Juniors tournament in Ottawa, and on Thursday, they fell 4-3 to Team Czechia, ending their tournament without a medal for the second straight seasons.

There are many factors to blame for the loss including the roster construction, officiating, coaching, discipline, and many, many more, but ultimately, the talent just wasn't there for them to compete with the top teams.

One player in particular that has drawn the brunt of the criticism has been Maple Leaf's prospect Easton Cowan, and with the game on his stick, he made a dreadful decision on a 2-on-0 fast break that cost Canada a goal, and potentially the game.

While it was a bad decision at the time, it's hard to pin Canada's failures on just one player, but that's what is now happening in his comment sections on social media, as fans all over Canada are abusing him in a way that a 19-year old simply shouldn't be targeted.

Sure, Cowan wasn't perfect, and the penalties he took throughout the tournament and the continued opportunities in the top six certainly played a role in the team's struggles, but for a player yet to reach the NHL, this is the level of hatred and criticism that's not necessary.

Ultimately though, this may prepare Cowan for life as a Toronto Maple Leaf, who is seemingly the center of the NHL universe and constant criticism, so while it isn't right, if he can survive this and stay confident for the rest of the year in London, perhaps this will hold him in good stead to handle the immense pressure of Toronto.