Projected 2026 1st overall pick Gavin McKenna blames the refs on why Canada lost to Czechia

After taking heavy criticism for weeks leading into the tournament, Team Canada disappointed in a huge way on home ice at the 2025 World Juniors, failing to medal for the second straight year after their 4-3 loss to Czechia on Thursday night.

While poor decision-making and discipline continued to be an issue for Canada, there were certainly a few calls that went against them in very harsh fashion, including a five-minute major and game misconduct that changed the game.

The play drew the ire of the fans in the building and at home, with TSN's Bob McKenzie stating that he didn't believe the play was even worth a major penalty, calling out the official for the call.

Whether or not fans and analysts believe it was the right call or not has 0 impact on the game, but after the heartbreaking loss, future top pick Gavin McKenna quickly called out the officials, and while he didn't blame the loss on them, he insinuated it.

Sure, Canada could have been better disciplined and kept themselves out of these situations, but overall the officiating inconsistency made it hard to know exactly what would be called and what wouldn't, and ultimately, it played a role in costing Team Canada.

Now, they'll go back to the drawing board, and for Canadian fans they'll hopefully change their entire philosophy ahead of the 2026 version of the event, as not medalling in three straight events would be one of the biggest disasters in hockey history.