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Hockey Canada President responds to fan outrage after embarrassing loss to Czechia at the World Juniors

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Tyler Ball
January 4, 2025  (7:56 PM)
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Today President of Hockey Canada Katherine Henderson addressed the media and spoke about the outrage the organization has faced in recent days.

Over the last several days several notable people within the hockey world including former analyst Don Cherry have shared their anger toward Hockey Canada after the team's loss to Czechia.

The backlash that Hockey Canada has received over the last several days now led the organization to hold a press conference to address what happened and what the path forward looks like.

Ahead of the Semifinal matchups this evening in Ottawa Hockey Canada President Katherine Henderson along with several Senior Vice Presidents held a press conference.

During the press conference, Henderson and Senior Vice President Scott Salmond who was crucial in this year's World Junior roster selection commented on what went wrong and how it will be fixed.

Hockey Canada Responds to Backlash after loss to Czechia

First President Henderson was asked what her message was to fans who bought tickets to the medal rounds of the tournament expecting to see Canada competing in those games.

In her response, Henderson acknowledged the disappointment but then pointed at the high-level hockey still left to be played between the remaining nations.

Anyone who bought a package is going to see unbelievable hockey, said the president and CEO of Hockey Canada. While it feels unthinkable, it certainly has happened in the past. There was a time when Canada came eighth. So what you do is you go back and you look at where are we right now, what is it that we've done in the past that we should no longer do, and what should we do more of?

Then it was time for Salmond to take questions and he was able to give a more concrete answer on what is expected to change within Hockey Canada's evaluation process going forward.

Salmond admitted there needs to be more of an emphasis on skill and that the organization deserves the backlash they are currently taking on.

While these admissions of failure are good to hear ultimately actions will speak louder than anything either Henderson or Salmond can say.

Over the next 12 months, Hockey Canada will need to change their process and the proof will be provided in early 2026 as Canada heads to Minnesota to try and reclaim the success so many are used to at the World Junior Championships.

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