The world under 18 national championship tournament kicked off last night in Texas. Canada did not disappoint in their debut, beating team Sweden 12-1. Sweden is typically one of the strongest hockey nations, which lends to the question: how strong is the future of Canadian hockey?

Dustin hall / flickr

Team Canada is stacked, something that is fairly regular in the world of hockey, however they have not brought home gold in this tournament since 2013. Last night, Canada lit up Sweden 12-1.

Shane Wright, one of Canada’s two exceptional status players, had a hat trick. Wright is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft. As a 15-year-old last season in the Ontario Hockey League, Wright scored 66 points in 58 games with the Kingston Frontenacs, and was named an assistant captain despite being the youngest full time player in the entire Canadian Hockey League. Shane Wright is a 2004 born player, meaning he is eligible for this tournament again next season. Despite being a year younger than most of the team, he wears the “C” for Canada.

Connor Bedard, a North Vancouver product, is the other player granted exceptional status, and the first player in the Western Hockey League to receive the honor. Before departing for the tournament, Bedard played 15 games with the Regina Pats, scoring 28 points in that time. He recorded the highest points-per-game of any exceptional status player in their rookie season. Bedard only had an assist in the twelve goal win, but his mere inclusion on the team is remarkable. Of all Canadian players under the age of eighteen, Bedard was included on the roster as a 15-year-old, the only 2005 born player on a roster dominated by 2003’s.

These two players will be the names to watch in junior hockey until each of their respective drafts. The rest of team Canada is full of players that are projected to be drafted in the first round by NHL teams this postseason.

Team Canada plays again tonight against Latvia at 6:00pm (pst).