Michael Misa, known for his scoring prowess, capped the last Ontario Hockey League season with an impressive 134 points in 65 games. The San Jose Sharks selected him as the second overall pick in the NHL draft in June. While he made a notable start by securing his first professional goal, an ankle injury sidelined him for a month in early November.
Currently, Misa is vying to help Canada clinch gold at the world junior hockey championship. Despite a slow start internationally, he managed a single assist in victories against the Czech Republic and Latvia in the men’s under-20 tournament. The 19-year-old expressed his desire to contribute more offensively but is grateful for his restored health.
With an average ice time of 17 minutes and 35 seconds, Misa centers Canada’s top line alongside Tij Iginla and Porter Martone. Although the trio has shown promise, Misa acknowledges the need for improvement and chemistry among the team’s lines to enhance offensive output and control in the opponent’s zone.
Gardiner MacDougall, Canadian assistant coach, emphasized the importance of Misa gaining experience and enhancing his speed and puck-handling skills. MacDougall highlighted the necessity for more shots on target, especially from Misa, to increase their scoring opportunities.
Reflecting on the recent games, MacDougall noted that Canada faced challenges in breaking through the opposition’s defense. He likened the strategic approach to hitting singles in baseball, emphasizing the significance of capitalizing on available plays to secure victories.
Looking ahead, Canada prepares for a crucial matchup against Denmark after a dominant pre-tournament win. MacDougall stressed the importance of staying focused and not underestimating their opponents. Misa, who contributed two assists in the exhibition game against Denmark, emphasized the team’s commitment to a strong performance in the upcoming match.
As the tournament unfolds, MacDougall, making his world junior debut as head coach, lauded the organizational efficiency of Hockey Canada and the talent displayed by the players. His energetic coaching style has resonated positively with the team, fostering unity and motivation among the players.
In summary, Misa and Team Canada aim to elevate their performance and secure victories as they progress through the world junior hockey championship under the guidance of Coach MacDougall.