Team Canada is starting to become the Dallas Cowboys of the World Juniors Championship scene. The Czech Republic eliminated them in the quarterfinals of the 2025 World Juniors, 4-3. Adam Jecho was the hero for the Czech team as they put the dagger into the Canadians.
In short, hockey in Canada is a dumpster fire. From sexual assault stories to non-profit companies allegedly being bought and sold under the Greater Toronto Hockey League, hockey fans up north are chugging their maple syrup in a panic. Oh, and a Canadian team hasn't won a Stanley Cup since 1993.
Yeah, it's a bad time to be a Canadian hockey fan, let alone a part of Team Canada. Among Canada's young stars is Mathieu Cataford, a budding prospect for the Vegas Golden Knights. The 19-year-old scored one goal during the tournament (five games) with a +3 rating.
That performance didn't stand out among his hockey peers, especially when players like Easton Cowan (one goal, two assists) overshadow you. However, it's not the end of the world for the reigning QJMHL MVP. After all, he has his whole career ahead of him.
So let's examine what he can do to improve. What are some things he can do to stand out more? What areas can be improved so Cataford can become a more viable hockey player? Let's map out a course so the young forward can build off this experience and make him a solid star for the Golden Knights.
What can Mathieu Cataford do to improve
Skating has been the one area for Mathieu Cataford to improve. While he has a nice stride and moves up and down the ice well, he's not the fastest guy. The good news is he's not even 20 years old, which gives him ample time to correct his stride.
Cataford also isn't the biggest guy on the team. The 19-year-old stands at 5'11" and weighs 192 lbs. Part of improving that skating stride is avoiding checks on the ice, where he's in constant danger. After all, plays like this don't happen if he's faster on the ice.
Vegas Golden Knights (and Team Canada) fans will appreciate his fight and moxie on the ice. It'll also help him in the NHL, handling opponents easily. However, his improved skating can lead to better things, including more transition opportunities and better forechecking. It'll also make his off-puck positioning even better, setting up plays for his teammates. As for that moxie? It can lead to penalties, which lead to the opponents scoring on the power play.
CZECHIA ELIMINATES CANADA IN THE FINAL MINUTE OF THE GAME 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/mAbcqzyjDN
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 3, 2025
Cataford must also tackle his puck-handling problems better. Turnovers can kill a team, especially when they're forechecking in the Golden Knights's offensive zone. Canada had the worst offensive proficiency during the 2025 World Juniors, partially because players like Cataford couldn't take care of the puck.
Again, the good news for the Golden Knights prospect is he has his whole career ahead of him. For a team that doesn't have the best prospect pool (aside from the goaltenders), these adjustments will help him play better. In turn, it'll crack open the contention window for the Golden Knights, irritating the 31 other fanbases.