Every Boxing Day kicks off one of the top international tournaments, highlighting the best under-20 talent from across the world:
the World Junior Championship
. Players earning a roster spot on their country's team is not only an honor, but an experience that ranks high on any player's achievements list.
"That's obviously one of the highest ones up there," forward Dawson Mercer said on playing in World Juniors. "As a kid growing up you always wanted to play in the World Juniors and play for your country and represent them so that was pretty special. That's right up there, every step of the way. Then it's your first NHL game, your first goal, so they're all up there."
Defenseman Ty Smith and Mercer each represented Canada in the 2020 edition of the tournament where they won gold. Smith also competed in the 2019 tournament as did Mercer in 2021, winning silver. Both credit the experience as an opportunity to grow their game, especially to make it to the NHL.
World Juniors is a Stepping Stone to NHL | BLOG
Subban, Mercer, and Smith reflect on the annual tournament and the impact it had on their careers