Like many Canadian hockey fans, Perfetti has his favourite moments from past tournaments. There are two that stand out the most, both from the 2009 event in Ottawa.
"I remember vividly watching in my basement, Jordan Eberle scoring the tying goal against Russia. I remember celebrating with my friends and family," said Perfetti, who grew up 400 kilometres away in Whitby, Ontario.
"That one, then I remember New Year's Eve game, same year, when they played the USA and Tavares had a hat trick," he said. "I was at my best friend's house and we were having New Year's Eve dinner with my family and his family while watching the game. We were going nuts."
Perfetti has worn Canada's colours before.
Most recently, he piled up eight goals and 12 points in five games at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was instrumental in helping Canada get to the final against Russia.
In a 3-2 shootout win over Sweden in the semi-final, Perfetti scored once in regulation, then scored three times on four shots in the shootout. For the final three rounds of the eight-round shootout, Perfetti was Canada's only shooter, scoring on each of his final two attempts.
He'd love a chance to make more memories on the international stage with his first taste of the World Junior tournament, even if this year's event will be much different than the ones he's watched on television.
The ongoing pandemic means the 2021 event will be held in the bubble in Edmonton. The same will go for Canada's selection camp, which will be held in Red Deer from Nov. 16 until Dec. 13.
"A 28-day camp is one long job interview," said Perfetti. "I'm excited for it, I feel prepared and ready. I just can't wait to get back on the ice with elite players and play meaningful games again and start playing high-level hockey."
He's spoken with a couple players who were in Toronto for the NHL's Return to Play this past summer to get an idea of what bubble life was like.
"I think the guys in Toronto had BMO Field where they could go hang out, play spike ball, soccer, whatever it was," Perfetti said. "We're going to be in Red Deer in the middle of winter, locked inside pretty much. Not sure what to expect, but I'm sure Hockey Canada is going to do a fantastic job - they always do."
With the Ontario Hockey League announcing a potential return to play date of Feb. 4, 2021 (with camps opening on Jan. 23), the Hockey Canada camp's three intrasquad games and six games against U-SPORTS all-stars sound pretty good to Perfetti - who hasn't played a meaningful game since the OHL cancelled the regular season on Mar. 18.
"You do these summer skates and skills, but it doesn't compare," Perfetti said. "I'm excited to play meaningful hockey again. That's what I'm looking forward to and hopefully making the team."
