But Shawn Bullock, Hockey Canada director of men's national teams, sees it differently.
"I think it's a testament to the depth we have and the ability that we have with these five goalies," Bullock said Sunday. "They're all deserving to be here. We're excited to have them and get to know them as well throughout this process and let things play out. We see it as an opportunity to look at our depth here."
Colten Ellis (St. Louis Blues), Alexis Gravel (Chicago Blackhawks), Hunter Jones (Minnesota Wild) and Olivier Rodrigue (Edmonton Oilers) have done their best to find time in games and practices to make an impression in hope of earning a spot for the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. Zachary Emond (San Jose Sharks) took part in meetings but was unable to skate because of a groin injury and left camp Wednesday.
"There's going to be two new guys so I think it's anybody's spot," Ellis said Monday. "For me, I just want to prove to them that I'm able and capable of playing on this team."
Rodrigue is the only goalie back from last year's WJSS, which gives him an edge in experience. He also has played for Canada at the 2017 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.
"I have a lot of experience with Hockey Canada so everything I've learned from here, from past events, it's to my advantage," Rodrigue said. "I have to bring everything on the ice and keep pushing and be ready for every step."
Rodrigue said he feels physically stronger than he did last year and more confident after he tied for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League lead with 35 wins with Drummondville last season. He made the save on all 17 shots in 30:00 in a 4-1 win against the United States on Tuesday.
"If you saw some of those scramble plays you could tell he's been working and getting stronger," goaltending coach Jason LaBarbera said Wednesday. "Whether he's lifting weights more or working on his skating ability on the ice, he made some saves that were a direct result of that."
Gravel also has international experience, playing for Canada at the World Under-18s and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2017. He also led Halifax of the QMJHL to the Memorial Cup Final last season.
Gravel made six saves in 29:03 in relief in Canada's 8-3 loss to Finland on Wednesday.