McTavish transforms 2022 WJC from forgettable to epic

The Anaheim Ducks' prospect pushed to be able to play in the summer event, and responded by making a jaw-dropping, game-saving play, along with being Canada's heartbeat

Kent Johnson scored the most memorable goal of his career when he buried the OT winner against Finland. (Photo by Steven Ellis)

The 2022 edition of the World Junior Championship had every built-in excuse to be eminently forgettable. It was being held in the middle of the summer. It was played amid the backdrop of the worst off-ice scandal Hockey Canada has faced in its 100-plus-year history, one that has irreparably tarnished both the World Junior and Hockey Canada brands. Russia had been banned from playing in the event, a punishment a bunch of teenagers have to endure because their country is ruled by a despot. Dozens of talented young players who could have participated took a pass on the event to prepare for their upcoming NHL seasons.

But, thanks to a Canadian team that overcame the pall hanging over it, this iteration of the WJC was actually unforgettable. Kent Johnson contributed to the cause with a ‘Michigan’ goal earlier in the tournament, then the overtime winner in Canada’s 3-2 win over Finland in the gold medal game. Connor Bedard did his bit with a shot and goal against Finland during the preliminary round that put his sublime array of skills on display. And then there was Mason McTavish, who could have joined the nine players Canada was missing in this tournament. But instead, he pushed back when the Anaheim Ducks told him they didn’t want him to go, then delivered an all-time historic play by saving what looked like a sure goal by Finland off the Canadian goal line before Canada brought it back up the ice and scored the decisive goal in 3-on-3 play.