Boxing Day: While some hunt down bargains in shopping malls, hockey fans unite behind their hometown teams

As I sit in front of the Christmas tree tonight after an amazing day with my family, full from a delicious dinner, I am reminded why this is my favourite time of year. It is a time for giving gifts, making memories and enjoying a relaxing day around those you love; but it also marks the last day before Canadian hockey fan unite, forgetting our NHL allegiances, to cheer for Canada's under 20 hockey team. 

Tomorrow is boxing day, and like all good Canadian hockey fans I will be awake at 7:30 AM to watch Team Canada take on Germany in the opening round of the World Junior Hockey Tournament. 

Canada is trying to get back into the win column after missing out on a medal for the first time in fourteen years last year, and they are trying to win their first gold medal in four years. It won't be an easy task, Canada only has three returning players from last years roster; goaltender Jake Patterson, who didn't actually play in any games last year, defenceman Griffin Reinhart, who will miss the first three games due to a suspension, and forward Jonathan Drouin, whose offensive output is likely essential to Team Canada victories. 

The most exciting player to watch for Team Canada this year though is newcomer Connor McDavid who is the sixth sixteen year old to make Team Canada, and the first since Sidney Crosby in 2004. McDavid was drafted first overall by the Erie Otters in the 2012 OHL draft. Prior to the draft he was granted exceptional status, which allowed him to be drafted even though he was only fifteen years old. He is the third player to be granted exceptional status, after John Tavares, captain for the New York Islanders, and Aaron Ekblad, who is also playing for Team Canada this year in the world juniors. McDavid finished the pre-tournament games with 3 points, 1 goal and 2 assists, and his line was the most dominant during the shutout loss to Sweden. McDavid has all the promise of a future franchise player and is projected to go number overall in the 2015 NHL draft, he should be a dynamic player for Team Canada, this year and next, if he can keep up with players who are two to three years his senior. 

The most interesting change for Team Canada this year has nothing to do with the coaching staff or the players, but rather the format of the tournament. For the first time this year, the top 4 teams in each group will have to compete in the quarter finals in order to advance to the semi finals. The past two tournaments, Canada has dominated the preliminary matches and has therefore earned a buy into the semi finals, where they have proceeded to lose the game, missing their opportunity at a gold medal. This change in format should therefore benefit the the younger, less experienced Canadian team. Playing an extra game in the quarter final should allow them to solidify their team chemistry and give them another opportunity to get used to the larger, international sized ice. 

Whatever happens this year in the tournament, I for one cannot wait to wake up early, cheer on the boys before work, and become familiar with Canada's next edition of elite NHL prospects.

In closing, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy World Juniors.