DOHA : Canada fulfilled at least some of their World Cup objectives despite exiting at the group stage: scoring their first goal in the history of the tournament and showing they can battle some of the world's top sides.
John Herdman, who took the reins of the team in 2018, had been on a mission to transform the image of the men's game in a country where ice hockey dominates the public psyche.
Canada's combativeness in Qatar undoubtedly has raised the status of the sport ahead of the 2026 tournament, which the country will co-host with the United States and Mexico.
In two consecutive losses - one to second-ranked Belgium and the other to 2018 finalists Croatia - Canada have shown they can challenge, though not consistently beat, sides with more experience and depth.