'Motivated group': Led by returnees, Canada looking to rebound off world junior flops

Gavin McKenna had tears in his eyes. His voice cracked with emotion.

The teenage phenom dreamed of capturing gold for Canada on home soil. His first experience at the world junior hockey championship instead ended in bitter heartbreak.

"A lot to deal with," McKenna said looking back at the country's second straight quarterfinal exit some 12 months ago. "Canada, they've got a lot of pride in their country, and when you let them down like that, they're not afraid to let you hear about it, not saying we didn't deserve it.

"Processing that was tough, but just trying to turn that into fuel."

The 18-year-old and his teammates, including five fellow returnees from the Ottawa horror show, are also looking to make amends. And board a plane in a few weeks with a record 21st gold medal.

"They're not happy with the results last year," said general manager Alan Millar. "And let's face it, the mood of the country afterwards was tough. There was a lot of talk about the team. They're a motivated group.

"And maybe a little pissed off."

Anger was just one of the emotions experienced in the wake of last year's disappointment.

"You think about it throughout the summer, you think about it now," said forward Cole Beaudoin, assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct in Canada's quarterfinal ouster to the Czech Republic. "Definitely in the back your mind, but it's a new year."

Gavin McKenna wants to lead Canada to world junior gold

The current roster features the usual mix of high draft picks, top prospects and help parachuted in from NHL clubs. While the Canadian contingent won't have star centre Macklin Celebrini -- still eligible for the world juniors at age 19 -- and a number of other players in the professional ranks, it