It wasn’t exactly a surprise to see Carson Bjarnason’s name on the short list of goaltenders to represent Canada, but it was still good news for the Carberry native even if it wasn’t a shock.
Bjarnason is one of four goaltenders named to the selection camp roster for Team Canada at the World Juniors. Their selection camp will begin on December 10, while the tournament itself begins in Ottawa on Boxing Day.
“Anytime you can represent your country and wear that maple leaf like I have, it’s special,” Bjarnason said. “Obviously nothing but gold for the mindset. That’s what I’m going in for.”
Canadian fans would be happy to hear the “gold or bust” mentality from the players when the fans so often feel the same way. Wheat Kings fans, meanwhile, will be happy to know Bjarnason approaches this camp with not only lofty team goals in mind but lofty personal ones as well.
“I think I have the confidence and the ability (to be a starter),” he said. “Maybe I don’t show it as much, I’m pretty poised and stoic in the net, but I think it’ll help the team if I can play and have them have confidence in me.”
Like so many young Canadians in love with the sport, Bjarnason has fond memories of watching the World Juniors growing up. That he might be part of someone else’s fond memories of the tournament is an exciting thought.
“I think in anybody in Canada does, it’s a pretty big deal,” he said. “I’d definitely say it’s the biggest tournament in the world. It would be cool to hopefully be able to represent Canada in it and win gold.”
A big tournament means a big spotlight, especially for goaltenders. There might not be a more pressure-packed job in all of hockey during those two weeks than the starting goaltender for Team Canada.
“The pressure is a privilege, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to,” Bjarnason said. “I’ll be able to handle it. I’m confident in my abilities to do so.”
Bjarnason has already represented Canada at the World Under-18s, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and the World Junior Summer Showcase so he’s sampled the international game. He views the rise in pace of play as good for both him and the Wheat Kings.
“It takes your game to another level, which is nice in the middle of the season,” he said. “It’ll be nice to be able to come back to Brandon and make that push to go further than the second or third round. We want to win it all.”
Bjarnason will be with the team through the coming weekend, but they’ll be on the road to Prince Albert and Saskatoon the next weekend without him. In his absence, Ethan Eskit will be the go-to guy. Both Bjarnason and the Wheat Kings have full faith in him.
“Every game I’ve watched him, he’s gotten better and better,” Bjarnason said. “His practice habits are definitely built solidly. That’s someone I’m definitely confident leaving our team with.”
Canada opens the World Juniors on Boxing Day against Finland at 6:30 Central Time.
