Gavin McKenna was critical of the officiating during their game vs. Team Czech Republic (Credits: Getty)
Team Canada ended their 2025 World Junior Championship run with a loss to Team Czechia in the quarterfinals. This marked the second consecutive year they were beaten in the QFs by the same opponents. Much of the Canadian team was frustrated with officiating, with young forward Gavin McKenna among those voicing his displeasure.
The referees for the game were Riku Brander from Finland and Sean MacFarlane from the USA. The most controversial officiating moment came in the first period when Canada's Cole Beaudoin was ejected for kneeing Czechia's Petr Sykora. Many believed the hit was clean and the Canadian team was unjustly penalized.
“I didn’t think it was a five-minute penalty,” Canadian coach Dave Cameron said.
With Canada trailing 3-2, McKenna took a hard hit from Czech center Miroslav Holinka and was down on the ice for some time. Despite the significant blow, no penalty was called on the Czechs, further frustrating the Canadian players and fans.
