Mitch Marner sounds off on Team Canada's performance

Not exactly a surprise, it will be Team Canada vying for their 20th gold medal when they take on Czechia in the championship game at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship Thursday night.

Canada advanced to the title game thanks to yesterday's 6-2 victory over the United States that also included a bit of controversy with two goals from the US called back for goaltender interference. Meanwhile, Czechia advanced with a dramatic overtime victory over Sweden. They'll be looking for their second victory over Canada, having already beaten them in an upset 5-2 victory in the tournament opener. 

For Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner, who has enjoyed some of the best hockey of his career this season on the ice, it will certainly be tough not being able to watch tonight, as he and his teammates have a job to do against the visiting Seattle Kraken (who will be without the services of Shane Wright, currently suiting up for Team Canada).

"Sucks tonight we don't get to watch the gold medal game for Canada," he said.

Of course, Marner would be remiss if he didn't offer his thoughts on the performance of phenom forward Connor Bedard, who is widely projected to be next year's top overall NHL Draft selection. 

"(Bedard) has been special," Marner said. "What a talent. How he finds the ice....a lot of skill, his shot is unreal. His work ethic, his compete on pucks has been great to watch."