There will not be much experience in the Canadian group preparing to take part in the 2024 World Junior Championships, as only one player can boast of winning the gold medal in the last presentation of the competition: Canadian junior Owen Beck from Montreal.

Although he has never worn the Maple Leaf at the U20 Championship, defenseman Tristan Luneau can count on his seven games in the National Hockey League to boost his confidence.

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“We talked about that,” the Victoriaville native told the league’s official website during selection camp. It was a short interview, but they want me to bring my experience on the ice to take on a leadership role.”

During his time with the Anaheim Ducks, the team’s 2022 second-round pick took advantage of the opportunity to work on his defensive game.

“I have been working on being more difficult to confront and being good defensively to always put my body in a good position against opposing attackers,” the right-back added. I think those are the main areas I’ve improved in my NHL game. »

Even though he worked primarily in situations without the puck, the young man held his own offensively, scoring a goal and three points with the California team.

Return to the QMJHL

According to NHL.com, the Quebec native was the most experienced skater of the group on the Bettman circuit prior to the arrival of Matthew Poitras from the Boston Bruins. He took part in 27 duels in the league this season.

If it is confirmed that the forward will return to Massachusetts after the competition, Luneau will move to the QMJHL. It remains to be seen which team he will return to the junior ranks with, but he would potentially play with the Tigers in his hometown.

Canada will attempt to win a third consecutive gold medal for the first time since 2009. The first challenge for head coach Alan Letang’s team will be against the Finns on Tuesday morning.