When everything comes at the right time, who knows how to wait, we can say that Nathan Gaucher has not stolen the role he has played with Junior Team Canada since the Worlds began.

The Quebec Remparts center player, who made sporadic appearances at Edmonton last summer, often as a 13th striker, has established himself as a vital cog in the Canada team in the shadow of the team’s big guns.

“Honest and hardworking”

By the end of the four group stage games, he has three points in four games and averaged just over 14 minutes per game on the ice.

But his impact goes beyond the numbers, and he even served as a role model for head coach Dennis Williams at team briefings following Sunday’s 5-1 win over Sweden.

“I posted a ‘clip’ of yesterday’s game, there was 2:29 left and we had an attacking duel and were leading 5-1. We talk a lot with the players about how important it is to be resilient for 60 minutes or more in every game, that’s very important to us. In this sequence, Nathan hit our blue line while chasing the puck. We practice that a lot, but some players would have given up given the 5-1 result and the opponent’s slim chance of a comeback.

“We consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a player who is part of your leadership group and plays right for 60 minutes. He blocked shots and was very effective on penalties, especially on right faceoffs. He’s an honest and hardworking guy and we know that when he’s in his game, our team is in his game.”

trust, the key

After a role was cut last summer, the ECJ gave the Anaheim Ducks a major mandate from the start, naming him one of four assistants to Captain Shane Wright. His line partners have changed somewhat over time, but he has sat in the same chair as the team’s third center since the start of the competition.

“The confidence of a coach is high in a tournament like this. The longer the games go on, the better the teams get and I have to do my part. It’s going to be important to get that confidence and keep playing my style,” he believes.

On Saturday, Junior Team Canada prevailed against the Swedes in the style they have had for years, that of a fast and physical team. Tailored style for a right-handed person measuring 6ft 3in and 207lbs.

“He’s a great physical player and very intelligent,” said linemate Zack Ostapchuk. He is very good in the faceoff and a wrecking ball on the ice, in addition to his good individual skills. I love playing with him.”