Edmonton Oilers Legacy - Overview of Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships

Canada did not win a gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championships during the 1970s. One reason is that while major junior club teams often represented Canada, most European countries sent national teams. Still, Canada won silver medals in 1975, 1976 and 1977, while capturing bronze in 1974 and 1978.

The tide began to turn for Canada's junior teams when Montreal played host to the event in 1978. The main attraction was the game between Canada and the eventual champions from the Soviet Union. Soviet defenceman Viacheslav Fetisov played against 16-year-old Wayne Gretzky, who would amass 104 points in 72 games the following season with the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association. The Great One collected 17 points in just six games to win the scoring derby and was named best forward. Unlike previous years, Canada iced a national team.

The 1980s: On Top of the World

Major junior club teams represented Canada at the first two tournaments. After a fifth-place finish in 1980 and a seventh-place showing the following year, the Canadian system would change dramatically.

Instead of sending a club team from the junior ranks, a national team would be chosen

from the best under-20 players the country offered. The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association determined that eligible players from colleges and universities should also be allowed to try out. The changes resulted in Canada winning the gold medal at the 1982 tournament in Minnesota. Calgary native and future Oilers' forward Mike Moller led the Canadians with 14 points. The national team format implemented in 1982 would become a permanent fixture.

Canada captured gold again in 1985 and 1988, while settling for silver in Hamilton in 1986. Canada brought home bronze in 1983.

Finland hosted 1985 the tournament, where Canada thumped the Soviet Union 5-0 en route to the title. The Canadian team included Jeff Beukeboom, who would later help the Oilers win three Stanley Cups. Future Oilers forward Esa Tikkanen helped Finland to a silver medal.

Canada went undefeated at the 1988 tournament in the Soviet Union. The pivotal game came when Canada edged the host nation 3-2 in Moscow. That was the only loss for the silver-winning Soviets.

Defenceman Greg Hawgood, who would play for the Oilers from 1991-93, led Canada with nine points. Calgary Flames prospect Theoren Fleury was second with eight points.