"Fire everyone, never bring back Dave Cameron": Hockey Canada brass face fans ire after Canada's second-straight World Juniors elimination by Czechia

For the second consecutive year, Hockey Canada's bid for the World Junior Hockey Championship title came to an abrupt end with a quarterfinal loss to Czechia. On Thursday, Team Canada suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Czechia at the Canadian Tire Centre, eliminating it from medal contention.

This marks the first time since 1980 that Hockey Canada will not compete for a medal in back-to-back World Juniors. Both Czechia and Canada entered the quarterfinals on the heels of losses in their final preliminary-round games. Czechia fell 4-2 to Sweden on Tuesday, while Canada lost 4-1 to the U.S. on Tuesday night.

In a disappointing reversal of fortunes, Czechia, which had won bronze at the previous year's tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden, and had eight returning players, avenged its 3-2 preliminary round loss to Canada on Dec. 23.

Thursday's defeat has sparked widespread disappointment among Canadian fans, with many taking to social media to express their frustration and disillusionment after watching their team fall short for the second consecutive year, this time on home ice in front of 18,254 supporters.

"That was absolutely pathetic y’all should be ashamed of yourself, we expected a hell of a lot more," wrote one fan.

"Worst team in Canadian history? Worst coach in Canadian history? Worst captain in Canadian history?" reacted another.

"Great job Hockey Canada. You just made history with two back to back quarter final losses. What a joke! The ones making the decisions need to move on to another sport," one posted.

The Canadian team's lack of preparation and discipline was evident throughout the tournament, leaving fans frustrated and disappointed. The criticism has been widespread, with fans targeting coach Dave Cameron, Scott Salmond, Vice-President of Hockey Canada, and Peter Anholt, the management group lead.

However, Cameron has borne the brunt of the criticism, particularly for canceling multiple practice sessions, including one following the team's loss to the U.S.

When questioned about the decision, Cameron told The New York Times:

"Because we're exhausted... There's no system for tired hockey players."

This explanation has only fueled the ire of fans, who have taken to social media to express their discontent.

"fire Dave Cameron and the selection committee for this team. The players were set up for failure from the beginning," noted one fan.

"Fire everyone, never bring back Dave Cameron," exclaimed another.

"Now fire everyone from top to bottom. Next time choose the best players, no matter what league they play in," wrote another fan.

World Juniors Heartbreak: Adam Jecho's Late Power-Play Goal Spoils Hockey Canada's Comeback Attempt

Czechia vs. Canada: Quarterfinals - 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship - Source: Getty

Team Canada suffered a 4-3 loss to Czechia at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday, marking its elimination from the 2025 World Juniors Championship. The Czechs dominated the hosts from the outset, scoring just 43 seconds into the game and again with 2.4 seconds left in the first period.

Tanner Howe's shorthanded effort tied the game at one midway through the first period, but Jakub Stancl, who eliminated Canada last year with a last-minute shot, restored the visitors' lead. The hosts equalized with Bradly Nadeau's goal with 4:18 left in the third period. However, 18-year-old forward Adam Jecho's power-play goal with 39 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner.

This quarterfinal loss to Czechia marks the second consecutive year that Hockey Canada's bid for the World Junior Hockey Championship has ended abruptly. Notably, this is only the second time since 1979-1980 that Canada has failed to advance to the medal games at two consecutive World Juniors.