Life in the world of hockey can change quickly. A few weeks after being relegated to the American League, Shane Wright is brimming with confidence as the World Junior Hockey Championship draws near.
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Despite being only 18, Wright disappointed early in the season and quickly fell into the bad favor of Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol.
Seven games and a small assist later, the fourth overall pick from the final draft was loaned out to the Coachella Valley Firebirds to allow him to orient himself. And it seems to have worked beautifully.
“I think I’m starting to gain momentum. The two weeks at Coachella really helped my confidence and scored my first goal in the National Hockey League. [LNH] gave me a nudge,” Wright told TSN, referring to his net at the expense of the Montreal Canadiens, which was won on Dec. 6.
“I have the experience of an NHL player,” he added. At the World Juniors I want to be able to share my luggage with my teammates. I want to be a role model and do everything to lead the team to a gold medal.”
This is the young Ontario forward’s first appearance in this annual classic. He didn’t hesitate when he received approval from the Kraken’s staff.
“Any time you can represent Canada at a competition, you have to seize that opportunity,” Wright said. It gives one of the best sensations in the world. Doing that on Canadian soil is all the more special.”
Special teammates
On paper, the Canadian team’s 2022 edition is full of talent. As well as finding 19-year-old gems like Dylan Guenther, Logan Stankoven and Brennan Othmann, she can count on the two players who will shed the most ink for the next auction, Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli.
Wright was also very impressed with the performance of this player, whose rating has steadily increased since the start of the season.
“Fantilli is so dynamic,” he said. His skating is so explosive, as are his hands and his shot. He is also not afraid of physical play. It has a large frame, is robust and intelligent at the same time.
For Wright there is no doubt that the Canadian team is special. Finally, he praised the conviviality that prevails within the group.
“I think we get along very well. The team is tightly bonded. We have a very good group and a great culture so I’m really excited as the tournament approaches.