Carter George looking to help pen Canada’s world junior redemption story

Carter George was unable, at least at first, to fully comprehend what had happened.

The Canadian goaltender played a role at last year's World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa, a tournament on home soil that looked like it could be a career highlight.

Instead, it has become a nightmare for the nation's capital.

Canada were eliminated at the quarter-final stage for the second time in 12 months with a disastrous performance that led to criticism from top to bottom and a subsequent overhaul of the program. Meanwhile, George has dusted himself off – a return with the Ontario Hockey League's Owen Sound Atka gave him an early boost – and is grateful for another chance at international stardom.

“I learned a lot about myself and how to handle situations like this,” the Thunder Bay, Ont., product said. “It was very frustrating and very difficult for the next week or so. This was not immediately realized. Once that happened, it was pretty tough back then.”

George topped the standings last year with a .936 save percentage, 1.76 goals-against average and two shutouts, but the goalie's teammates managed to beat opposing goalies just nine times in four games after a 4-0 win over Finland before quietly disappearing into the crisp January air.

An under-18 champion and second-round NHL draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings, George had never experienced anything close to the heartbreak of failing to even win a medal in the tournament he had attended since his minor hockey days.

“It’s a blessing to get a second chance,” the 19-year-old said. “Every guy in this room and the entire staff will do everything for us to win gold.”

Canada opens the round-robin tournament at its annual exhibition match Friday in Minneapolis against the Czech Republic, the team that ended all its hopes the last two years.

“Plays it right”

Alan Millar, general manager of the men's under-20 program, said there was a balance to George's approach.

“Plays the right way,” Millar said last week at training camp in Niagara Falls, Ont. “He has a really good mind for the game: he’s never too high and never too low.”

Star striker Gavin McKenna, who like George is one of six returning players from last year's squad, said the goalkeeper never wavers.

“In these high-stakes moments, you expect him to fold,” said the player many observers believe will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. “But he is always so calm, no matter the situation. It's hard to find.”

Mark Hunter, a member of Canada's management team and general manager of the OHL's London Knights, said George's ability to persevere through difficult moments stands out.

“Mature man,” Hunter said. “A guy who can perform at a level where it’s intense.”

George recorded a shutout and posted a .984 save percentage in two games with the Kings' minor league affiliate late last season before earning a 3-1 win for Los Angeles in a September preseason game.

“Getting to play professionally is very important for my career and my development,” he said. “Being able to be successful at this level allowed me to get some confidence back at this level.”

“I want to be the guy who can make saves in those big moments,” George added. “I want to make a save with 50 seconds left. I want to be the guy who shows up in the knockout games.”

Benefits of a good development season

The 6-foot-1, 182-pound George has a .899 save percentage and 3.12 goals-against average for Owen Sound in 2025-26 but is overall happy with his play in the OHL.

“We had a really hot start and have slowed down a little lately,” George said. “Although it wasn’t my best performance of the season, from a development point of view it was very good.”

Canadian head coach Dale Hunter, Mark's brother, has also seen George's work with Owen Sound first-hand, including in the playoffs last spring, as part of his day-to-day work as London's coach.

“Makes a big save,” Hunter said. “He’s a student of the game.”

George said life in the busy world of juniors is something he is better prepared for after last year's disappointment.

“Growing up watching the tournament, you see all the fans and the media,” he said. “But you don’t really know what it’s like until you live through that moment. I like to turn that pressure into excitement. It is extremely important for me to make the most of these opportunities – to stay here without worrying about outside noise.”

“It allowed me to be successful.”

Canada will once again count on its support.