Michael Misa, a talented center from Oakville, Ontario, has a history of scoring goals. He wrapped up the previous season in the Ontario Hockey League with an impressive 134 points in 65 games. The San Jose Sharks selected him as the second overall pick in the NHL draft held in June. Despite starting strong with his first professional goal, Misa faced a setback due to an ankle injury in early November, sidelining him for a month.
Currently, Misa is aiming to contribute to Canada’s quest for gold at the world junior hockey championship. In the tournament, he has managed just one assist in victories against the Czech Republic and Latvia. The 19-year-old, who usually centers Canada’s top line alongside Tij Iginla and Porter Martone, acknowledges the need to step up his game on the international platform.
While Misa has been averaging significant ice time, he feels there is room for improvement in his performance. He admits that building chemistry with his teammates is essential, especially when facing opponents with more cohesive playstyles. Assistant coach Gardiner MacDougall emphasized the importance of Misa gaining more experience and refining his skills for better on-ice results.
Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, Misa highlighted the need to focus on generating more shots on goal rather than intricate plays. MacDougall echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of making strategic plays to secure victories. Canada is determined to reclaim its position at the top after facing disappointing exits in previous tournaments.
Looking ahead, Canada is gearing up to face Denmark in the upcoming game. Despite a dominating victory in a pre-tournament match against Denmark, the team remains cautious and focused on the task at hand. Misa, who contributed two assists in the exhibition game against Denmark, emphasized the need for the team to stay grounded and give their best effort in every match.
As the competition progresses, Misa continues to strive for better performances and aims to make a significant impact on the ice. The coaching staff, including MacDougall, is dedicated to guiding the team towards success and instilling a winning mentality among the players. The players, in turn, appreciate MacDougall’s energy and leadership, recognizing his proven track record in coaching success.