In a move that sparked attention and provided a stage for young talents to shine, Hockey Canada decided to send their returning players home before the final two games of the World Junior Summer Showcase last week. This decision opened up opportunities for players vying for roster spots at the 2025 World Juniors in Ottawa to showcase their skills without being overshadowed by established veterans.
Among the rising stars who seized the spotlight were Spokane Chiefs centre Berkly Catton, Oshawa Generals power forward Calum Ritchie, and London Knights spark plug Denver Barkey. The trio made their presence felt in a thrilling match against Team USA in Plymouth, Michigan, where each player found the back of the net in a closely contested 5-4 shootout loss.
“I was really happy to play with both of them,” remarked Catton, reflecting on his chemistry with Ritchie and Barkey. “We all complemented each other in our own ways. Ritchie has the size and silk while me and Barks push the play. It was really fun.”
Despite facing deficits of 2-0, 3-2, and 4-3, the Catton line displayed resilience and determination, continuously pushing Canada back into the game. Ritchie, a first-round pick of the Colorado Avalanche in 2023, showcased his finesse by scoring a crucial goal to tie the game 4-4 late in the third period, earning praise from teammates and opponents alike.
“He’s super smart,” praised Barkey of Ritchie. “That’s why all three of us clicked together. We read off each other. He’s always in the right spots.”
Barkey, who plays with a larger-than-life intensity despite his 5-foot-9 stature, made his mark by scoring a pivotal goal to tie the game at 3-3 early in the third period. The Philadelphia Flyers third-round pick in 2023 capitalized on a moment of opportunity during an American power play, creating a 2-on-0 rush with Catton that led to a game-changing play.
“Fortunate enough the guy [Logan Hensler] kind of fanned on it,” recounted Barkey. “I just put it to an area. I know Berks is a really good skater so I put it into an area for him to skate into and I just skated my hardest backdoor. He gave me a great pass and luckily it trickled in.”
Despite being cut back in December at the final Hockey Canada selection camp, Barkey’s impressive performance against Team USA solidified his status as a player to watch moving forward.
“He’s a workhorse and he always seems to be in the right position,” acknowledged Catton. “He’ll be a guy you’ll probably see on this team come December.”
With the World Juniors on the horizon, the emergence of promising young talents like Catton, Ritchie, and Barkey serves as a testament to the depth and talent within Canada’s hockey development system. As the competition heats up and roster decisions loom, these players will undoubtedly continue to make their mark on the international stage.