World Juniors: Remembering the 2005 “All-Star” team

December 17, 2014

By Mark Nadolny

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Every year the IIHF World Junior Championship gives us a glimpse at tomorrow’s superstars and Olympians, many of whom are proud to wear the red Maple Leaf on the front of their jerseys.

When Team Canada steps onto the ice on Boxing Day we will we be looking at the future of Canadian hockey, as well as the future of the NHL.

Over the years, Canada has had a long history of fielding teams that are powered by top-level goal scorers and playmakers. However, one Canadian World Juniors roster stands out among the rest.

To this day, the 2005 squad is still widely considered the best Team Canada, and possibly the best team ever, at a World Junior Tournament. If this year’s team is looking for a group from the past to emulate, then they should get their notepads ready and watch as much game film of the 2005 team as they can.

Let’s take a look back!

The “All-Star” Team of 2005

Back in 2005, the world watched in amazement as an impressive batch of Canadian stars stole the show. Thanks to the NHL lockout, several players who should have been playing professionally were able to join the national U-20 team for the World Juniors (see below for full roster).

Team members sing O’ Canada after winning gold at the 2005 World Juniors (Photo: CP)

The biggest star of them all was a kid named Sidney Crosby, who was only 17 years-old and had yet to be drafted 1st overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Other notables included team captain Mike Richards, leading goal-scorer Jeff Carter, and leading scorer and tournament MVP Patrice Bergeron. When he joined the team, Bergeron had already played a full NHL season and helped Team Canada win gold at the 2004 World Championship.

Barring another lockout, will we ever see another under-20 team with such talented players? Let us know what you think on Twitter or Facebook.

Coming off a heart-breaking loss in the gold medal game in 2004, the team had a lot to prove, and prove they did. They outscored their opponents 41-7 during their six games, including a 6-1 pounding of Alexander Ovechkin and the Russians in the final en route to capturing the gold medal. Their win kicked off a streak of 5 straight World Juniors where Canada took home the top prize.

The 2005 team was as deep as any team that Canada, and possibly anyone, has ever sent to the World Juniors. Here is a look at some interesting facts as well as the full team roster:

Signs of a super team

• Seven players were a part of Canada’s 2010 or 2014 Olympic gold medal-winning teams: Patrice Bergeron, Jeff Carter, Sidney Crosby, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Mike Richards, Brent Seabrook, and Shea Weber.
• Nine players have won at least one Stanley Cup: Patrice Bergeron, Jeff Carter (2), Sidney Crosby (3), Colin Fraser (3), Ryan Getzlaf, Andrew Ladd (2), Corey Perry, Mike Richards (2), and Brent Seabrook (3).
• Patrice Bergeron, Sidney Crosby and Corey Perry are all part of the Triple Gold Club (Olympic gold, World Championships gold, and a Stanley Cup).
• Only two players never played an NHL game: Stephen Dixon and Réjean Beauchemin.
• In six games played, Canada’s leading scorers were: Patrice Bergeron – 13 Points (5G, 8A), Ryan Getzlaf – 12 Points (3G, 9A), Jeff Carter – 10 Points (7G, 3A), and Sidney Crosby – 9 Points (6G, 3A).
• Goaltender Jeff Glass won all five of his starts, posting a 1.40 GAA and .922 SV%. In his only appearance of the tournament, Réjean Beauchemin stopped all 17 shots that he faced for the shutout.
• Three players were named to the tournament’s all-star team: Patrice Bergeron, Jeff Carter and Dion Phaneuf

Patrice Bergeron, centre, celebrates a goal with teammates Sidney Crosby, left, and Shawn Belle (Photo: CP)

Team Canada huddles before a preliminary game vs Finland at the 2005 World Juniors (Photo: CP)

Corey Perry celebrates a goal during the 2005 World Juniors (Photo: CP)

Jeff Carter dives into the crease to score vs the Czechs in the semifinal (Photo: CP)

Patrice Bergeron scores on the Czechs during the semifinal (Photo: CP)

Nigel Dawes puts a puck past the Czech goalie during their semifinal (Photo: CP)

SidneyCrosby, right, celebrates a goal with Patrice Bergeron and Corey Perry during the 2005 World Juniors (Photo: CP)

Anthony Stewart scores on the Russians in the final (Photo: CP)

Goalie Jeff Glass races to celebrate the gold medal win with his teammates (Photo: CP)

Anthony Stewart (12) lands on the top of the pile as the team celebrates their gold medal victory over Russia (Photo: CP)

Sidney Crosby, centre, and captain Mike Richards, right, celebrate their gold medal win at the 2005 World Juniors (Photo: CP)

Captain Mike Richards hoists the trophy after winning gold at the 2005 World Juniors (Photo: CP)

Dion Phaneuf celebrates with the trophy after their gold medal win at the 2005 World Juniors (Photo: CP)

Team Canada celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia in the 2005 World Juniors gold medal game (Photo: CP)

Patrice Bergeron, left, Sidney Crosby, centre, and Corey Perry celebrate their 2005 World Junior Championship gold medal (Photo: CP)

The team poses with the trophy after winning gold at the 2005 World Juniors (Photo: CP)

2005 Team Roster

Forwards: Patrice Bergeron, Jeff Carter, Jeremy Colliton, Sidney Crosby, Nigel Dawes, Stephen Dixon, Colin Fraser, Ryan Getzlaf, Andrew Ladd, Clarke MacArthur, Corey Perry, Mike Richards, Anthony Stewart
Defensemen: Cam Barker, Shawn Belle, Braydon Cobourn, Dion Phaneuf, Brent Seabrook, Danny Syvret, Shea Weber
Goalies: Jeff Glass, Réjean Beauchemin
Head Coach: Brent Sutter

Hopefully this year’s squad can take some notes from 2005 and kick off another 5-year reign. GO TEAM CANADA!