McKenna: Canada wants to prove doubters wrong vs. Czechia

Team Canada forward Gavin McKenna is eager to prove detractors wrong ahead of a quarterfinal showdown with Czechia at the World Junior Hockey Championships on Thursday night.

"We got some people in our own country doubting us, so I don't know. Just want to prove them wrong," McKenna told TSN's Mark Masters.

Canada lost two games in the preliminary round, including a 4-1 loss to the United States on New Year's Eve. The Canadians also suffered a shocking upset defeat at the hands of Latvia in a shootout. Canada mustered only 10 goals across four preliminary-round games.

Critics have come out in droves amid Canada's struggles, with many pointing to questionable roster decisions and deployment from head coach Dave Cameron.

"I've been trying my best to stay away from it," McKenna said of paying attention to the criticism. "Honestly, for me, it doesn't really get to me. It kind of fuels me a little bit."

McKenna scored one goal with zero assists on 17 shots in the preliminary round.