Hage didn't have exactly what they were looking for.
There were some surprises when Canada announced their 2025 World Junior camp roster. I’ve been writing about the World Juniors for over 20 years and each time the outrage is the same as far as roster construction. Canada is loaded with options for their “team” and that’s what it is. A team. Players have to play certain roles, ask Cale Makar. So when I saw Michael Hage wasn’t selected, I didn’t view it as a snub.
Canada has so many options in the middle. Too many, and that’s normal. I was more surprised that Tij Iginla wasn’t invited if I’m being honest. Every player they left off their list is having a solid year, like Hage, but it’s how all the pieces fit. That’s the puzzle. A team of all-stars doesn’t usually win this tournament.
Hage is a very good player. But after you move some centers to the wing, is he really in the best position to steal a top-nine job? I think we can all agree, having Hage on the bench or on the fourth line isn’t good. You want to put players in the best position to succeed and help them win.
The head coaches will select one or two of “their” players. That’s the norm. I’m not saying it’s right but it's what happens on a lot of these teams.
Hage needs to get physically stronger and if you ask me, that’s what is keeping him off this team besides the numbers game. He lays an occasional hit but he loses puck battles. Beckett Senecke hits more often, but he loses the same percentage of puck battles. I think this is a big reason.
Canada does what Canada does. If they strike gold, nobody complains. If they don’t, there will be a lot of finger-pointing.