Matt Dumba: ”We´re shooting for gold”

At the U18 World Championships, Canada doesn’t always have access to its top players because of the ongoing Canadian Hockey League playoffs. This year, they are fortunate enough to have Matt Dumba, whose Red Deer Rebels failed to qualify for the post-season. Red Deer’s loss is Canada’s gain, but don’t expect the members of Team Canada to feel like participating in this tournament is a consolation prize. In fact, says Dumba, on a team that is thrown together at the last minute, it can be a rallying point.

“That’s a common experience we have,” says the sixth player on the International Scouting Services most recent rankings for for this year’s NHL Entry Draft. “We’ve all got something to prove out there, so it’s something that can bring us together as a collective with a common goal, and that’s the gold medal.

“We all want our teams to be in the playoffs and to go as far as we can. But for all of us, this is another opportunity to get out and play and showcase our skills.”

Of course, all players here want to showcase their skills for the large number of scouts in attendance. Dumba acknowledges that the players all know they’re there, but says it’s not a distraction.

“Sure, they’re there but it’s not something that distracts from your focus on the team. Playing individually doesn’t impress anybody. We’ve got to check the egos at the door and play for Team Canada.”

So far, Dumba has led all tournament scorers with 8 points, with a number of them coming on the power play, where he quarterbacks Canada’s top unit. According to Dumba, the importance of power plays are a key to the international game because of the way it’s officiated.

“Back home in the CHL, (the officiating) is a bit more relaxed. Not as many calls,” he explains. “Here there are things that maybe we think are borderline that get called, so we gotta stay disciplined and stay out of the box, because special teams can decide the game.”

Though he doesn’t turn 18 until July, Dumba already has experience playing internationally and in the Czech Republic, as he was a member of the Canadian team that won the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Breclav last August. That, along with his apparent leadership skills, makes him a natural choice to be team captain. He knew heading in the adjustments that would have to be made playing here, both on and off the ice.

“The first thing is recovering from jet-lag after the long flight over. Staying hydrated and eating right and getting yourself ready to play quickly. It’s tough with the full day of flying and adjusting to the eight-hour time change.

“For this competition, we have to work hard every game. The Europeans use the ice so well, so we have to keep our feet moving and be ready to play that gritty game.”

Canada finished third place in Group A, which means their road to the gold-medal game now goes through Russia and the United States. However, as Dumba says, you can never count Canada out, due to the pride that comes with wearing the jersey.

“It’s always a great feeling to put on the Canadian jersey when you know the history behind Team Canada. Whenever we step into tournaments like this, we’re shooting for gold.”