The World Junior’s started with Team Canada pulling off a 6-4 win over the US in a hard fought contest that one would expect them to drive forward, but that would soon change.

With the world of controversy surrounding Canada’s loss to Russia at the World Junior Hockey Championship we are hearing that it is going beyond the loss.

Given the controversy that surrounded the Colin Kaepernick issue where he refused to stand during the playing of the Antheum, now the hockey world discusses the recent 

Team Canada captain Barrett Hayton (6’1”) finally apologized for not removing his helmet during the Russian National Anthem at the 2020 World Juniors, but the damage was done.

Call it what you like, Canada was hammered in the loss leaving all teams in the A Pool with an identical record.

Regardless of the outcome the situation that caused all the controversy was during the post-game ceremony and even prior to the anthem being played.

Prior to it and after the players lined up on the respective blue lines Team Russia Captain Grigori Denisenko was seen approaching officials on the ice regarding the action of Team Canada Captain Barrett Hayton.

To no surprise his action or lack of had Twitter “rolling with criticism” all about Hayton whose conduct was more than professional and completely went against a longstanding tradition of respect.

Being honest this was more than disrespectful to the opposing team, the sport, the IIHF and Canadian Hockey.

One individual who used the handle of Vic mentioned “Disappointing and lack of class by the captain no less.”

Retired NHL player Devin Setoguchi who played 516 NHL games mentioned “Today Barrett Hayton, captain of Team Canada’s world junior hockey team, displayed one of the most embarrassing acts of character I have ever seen in hockey.” 

Following the anthem was played it was noted that several of the Russian players were shown on camera not shaking Hayton’s hand, which never really shocked anyone.

To no surprise and probably due to pressure from the team and possibly the hockey “brass” Hayton released a statement Saturday evening saying “lost in the moment” and his actions were “not intended to be disrespectful.”

He stated “My mistake should not detract from (the Russians’) win and I owe it to my team and all Canadians to be better” and to no shock Hockey Canada also apologized.

While this was front and centre in the media circles the concern for Canada is the loss of projected #1 NHL Draft Pick Alexis Lafreniere (18) who was forced to leave in the early part of the second while on the PP as he was cutting to the net.

He (Lafreniere) bumped Russian goalie Amir Miftakhov after being knocked somewhat off balance by defenceman Yegor Zamula — his left knee twisting awkwardly underneath him as he fell to the ice.

Canada’s next opponent is Team Germany on December 30th with a 3 pm face-off, which is followed by a December 31st tilt against the Czech Republic

The Canadians have played in one other game in the 2020 IIHF world junior championship so far earning a 6-4 win against the U.S.