WJC 2021: Five things we have learned after five days in Red Deer

3. Poor Austria

This hasn’t been a fun tournament for Austria.

Newly-promoted, this was an exciting time for the country but, instead, it has proved to be a nightmare with the Austrians just not very competitive.

They’ve allowed 22 goals against and scored just one in three games, while they have given up a grand total of 188 shots in just three games.

Yeah, not great Bob to coin a popular phrase from Mad Men.

Those poor, poor goalies too.

It has led to a surge of discussion on social media around whether smaller countries should be allowed to take part in the World Juniors in order to avoid too many one-sided contests.

However, it is important to remember that the magical thing about this tournament is that it gives young hopefuls a chance to showcase their talents on the biggest stage.

So, while losing and being dominated every game can’t be easy or fun, just think of the memories those Austrian players are making right now, and how better they will be for testing themselves against elite opposition.

That alone is proof why the current format shouldn’t be tampered with, and Austria will be better for this experience going forward, including star forward Marco Rossi who was drafted ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.