Canada's McTavish named MVP of world juniors
Canadian captain Mason McTavish was voted MVP of the 2022 World Junior Hockey Championship after he led the tournament with eight goals, nine assists, and 17 points in seven games.
McTavish came up one point shy of tying the Canadian record, held by Dale McCourt (1977) and Brayden Schenn (2011).
The Anaheim Ducks' 2021 third-overall pick also made a tournament-saving defensive play when he scooped the puck off Canada's goal line in overtime of the gold-medal game. Teammate Kent Johnson scored the golden goal moments later.
The IIHF also announced the Directorate Awards and the Media All-Star Team.
IIHF Directorate Awards
| Award | Recipient | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Best goalie | Jesper Wallstedt | Sweden |
| Best defenseman | Kasper Puutio | Finland |
| Best forward | Mason McTavish | Canada |
Wallstedt likely would've carried Sweden to the gold-medal game had he received a bit more support. He finished with tournament bests in save percentage (.940) and goals against average (1.62) in five games.
Puutio, meanwhile, finished with four goals and three assists in seven contests.
Media All-Star Team
| Position | Player | Country |
|---|---|---|
| G | Jesper Wallstedt | Sweden |
| D | Olen Zellweger | Canada |
| D | Emil Andrae | Sweden |
| F | Mason McTavish | Canada |
| F | Joakim Kemell | Finland |
| F | Jan Mysak | Czechia |
Zellweger was superb for Canada, with his 11 points leading all defensemen and ranking third among all skaters.
Andrae's four goals were the most among blue-liners and tied for third-most among all skaters. He also added four helpers.
Kemell finished second in the tournament with 12 points and also scored the game-tying goal to force overtime in the final.
Mysak captained Czechia to an improbable upset over the United States in the quarters. He racked up five goals and three assists in seven games.