Carter George was unable, at least initially, to fully process what had unfolded.
The ºÃÉ«tv goaltender did his part at last year's world junior hockey championship in Ottawa — a tournament on home soil that looked poised to be a career highlight.
It instead turned into a nation's capital nightmare.
Canada crashed out at the quarterfinal stage for a second time in 12 months with a disastrous performance that resulted in top-to-bottom criticism and a subsequent program overhaul. George, meanwhile, dusted himself off — getting back with the Ontario Hockey League's Owen Sound Attack provided an early boost — and is thankful for another crack at international glory.
"I learned lots about myself and lots about how to handle those kinds of situations," said the Thunder Bay, Ont., product. "It was frustrating and super difficult that next week and a bit. It didn't really sink in right away. Once it did, that's when it was pretty tough."
George topped last year's tournament field with a .936 save percentage, 1.76 goals-against average and two shutouts, but the netminder's teammates found a way through the oppositions' goalies just nine times in four games after a 4-0 victory over Finland before fading quietly into the crisp January air.
A champion at the under-18 level and a second-round draft pick of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, George had never experienced anything like the soul-crushing heartbreak of failing to even make the medal round at an event he had circled since minor hockey.
"It's a blessing to be able to get a second chance," said the 19-year-old. "Every guy in that room and all the staff is going to do anything to make sure we win gold."
Canada opens round-robin action at the annual showcase Friday in Minneapolis against Czechia — the team that ended its hopes the last two years.
Alan Millar, the general manager of the men's under-20 program, said there's a poise in George's approach.
"Plays the right way," Millar said last week at training camp in Niagara Falls, Ont. "He's got a real good mind for the game in terms of never too high, never too low."
Star forward Gavin McKenna, who like George is one of six returnees from last year's roster, said the goaltender never wavers.
"In those high-stakes moments, you might expect him to fold," said the player many observers expect to go No. 1 at the 2026 NHL draft. "But he's always just so calm, no matter the situation. It's hard to come by."
Mark Hunter, part of Canada's management group and GM of the OHL's London Knights, said George's ability to push through in difficult moments stands out.
"A mature person," Hunter said. "A guy that can perform at a level when it's intense."
George registered a shutout and put up a .984 save percentage in two games with the Kings' minor-league affiliate at the end of last season before picking up a 3-1 victory for L.A. in September pre-season action.
"Huge for my career and my development to get pro games," he said. "Being able to be successful at that level allowed me to bring back a little bit of confidence to this level."
"I want to be the guy to make saves in those big moments," George added. "I want to make the save with 50 seconds left. I want to be the guy to show up in the elimination games."
The six-foot-one, 182-pound George owns an .899 save percentage and 3.12 GAA for middle-of-the-pack Owen Sound in 2025-26, but has been pleased with his overall performance in the OHL.
"We had a really hot start and kind of slowed down recently," George said. "Although it hasn't been my best season-numbers wise, it's been very good development-wise."
ºÃÉ«tv head coach Dale Hunter, Mark's brother, has also seen George's work first-hand with Owen Sound, including in last spring's playoffs as part of his day job leading London.
"Makes the big save," Hunter said. "He's a student of the game."
George said life in the pressure-packed world junior spotlight is something he's better prepared for after last year's disappointment.
"Growing up watching the tournament, you see all the fans and media," he said. "But you don't actually know what it feels like until you're in that moment. I like to turn that pressure into excitement. Making the most of those opportunities is critical for me — staying present, not worrying about outside noise.
"That's allowed me to be successful."
Canada will be banking on its backstop once again standing tall.
This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Dec. 22, 2025.
