TORONTO - Carter George has a one-song soundtrack playing in his head. Over and over.

The tune could be country, rap, rock or something entirely different — the goaltender doesn't discriminate.

Whatever is rattling around between George's ears, music plays a big part in his process. The 18-year-old is hoping it helps him capture gold with Canada at the 2025 world junior hockey championship.

George appears to have the inside track to get the nod as the country's starter when the hosts open their tournament Thursday against Finland.

"Means the world to be here," said the Thunder Bay, Ont., product. "I want to make the most of every opportunity."

It looks like George, who plays for the Ontario Hockey League's Owen Sound Attack, will get the first shot at the crease after putting up a combined .941 saves percentage in 100 minutes of exhibition action.

"Great guy," Canadian captain and Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager said following Wednesday's practice. "Always having fun, always smiling. Just brings energy up in the room. A guy that we can really trust."

Gavin McKenna, who won gold with George at the under-18 world championships, has no doubt his teammate is ready for one of the sport's most pressure-packed positions — being Canada's No. 1 at a major tournament.

"Calm and collected," said the 17-year-old forward expected to go first overall at the 2026 NHL draft. "Nothing gets in his head."

Except music.

George will pick a song every so often as part of his routine and sing it over and over — even when he's in the middle of the action.

"I don't know when it started," the Los Angeles Kings prospect said with a laugh following the Canada's Christmas Day skate. "I've pretty much done it my whole life. There's a video somewhere of me dancing to the music at one of my games when I was little."

Hockey Canada goaltending consultant Dan De Palma wasn't about to mess with George's recipe under the world juniors' bright lights.

"We talk a lot about, 'When you play your best, what do you do?'" said De Palma, who's also goalie coach for the Western Hockey League's Kamloops Blazers. "If it's before the game, video, on the ice — whatever it is — everybody's got something they do when they play their best.

"It's important to stick to that."

George, who was using "Ordinary Day" by Great Big Sea during pre-competition play ahead of the under-20 showcase, said whatever song is on repeat in his head at any given time helps him get re-centred.

"A way to go back to my roots," he said. "When I know I'm getting away from my game or I don't feel like I'm playing my game, just revert to the singing and focus on my breathing, calm myself down."

De Palma said the impression that goaltenders in hockey are "weird" — why would anyone want to stand in front of blistering slapshots? — is largely incorrect.

"They're routine-based," he said. "They know what works. They try and stay in the moment. You try and teach that to a lot of players, but for a goalie it's ultra-important."

The six-foot, 190-pound George doesn't have great numbers this season with the lowly Attack — a .905 save percentage and a 3.49 goals-against average — but De Palma said there's a lot to like about his skill set, including some elite puck-handling that was on display when he scored a goal in the OHL last month.

"You're just trying to look at their habits," De Palma said. "Who's playing the same way consistently? Who can do it no matter what's getting thrown at him? A chaotic game or a simple game … is it consistent?"

George has been consistent on the ice. Where inconsistency comes into play is the song he's jamming to as opponents bear down.

The tune could even change a few hours before puck drop.

"It switches lots throughout the season," George said. "I started with rock and switched to country. Then I went to rap for a bit. Then back to country. It's just all over the place.

"Legit whatever's stuck in my head."

And whatever gets the job done.

INJURY SCARE

Canadian winger Easton Cowan — on a 56-game point streak with the OHL's London Knights — took a tumble right as practice was starting following Canada's team picture.

The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect stayed down for over a minute before getting up gingerly after speaking with a trainer.

"Toe-picked," Cowan said with a chuckle. "Gotta learn how to skate, I guess. I'll be good."

CAMP MEMORIES

Canada held its training camp in Petawawa, Ont., and did a lot more than just practise and sign autographs.

Players and staff had the opportunity to experience life — including a helicopter ride — alongside military personnel at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

"Unreal," McKenna said. "Something I'll remember forever."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 25, 2024.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2024