Team Canada Junior: Dale Hunter praises the merits of the man-to-man system

Félix Forget
Team Canada Junior: Dale Hunter praises the merits of the man-to-man system
Credit: Screenshot/Twitter

Since the start of the season, Martin St-Louis' defensive system has often been criticized. The coach is an adept of the man-to-man system, but with the club often giving away a lot of goals, his vision has often been called into question.

Even if, in reality, St-Louis didn't exactly invent anything: this system is used by many NHL clubs.

Over the next few days, we'll also see a new team using this system. Except that, in reality, it won't be in the Bettman circuit, but at the World Junior Championship.

Dale Hunter, coach of Team Canada Junior, was asked which system he would like to use… and the coach stated that he would opt for a man-to-man defense.

He also praised its merits.

In Hunter's eyes, this system is one that's easy to learn, which is important in view of the fact that his club will quickly have to learn to play together.

A big, complex system isn't exactly suited to guys who won't spend more than three weeks together.

And of course, it's interesting to make the links with the Habs, who are also banking on a young group that is still learning to play together. We have to wonder whether, like Hunter, St-Louis is trying to apply this system to facilitate the adaptation of his players.

Although this system has been in place in Montreal for several years now, and is clearly here to stay.

We'll see if the man-to-man system pays off for ÉCJ, who kick off their tournament tonight against the Czech Republic. It's a match not to be missed.


Overtime

– Calling all interested parties.

– That was something.

– Oh?

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