Ontario will launch its open market for private, regulated operators to offer single-event sports betting this spring, iGaming Ontario (iGO) announced Friday.

Private gaming operators that have registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and have executed an operating agreement with iGO can begin offering their games to players in the province on April 4, as per the release.

"Consumers can be assured that companies who successfully enter the new Ontario market will have met rigorous standards of game and operator integrity, fairness, player protections and social responsibility, allowing all players to play with confidence," Martha Otton, iGO executive director, said in a prepared statement. "Prevention of underage access, ensuring compliance with applicable laws including anti-money laundering rules and regulations, and measures to enable more responsible gambling are just a few of the assurances consumers can expect in the new market as of April 4."

Residents in Canada's largest province aged 19+ will be able to place legal wagers through private, regulated operators on professional sports in time for such marquee events as the NHL and NBA playoffs, and golf's Masters Tournament.

Ontario's population of nearly 15 million is larger than all but four U.S. states (California, Texas, Florida, and New York).

The Canadian federal government cleared the way for private, legal single-game sports betting with the passage of Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, in the Senate of Canada in June.

Previously, single-game sports betting had been legal in the country but only via parlay wagers. Canadians will now have the ability to bet on single-game matches across sports (excluding horse racing), with the government set to collect taxes on estimated billions of dollars currently being wagered illegally.

Tap here to sign up and receive updates on when theScore's sportsbook, theScore Bet, will go live in Ontario (19+).

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This is the eighth edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2020-21 season. Check back for updated rankings every second Monday during the regular season.

In this edition, we look at the most unheralded player on each team: The guys who make their teams go but just don't get talked about as much as they deserve.

1. Florida Panthers (26-7-5)

Previous rank: 4

The Panthers are locked and loaded with talent throughout their lineup, but Carter Verhaeghe deserves more recognition. With a $1-million cap hit this season, he might be one of the NHL's most valuable contracts. He ranks third on the team with 31 points and has also chipped in 13 goals.

2. Carolina Hurricanes (25-8-2)

Previous rank: 1

Jordan Staal's career-high 29 goals came during his rookie season, so it feels like a bulk of the hockey community views his career with some disappointment. But he's easily one of the game's best defensive centers and the perfect captain to embody what head coach Rod Brind'Amour preaches.

3. Colorado Avalanche (24-8-3)

Previous rank: 9

Cale Makar gets all the love for his flashy plays and highlight-reel moves, but Devon Toews is quietly trucking along as one of the best defensemen in the NHL. He's playing at over a point-per-game pace with 26 points in 24 contests and ranks second on the team with a 59.0 expected goals for percentage at five-on-five.

4. Tampa Bay Lightning (26-9-5)

Previous rank: 3

Ondrej Palat is rarely a part of the discussion when it comes to what makes the back-to-back champs so dangerous. The veteran forward was sensational while the Lightning battled through injuries to their big-ticket stars. He ranks second on Tampa Bay with 15 goals.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs (24-9-3)

Previous rank: 5

David Kampf's 15.8% offensive zone start percentage is the lowest in the NHL among qualified skaters. However, despite the circumstances, he's posted relatively solid possession metrics (49.1% expected goals share). He's not flashy offensively, but Kampf has been exactly what Toronto needs out of a shutdown third-line center: Someone to do the dirty work and free up Auston Matthews and John Tavares for more offensive opportunities.

6. Pittsburgh Penguins (22-10-5)

Previous rank: 8

Teddy Blueger has been excellent for the Penguins this season. He was forced into a prominent role earlier in the year with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin out, but he's now settled into his shutdown role. He performs that as well as any bottom-six center in the league.

7. New York Rangers (25-10-4)

Previous rank: 6

Adam Fox now rightly gets the attention he deserves, but his partner, Ryan Lindgren, flies under the radar. The 23-year-old has been a perfect steadying, defensive presence alongside Fox and is easily the team's best left-handed blue-liner.

8. Minnesota Wild (22-10-2)

Previous rank: 11

The Wild as a whole are unheralded, but Ryan Hartman's year to date deserves singling out. The 27-year-old journeyman leads Minnesota with 16 tallies and is one point away from matching a career-high 31.

9. Boston Bruins (22-11-2)

Previous rank: 17

Jeremy Swayman got the short end of the stick once Tuukka Rask returned. He's unfortunately stuck in the minors for the foreseeable future after proving he belongs in the NHL by posting a .918 save percentage in 16 appearances while sharing starting duties with Linus Ullmark. His contributions while in the lineup can't be forgotten as Boston heats up.

10. Washington Capitals (21-9-9)

Previous rank: 2

Dmitry Orlov is an elite blue-liner whose contributions in the defensive zone often go overlooked when dissecting what makes the Capitals successful year after year. He leads all regular Washington defensemen in five-on-five goals against per 60, shot attempts against per 60, and expected goals per 60.

11. Nashville Predators (24-12-3)

Previous rank: 12

The Preds are full of options after a surprising start - they even had two entrants on our All-Nobody Team - but we'll go with Alexandre Carrier. Nashville churns out young defensemen better than any other organization, and Carrier, a fourth-rounder in 2015, is the latest example. The 5-foot-11 rearguard plays much bigger than his size and has been a staple in the club's top four this season.

12. St. Louis Blues (22-11-5)

Previous rank: 10

Ville Husso has only appeared in nine games so far this season but has been fantastic as the Blues' backup goaltender. His .935 save percentage is second among all goalies with at least nine appearances. With Jordan Binnington struggling as of late, it wouldn't be surprising if St. Louis turns to Husso more often as the season goes on.

13. Vegas Golden Knights (23-14-2)

Previous rank: 7

Zach Whitecloud is blossoming into a legitimate top-four defender on the Golden Knights' right side. The 25-year-old is averaging the most ice time (19:01) of his career by a significant margin and leads all Vegas blue-liners with a 57.41% expected goals rate at even strength. The six-year, $16.5-million extension he signed in October is starting to look like a steal.

14. Los Angeles Kings (20-13-5)

Previous rank: 19

One of the biggest surprises of the Kings' season so far has been Jonathan Quick's resurgence. After a few years of subpar play, the 35-year-old has been playing his best hockey in a while with a .921 save percentage and league-leading 12.1 goals saved above average at five-on-five.

15. Winnipeg Jets (17-12-5)

Previous rank: 18

Andrew Copp is on pace to shatter his offensive career bests across the board and sits fourth on the Jets in scoring. He picked a good year to break out, too, considering he's an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

16. Dallas Stars (18-15-2)

Previous rank: 20

More people need to be talking about Jason Robertson. He's now played 82 career games and has 78 points. He's leading the Stars with both a 64.2 expected goals for percentage and a 60.99 Corsi For rating. He's quietly been among the league's best since entering the league but hasn't gotten the recognition he deserves.

17. Anaheim Ducks (19-15-7)

Previous rank: 14

Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras occupy most of the spotlight for the surprising Ducks, but Sonny Milano is putting together a brilliant year and is one of Anaheim's top contributors. The 16th overall pick from 2014 has notched 25 points in 35 games.

18. Calgary Flames (17-11-6)

Previous rank: 13

It appears Oliver Kylington has arrived. The 24-year-old rearguard has more points than any other Flames defenseman with 19 and is playing four minutes more per game than he's averaged to this point in his career. Kylington has always had a high ceiling, and it looks like this is the year he's finally put it all together.

19. Vancouver Canucks (17-18-3)

Previous rank: 15

Conor Garland ranks third on the Canucks in points but is 10th in average ice time. The feisty winger appears to be underrated both on a league-wide scale and within his own organization.

20. Edmonton Oilers (18-15-2)

Previous rank: 16

The Oilers are still struggling to get production from many of their players, but Jesse Puljujarvi is continuing to trend upward after revitalizing his career with the club last season. His 25 points in 33 games ranks fourth on the team, and he's been a great complementary piece in Edmonton's top six at the low cost of $1.175 million.

21. San Jose Sharks (20-17-2)

Previous rank: 21

Brent Burns has been doing some heavy lifting in San Jose this season, averaging 25:59 minutes of ice time per game, fourth-most in the NHL. He might not be the offensive juggernaut or top defenseman he once was, but his 26 points are still good for 11th among all blue-liners. Not bad for a soon-to-be 37-year-old.

22. New York Islanders (11-13-6)

Previous rank: 26

Adam Pelech doesn't rack up points, but he's exceptional defensively. He might've even made Team Canada if NHLers ended up going to the Olympics.

23. Detroit Red Wings (17-17-5)

Previous rank: 24

Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider are rightfully getting most of the attention for the Red Wings this year thanks to their great rookie seasons so far, but Dylan Larkin looks like he's back on track with 34 points in 34 games after a rough last season.

24. Columbus Blue Jackets (17-18-1)

Previous rank: 23

Alexandre Texier is tied for second on the Blue Jackets with 11 goals and is on track for the most productive season of his young career despite averaging less than 15 minutes per night. His 2.51 all situations points per 60 ranks third among Columbus forwards.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (15-18-5)

Previous rank: 25

The Seth Jones trade was relentlessly mocked as an overpayment, and while many still feel the same way today, the 27-year-old has ignored critics and quietly put together a quality debut season in the Windy City. Jones is third on the team with 25 points in 35 games while logging a whopping 25:54 per night.

26. New Jersey Devils (14-18-5)

Previous rank: 27

Jesper Bratt may lead the Devils with 32 points in 34 games, but it still feels like he's very unheralded around the league. His 58.2 xGF% also leads the Devils by a whopping 4%.

27. Philadelphia Flyers (13-17-7)

Previous rank: 22

Cam Atkinson has proven to be a nice addition. He clearly can't cure what ails the underachieving Flyers on his own, but he leads the club with 15 goals and is second with 28 points.

28. Ottawa Senators (11-18-2)

Previous rank: 28

The Senators' blue line has been a disaster at times this season, but Artem Zub has been one of the few steadying presences. He trails only noted workhorse Thomas Chabot in average ice time at 21:59.

29. Buffalo Sabres (11-20-6)

Previous rank: 30

Kyle Okposo is authoring a renaissance year with a team-leading 23 points in 35 games. It's a welcome development for the veteran sniper, who was sidelined by an unfortunate string of injuries for each of the past two seasons.

30. Arizona Coyotes (8-24-4)

Previous rank: 32

Karel Vejmelka deserves a tip of the cap. He gets pelted with rubber every night on one of the worst teams on paper in recent memory, but he's posted a respectable .906 save percentage. It's his first season playing in North America, too.

31. Seattle Kraken (10-23-4)

Previous rank: 29

Jamie Oleksiak is 6-foot-7, skates well, can play both sides, and has posted superb underlying metrics this season. He's a player almost every team in the league wishes they had.

32. Montreal Canadiens (7-24-5)

Previous rank: 31

There isn't much to like about the Canadiens' season so far, but Alexander Romanov deserves more credit than he's getting. He's in just his second season, but the 22-year-old has taken on a much bigger role with the Canadiens due to their thin blue line. It's been rough at times for him, but overall he continues to show immense promise in his development.

(Analytics sources: Evolving-Hockey, Natural Stat Trick)

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This is the seventh edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2021-22 season. Check back for updated rankings every second Monday during the regular season.

In this edition, we make a New Year's resolution for each team in 2022.

1. Carolina Hurricanes (23-7-1)

Previous rank: 1st

Get Andrei Svechnikov some confidence. After a blistering October in which the dynamic winger potted seven goals in as many games, Svechnikov has only found the back of the net three times since. If he gets going again, the Hurricanes might be unstoppable.

2. Washington Capitals (20-6-8)

Previous rank: 3rd

Rip the Hart Trophy away from Edmonton. The league's MVP award has gone to Edmonton for the past two campaigns, which tracks because Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are bonkers good. However, Alex Ovechkin has proved over and over again this season that he can hang with any young star out there. Go get that hardware, Ovi.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning (21-8-5)

Previous rank: 2nd

Protect Nikita Kucherov at all costs. Forget that the Lightning are trying to win a third straight Stanley Cup (though having Kucherov in the lineup certainly helps the Bolts' case), hockey is more fun when the best players are able to hit the ice. The fact that the incomparable Russian star has suited up for just three games this season is a travesty. Cover him in bubble wrap once he returns.

4. Florida Panthers (21-7-4)

Previous rank: 7th

Win the division. This can go for any team, particularly those in the race for the Atlantic, but the Panthers surely would love an easier playoff path after bowing out in the opening round in each of the past two seasons.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs (21-8-2)

Previous rank: 4th

Win a playoff series. This may seem like low-hanging fruit, but what else could the Maple Leafs possibly want to set their sights on in 2022? Toronto knows what regular-season success looks like and once again looks poised to finish at or near the top of the division. It's beyond time for the next step.

6. New York Rangers (21-8-4)

Previous rank: 5th

Hold onto the puck. The Rangers' record looks good, but their underlying numbers? Not so much. Their shot attempts for, expected goals for, and scoring chances for percentages all sat below 50% entering Sunday. Puck possession should be a priority in 2022.

7. Vegas Golden Knights (22-12-1)

Previous rank: 9th

Keep grinding. The Golden Knights have plenty of star power, but their biggest strength this season has been their incredible depth. Vegas has remained among the NHL's best clubs despite seemingly always missing at least one or two impact players. The team just needs to continue playing through it and hope to have the full roster back for crunch time.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins (18-8-5)

Previous rank: 10th

Put the pedal down. The Penguins have stayed afloat through several injuries but are rolling of late and should get Evgeni Malkin back soon. Time to make the most of a healthy roster and make another run.

9. Colorado Avalanche (18-8-2)

Previous rank: 8th

Be extra careful. The Avalanche have been ravished by key absences all season. A fully healthy roster in 2022 will go a long way in aiding their Stanley Cup aspirations.

10. St. Louis Blues (19-9-5)

Previous rank: 13th

More opportunities for Jordan Kyrou. He's enjoying a fine breakout season with 32 points in 29 games yet ranks ninth among Blues forwards in average ice time. Kyrou's 4.03 points per 60 at five-on-five places him seventh among all NHL forwards. Let him loose.

11. Minnesota Wild (19-10-2)

Previous rank: 6th

Don't panic. The Wild should resist the urge to start worrying amid a five-game losing streak that includes a Winter Classic defeat at Target Field. Minnesota is still a talented, well-constructed team despite its recent struggles. Wiping the slate clean now and starting the rest of 2022 off with a fresh outlook would surely be beneficial.

12. Nashville Predators (20-11-2)

Previous rank: 11th

Don't change much. The Predators are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and have been very good in all situations. Nashville ranks among the league's best on the power play, penalty kill, and at even strength. There's still room for improvement, but this squad just needs to focus on maintaining its all-around consistent play.

13. Calgary Flames (17-7-6)

Previous rank: 14th

Get better results at home. The Flames haven't looked so hot at the Scotiabank Saddledome this season. Their 4-3-4 record in Calgary is a far cry from their sparkling 13-4-2 showing on the road, so the Flames should aim to give the home crowd something to cheer for in 2022.

14. Anaheim Ducks (17-11-7)

Previous rank: 12th

Don't overthink it. Throw all the projections that had the Ducks toiling in the Pacific Division basement in the trash. The team's eclectic mix of youngsters and vets have been putting on a show all season long. They even have a real shot at making the playoffs. Anaheim, just go with it.

15. Vancouver Canucks (16-15-3)

Previous rank: 17th

Don't get complacent. The Canucks have flipped the script since Bruce Boudreau took the reins and are finally back to playing close to their potential. But now's not the time to rest on their laurels. Opposing scouts will soon figure out what's working for Vancouver, so the club needs to keep the pedal to the metal.

16. Edmonton Oilers (18-12-2)

Previous rank: 15th

Find an upgrade in goal. The Oilers are in danger of letting another season of the Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl era go to waste due to shoddy goaltending. Edmonton entered Sunday ranked 24th in the league with an .896 save percentage in all situations since Nov. 1. Acquiring a goalie midseason is no easy task, but it has to be priority No. 1 for Ken Holland before the trade deadline.

17. Boston Bruins (16-10-2)

Previous rank: 16th

Cook up some Pasta. This season, David Pastrnak isn't producing at anywhere near the rate we've grown accustomed to over his career. He's only managed eight goals through 27 contests, and it's clear Boston needs its top sniper to get rolling if it wants to be a contender.

18. Winnipeg Jets (15-11-5)

Previous rank: 20th

Extend Pierre-Luc Dubois ASAP. Dubois appears to have put last season's difficulties permanently in the rearview mirror, as he ranks second on the Jets in goals (12) and points (25). He's a restricted free agent this summer, and it'd be wise for Winnipeg to lock him up before his future cap hit grows even bigger.

19. Los Angeles Kings (16-12-5)

Previous rank: 18th

Improve on special teams. The Kings have been solid at five-on-five, but they'll be kicking themselves for their play in other departments if they miss out on a playoff spot in a wide-open Pacific Division. They entered Sunday ranked 24th on both the power-play and penalty kill.

20. Dallas Stars (15-12-2)

Previous rank: 19th

Shoot the puck more. Yes, the Stars have been a defensive-minded team for years, and their shot-suppression stats show that's still the case. But Dallas has skilled offensive players (when healthy), and yet it still sits in the middle of the pack in shots per game and ranks in the bottom third of the league in goals.

21. San Jose Sharks (17-15-1)

Previous rank: 21st

Figure out a direction. Are the Sharks truly rebuilding? Are they just retooling? What are they going to do with Evander Kane and Tomas Hertl? San Jose must decide how to proceed - not just ahead of this year's trade deadline but in regards to the long-term plan and how it affects the club's core.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (13-13-6)

Previous rank: 23rd

Fix the power play. The Flyers aren't bad at killing penalties, but their performance with the man advantage has been unacceptable considering the number of playmakers they employ. Philadelphia ranks near the bottom of the NHL in power-play success, and that needs to improve significantly.

23. Columbus Blue Jackets (15-14-1)

Previous rank: 25th

Be better on the road. Playing away from home is obviously harder than being in a friendly environment, but the Blue Jackets need to improve when they're not at Nationwide Arena. Columbus is 5-10-0 on the road this season - only four teams have been worse.

24. Detroit Red Wings (15-15-3)

Previous rank: 22nd

Be patient. There's no way Steve Yzerman would entertain any other method when it comes to building his team, but Red Wings fans need not jump the gun either. The building blocks for Detroit's roster are mostly in place, so let 2022 be a precursor of what's to come.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (11-17-4)

Previous rank: 24th

Get Marc-Andre Fleury to a contender. The Blackhawks loaded up in the offseason, and Fleury's addition was one of several moves that raised the team's expectations. But it clearly hasn't worked out, and this club needs to retool. Doing the veteran goalie and pending UFA a solid by trading him to a playoff hopeful for future assets would be a win for all involved.

26. New York Islanders (10-12-6)

Previous rank: 28th

Listen to Wayne Gretzky. The Islanders have taken the second-fewest shots at five-on-five in the league and, as a result, have scored the fewest goals. Hopefully, they just need to remember The Great One's iconic mantra: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

27. New Jersey Devils (13-15-5)

Previous rank: 29th

Stop giving up shorthanded goals. Who do the Devils have to make a deal with in order to sort out their power play? They've given up the most shorthanded goals in the league and are tied for the second-fewest goals on the man advantage. Nearly one-third of the goals scored on the Devils' power play have gone into their net.

28. Ottawa Senators (9-18-2)

Previous rank: 27th

Don't compare rebuilds. Every team's situation is different and complex - even the struggling ones. The Senators have promising young players at the NHL level and in the pipeline alike, and it's going to take time for them all to fully blossom. Ottawa can't get hung up looking at how other clubs are progressing. The organization just needs to focus on what it has and what it can do to get better.

29. Seattle Kraken (10-19-4)

Previous rank: 26th

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's success. Repeat after us: Not all new teams are going to make the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural year. Unfortunately for the Kraken, their disappointing first campaign is exacerbated by the fact that they had to follow the Golden Knights as the next expansion team. It'll all be OK, there's always next season.

30. Buffalo Sabres (10-17-6)

Previous rank: 30th

Just make progress. Nobody expects the Sabres to seriously compete this season. But even amid another lost campaign, there have been encouraging signs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Tuch, Tage Thompson, and Peyton Krebs have made Buffalo a little more fun to watch recently despite the team's woes. As tempting as it is to fully tank for a shot at another No. 1 pick, it would be wiser to see the new core develop and help the squad avoid the basement.

31. Montreal Canadiens (7-23-4)

Previous rank: 31st

Win the tank. The Canadiens clearly aren't making a miracle run for a second straight year, so they might as well do all they can to give themselves the best odds at securing the No. 1 selection in the 2022 draft, which happens to be in Montreal. Shane Wright would be one heck of a prize after a season that's yielded almost nothing to be excited about on the ice.

32. Arizona Coyotes (6-21-3)

Previous rank: 32nd

Get more than 30 wins in 2022. The Coyotes really aren't doing much this season, so they might as well compete against themselves. Arizona won 30 games in the 2021 calendar year. Let's see if they can go for 31 in 2022.

(Analytics sources: Evolving Hockey, Natural Stat Trick)

Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There were plenty of avenues to throw money around in 2021 as we returned to a normal sports schedule.

The past 12 months offered some incredible moments, from league champions and award winners to remarkable individual performances. We look back at 2021 to uncover the best bets from the past year in sports.

Canada: Women's soccer gold (+1200)

"With illusions of someday
Cast in a golden light,
No dress rehearsal
This is our life"

With the Tragically Hip's discography serving as Canada's soundtrack, "Ahead By A Century" fittingly encapsulates the success of the Canadian women's soccer team at Tokyo 2020. "Illusions of someday" are what propelled this team following successive heartbreaks resulting in back-to-back bronze medals in 2012 and 2016.

Canada had never appeared in an Olympic final, and it looked as though the wait would continue in Tokyo as it entered the tournament as considerable underdogs to the likes of the U.S., Netherlands, and Great Britain. "Illusions of someday" cast a golden light on Canada, though, beating Brazil on penalties in the quarterfinals and exercising its demons by upsetting the Americans in the semifinals before capping things off with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Sweden in the finals.

Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe earned an honorary title as Canada's National Minister of Defense for her shootout heroics, while images of Julia Grosso's winning penalty will live forever in Canadian folklore. Celebrations ensued across the country, and it was that much sweeter for those who scooped up +1200 on Canada to win gold.

Connor McDavid: Hart Trophy (+460)

Connor McDavid is almost undisputedly the best - and most productive - player in the NHL, but he wasn't priced as such last season despite playing in a weak North Division. In hindsight, it might have been the easiest bet of the entire campaign as only an injury could have stopped McDavid from torching a group of defensively inept teams. The results were predictable.

McDavid put up a whopping 106 points in 56 games. He rewarded those who believed in him as he became the league's first unanimous Hart Trophy winner in 39 years. We won't see him priced anywhere near +460 for a long time. He opened as a +250 favorite for the 2021-22 season, and many would argue that price was still too generous.

Cy Young: Corbin Burnes (+4000), Robbie Ray (+5000)

It was the season of the long-shot Cy Young winner this year, as Corbin Burnes and Robbie Ray cashed as unlikely dark horses amid one of MLB's craziest seasons in recent memory.

Both survived MLB's crackdown on foreign substances, which partially helped swing the AL's race toward Ray after runner-up Gerrit Cole's midseason swoon that immediately followed the new rules. Burnes needed a Jacob deGrom injury and an epic collapse from Max Scherzer to win one of the closest races in NL Cy Young history.

Emma Raducanu: US Open (+8000)

Emma Raducanu had captured the tennis world's attention with her fourth-round Wimbledon run as a wild card, but what happened at the US Open defied logic.

The 18-year-old retired from that fourth-round Wimbledon match on Centre Court after having breathing difficulties due to the intensity of the moment. It was a jarring scene, so seeing Raducanu return for the season’s final slam in New York was a welcome sight.

The Toronto-born Raducanu - a British passport holder and citizen of the world in most respects - wasn’t just there for a tour of the Statue of Liberty. The teen made it all the way to the final, where she dispatched a fellow surprise finalist, Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, in straight sets. Raducanu became the first qualifier to claim a Grand Slam tournament victory in the Open era and also the first woman to win 10 matches en route to slam immortality, needing to go through qualifiers just to make the main draw. Oh, and she won the title without dropping a set, too - something last done by Serena Williams.

We say this cautiously: We’re unlikely to see something like this again in tennis anytime soon.

Hideki Matsuyama: Masters (+4000)

Hideki Matsuyama had been a popular bet ahead of the Masters for years. As an amazing ball-striker, his game always seemed suited for Augusta, but his popularity faded before the 2021 edition thanks to his struggles on the green. It was starting to feel as though it would never happen for the hero of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Ironically, it wasn't until the sun tucked behind the rain clouds on Saturday afternoon at Augusta when fortune smiled on Matsuyama. Trailing a series of big names heading into Round 3, the Japanese golfer was still in the mix when an hour-long rain delay created a change in the famously fast Augusta greens. And when the leaders couldn't adjust, it was Matsuyama who did.

Whether Matsuyama's sketchy putting suddenly fit the greens' new speeds, or his stellar striking put him close enough to the pin for it not to matter, he shot a stellar back-nine 30 that gave him a lead he never surrendered.

Caddie Shota Hayafuji bowing to the course, and Matsuyama donning the famous green jacket, provided long-lasting and heartfelt memories for those who stuck with him through his early failures.

Marc-Andre Fleury: Vezina Trophy (+1800)

Marc-Andre Fleury entered last season looking to prove himself following a down 2019-20 campaign. Sharing Vegas' net with Robin Lehner, Fluery seemed like a long shot to play enough to warrant a Vezina nomination in a crowded field, let alone perform well enough. Things certainly didn't play out that way.

Fleury posted a career-high .928 save percentage while winning 26 of 36 appearances for the Golden Knights. He also ranked first in goals saved above expectation per start, as the long-time star provided all those who believed in him with a healthy payday.

Nikola Jokic: MVP (+3600)

The NBA MVP market is notoriously tough for long shots to breakthrough in. Entering the 2020-21 season, 13 of the previous 14 MVP winners had gone off at 16-1 or shorter, and none were priced longer than 25-1 entering the year.

Nikola Jokic shattered both trends with one of the most impressive seasons we've seen in NBA history, becoming the lowest-drafted player (41st overall) ever to win MVP and the first center to win since 2000. He led the league in nearly every advanced metric and guided the Denver Nuggets to the West's No. 3 seed, rewarding those who believed in the Serbian star at long odds.

Northern Illinois Huskies: MAC (+25000)

Even in the MAC - known for its mind-bending unpredictability - few saw this result coming. Northern Illinois finished 2020 with an 0-6 record (2-4 ATS) and lost by an average of 13.8 points.

Michigan State transfer Rocky Lombardi wasn't expected to shift the needle much, as the Huskies entered the 2021 season with a projected win total of 3.5 and 250-1 odds to win the MAC. Anyone who bought into the conference's volatility was greatly rewarded.

It wasn't always convincing as Northern Illinois' six regular-season conference wins came in one-possession games. Still, the MAC championship wasn't a problem as the Huskies avenged an earlier loss to Kent State with a convincing 41-23 win.

Oral Roberts ML (+1000) vs. Ohio State

When you increase your wager tenfold on one game, you know that's a good bet. That was the case for anyone who backed Oral Roberts against Ohio State in the first round of this year's NCAA Tournament, with the Golden Eagles becoming just the ninth No. 15 seed in tourney history - and first since 2016 - to defeat a No. 2 seed.

In hindsight, it shouldn't have been such a shock. The Buckeyes had lost five of their previous eight games entering the Big Dance, while Max Abmas - the nation's leading scorer - led Oral Roberts. Abmas finished with 29 points against Ohio State to help spark the tournament's biggest upset.

Phil Mickelson: PGA Championship (+20000)

Phil Mickelson's best days were figured to be behind him at age 50. He hadn't posted a top-10 finish at a major in over five years, so you could be forgiven for not jumping on a 200-1 price tag for Mickelson to win the PGA Championship.

The five-time major winner trailed by three strokes after Round 1 and was tied for first at the halfway point before taking the lead ahead of the final day. Brooks Koepka threatened early in Round 4, but he crumbled while Mickelson persevered to become the oldest major champion ever. Just as we all expected, right?

Phoenix Suns: Western Conference (+2000)

The making of an elite team was already there for Phoenix as early as the 2019-20 season when the "Bubble Suns" went 8-0 and barely missed out on the postseason. Then the team added Chris Paul in the offseason and blitzed its way to a No. 2 seed in the West. However, the Suns entered the 2020-21 postseason as an 18-1 title long shot and a +180 underdog to beat the Lakers in the first round - the first time a No. 2 seed had ever gone off at plus-money to win its opening series.

Phoenix won that series in six games and waltzed its way to The Finals, where it promptly coughed up a 2-0 lead in historic fashion. Still, those who bet this team to win the West - before or after the regular season - were already well compensated for the Suns' efforts.

Pittsburgh Panthers: ACC (+3300)

On the back of six consecutive ACC titles, few were foolish enough to pick against Clemson to win a seventh straight. The Tigers were overwhelming -900 favorites in the ACC, expected to win the conference and another national title. However, without Trevor Lawrence or Deshaun Watson before him, Clemson struggled on offense, opening the door for a new champion for the first time since 2014.

Still, few expected Pittsburgh as the team to take advantage, with six programs sporting shorter odds, including three ACC Coastal foes. There was some muffled preseason buzz surrounding quarterback Kenny Pickett, but it wasn't until November that his Heisman candidacy truly reached the forefront.

The NFL-bound senior finished top five in yards, touchdowns, and QB rating (minimum 300 passes) and led the Panthers to the ACC title game victory - the first in program history - against Wake Forest. It was a joyous moment for anyone who faded Clemson's preseason hype and found their way to Steel City for a viable alternative.

San Francisco Giants: NL West (+3500)

Behind the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Slam Diego Padres, the remainder of the NL West was an afterthought heading into the 2021 season. Not only were the Dodgers and Padres runaway favorites to win the division, but they were also priced as the two best teams in the National League and top three in all of MLB. The thought of another club pushing for a top-two finish in the NL West, let alone winning it, seemed unfathomable.

Well, a lot of what the Giants did last season was rather unfathomable. Gabe Kapler's team moved into first place in the NL West on April 26 and led the division for all but 10 days the rest of the season before clinching the title on the final day. They were the first team to 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 wins, owning the league's best record for 125 consecutive days to end the season. They needed every bit of that remarkable consistency to fend off a Dodgers team that finished with the league's second-best record, one win shy of the Giants in a remarkable race that saw those who believed in San Francisco rewarded with a handsome payout.

Shohei Ohtani: AL MVP (+5000)

Despite dealing as high as 50-1 during the offseason, Shohei Ohtani went into the campaign as a hot bet to win MVP after hitting .548 in spring training alongside 17 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings pitched. It turns out his 25-1 price entering the season was a steal, too.

When he touched 100 mph on the mound and blasted a 450-foot home run in the same inning on Sunday Night Baseball, his path to the MVP trophy felt inevitable - even as a historic season from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. kept things interesting late in the year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Super Bowl (+1000)

There was plenty of doubt surrounding the Buccaneers' title chances entering the postseason, with four teams sporting shorter odds after Tampa Bay stumbled through many of its bigger tests during the regular season. The Bucs ended up settling for a wild-card berth and a difficult path to the Super Bowl.

Perhaps there shouldn't have been as much doubt with Tom Brady under center and looking to win his seventh Super Bowl championship. The Buccaneers made sure to leave little doubt surrounding their title credentials along the way in the playoffs, scoring 30-plus points and leading by double digits in every game en route to the franchise's second championship.

UCLA Bruins: East Region (+2200)

When No. 11 seed UCLA trailed 77-72 with under two minutes to play in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament, anyone with a Bruins-winning-the-East-Region-ticket likely thought they were cooked.

Instead, UCLA came back to win that game in overtime before ripping off four straight victories to advance to the Final Four. As a lucky few were counting their earnings, the Bruins almost took it one step further, falling a Jalen Suggs buzzer-beater short of knocking off undefeated Gonzaga for a berth in the national championship game.

While the dramatic loss was a "what could have been" moment for UCLA, Bruins backers certainly basked in what was.

Honorable mentions:

• Atlanta Braves: World Series (+5000 post-Acuna injury)
• Baylor NCAAF: Big 12 (+4000)
• Jonathan India: NL Rookie of the Year (+5000)
• Tampa Bay Lightning: Stanley Cup (+800)
• Tom Thibodeau: Coach of the Year (+3000)
• Utah State NCAAF: MWC (+5000)

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Throughout a busy 2021 schedule, athletes treated fans to remarkable and awe-inspiring performances. With the year winding down, theScore looked back at an exciting 12 months and voted on its top 21 sportspeople.

21-17 I 16-12 I 11-7 I 6-2 I No. 1 (Dec. 31)

6. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

McDavid took his otherworldly game to another planet over the calendar year. The NHL's MVP in 2016-17 authored a season for the ages in 2021, reclaiming the Hart Trophy after helping teammate Leon Draisaitl win it in 2019-20. As if McDavid's 105 points in 56 games weren't impressive enough, he became the league's first unanimous MVP since Wayne Gretzky nearly 40 years ago, and only the second ever. The soon-to-be 25-year-old isn't on last season's mind-boggling pace this campaign, but he's still been the Hart favorite over the first two months of 2021-22.

5. Caeleb Dressel, swimming

Burdened by the impossible expectation of becoming the next Michael Phelps, American swimmer Caeleb Dressel somehow lived up to the hype in Tokyo. Dressel won more gold medals than 189 of the 205 nations at the games. One of only five swimmers to claim five golds at a single Olympics, Dressel's dominance was best displayed in the 50-meter freestyle. The shortest race in the pool is usually won by a tiny fraction of a second, but Dressel's 0.48-second margin of victory is the largest in Olympic history.

4. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels

What Ohtani accomplished this year was simply unprecedented. Fans will note he's the first two-way star since Babe Ruth, but not even The Great Bambino came close to Ohtani's 2021. Ruth is best known for being a great pitcher while also being the best hitter of all time, but 1918 was the only campaign he threw at least 150 innings while making 300 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Ohtani hit 46 homers, led the league with eight triples, and authored a 3.18 ERA over 23 starts en route to winning the AL MVP unanimously. If baseball fans ever see a season better than this again, it'll undoubtedly be Ohtani topping himself.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Antetokounmpo had a dream 2021 for the Bucks. After committing his long-term future to the club with a super-max extension late last year, the Greek-born Nigerian superstar finally brought Milwaukee its second championship in franchise history, and the first since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the team in 1971. Like Abdul-Jabbar, he was also named Finals MVP. That was partly thanks to one of the greatest title-clinching performances ever, in which he put up a playoff-career-high 50 points in Game 6 along with 14 rebounds and five blocks. He also converted 17-of-19 free throws, purging the struggles that daunted him at the charity stripe all postseason long.

2. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Brady somehow managed to take his incredible career to another level in 2021. After a magnificent postseason run in January with wins over Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, the 43-year-old capped his first season away from Bill Belichick by toppling the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. Brady added a seventh ring to his resume while becoming the oldest quarterback in history to start the Super Bowl, win, and receive the MVP award. The GOAT keeps defying Father Time. This season, he's already led the Bucs to their first division title since 2007 while being the most productive passer in the NFL.

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Throughout a busy 2021 schedule, athletes treated fans to remarkable and awe-inspiring performances. With the year winding down, theScore looked back at an exciting 12 months and voted on its top 21 sportspeople.

Here's the second installment, highlighting Nos. 16-12.

16. Alexia Putellas, Barcelona

As the crown jewel of Barcelona's imperious women's team, Putellas completed a clean sweep of soccer's biggest individual awards in 2021. She was named UEFA's women's midfielder of the year and player of the year, and she ran away with the votes for the women's Ballon d'Or, beating teammate Jennifer Hermoso by more than 100 ballots. Putellas quarterbacked Barcelona's success in Spain's Primera Division and the Champions League, leading her team to titles in both competitions with 27 goals and 19 assists. In September, the 27-year-old scored a hat-trick in a scarcely believable four minutes.

15. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

It's tough for a goaltender to have a better year than Vasilevskiy did in 2021. The Russian led the Lightning to their second straight Stanley Cup, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He posted a .937 save percentage in 23 postseason contests and, amazingly, recorded a shutout in all four series-clinching games. Vasilevskiy set an NHL record for wins in one calendar year with 62. The 27-year-old also finished second in Vezina Trophy voting in 2020-21 as the league's top netminder and is among the favorites to win it this season.

14. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

In 2021, this "Jeopardy!" guest host became the sixth NFL player to win a third MVP award. He later threw his 443rd career touchdown, taking the Packers record from Hall of Famer Brett Favre. He tossed 42 regular-season and playoff touchdowns to only five interceptions over the calendar year, further cementing himself as the most efficient touchdown thrower of all time. Who is Aaron Rodgers?

13. Ashleigh Barty, WTA

2020 was a lost year for Ash Barty. The defending French Open champion took a hiatus following the pandemic-imposed cancelation of Indian Wells. Speculation regarding Barty's form then ran rampant when she returned for 2021. Despite a disappointing exit at the Australian Open, the world No.1 left no doubt as to how good a tennis player she is. Barty paid homage to Aussie legend Evonne Goolagong at Wimbledon with her Fila kit, going on to win the tournament exactly 50 years after her idol did for the first time. The 25-year-old won five titles, including big ones in Miami and Cincinnati, while topping the tour's prize money list and winning WTA player of the year.

12. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Jokic became the first NBA center since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 and the sixth international player ever to win the MVP award. The Nuggets star posted career highs in points (26.4 per game), rebounds (10.8), and assists (8.3) in 2020-21, joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players in league history to average at least 26 points, 10 boards, and eight dimes over a single season. He also finished second in the Association in triple-doubles (16) and third in assists (599). In a campaign marred by injuries across the league following the shortest offseason in its history, Jokic appeared in all 72 regular-season contests.

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"When Goalies Were Weird" is a six-part narrative podcast about 1990s-era NHL goalies. In the '90s, the position was undergoing a revolution in style and substance, as the butterfly goalie replaced the stand-up while advancements in equipment technology helped usher in a modernized, more athletic playing style. The old guard's quirks and the new guard's innovations melded together to produce an era of pure chaos in the blue paint.

Jim Carey stockpiled individual awards before quitting the game in his mid-20s. Damian Rhodes stood out as eccentric on a team filled with superstitious players. Garth Snow talked trash without remorse and fought enforcers. Martin Brodeur was a transcendent talent whose jolly presence made him unique. These are their stories.

To hear the full episode, click here to listen on:

Apple Podcasts
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(Note: This excerpt has been lightly edited for clarity and length.)

Damian Rhodes was never Vezina- or Stanley Cup-caliber. What makes him a memorable 1990s-era goalie, then? His zaniness.

Rhodes, who played 10 NHL seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Atlanta Thrashers, was a character who did offbeat things and got himself into abnormal situations. One example: He's one of six netminders to have scored an NHL goal without shooting the puck.

When Rhodes and the Senators met the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the '97-98 playoffs, he was rocking a leopard-skin jockstrap under his equipment. He also had blond locks under his goalie mask, having dyed his hair that March and simultaneously gone on a heater, winning nine of his last 14 regular-season starts as the Senators clinched a playoff spot.

Teammates, and even kids around Ottawa, bleached their heads. After Rhodes stonewalled the Devils, Sports Illustrated nicknamed him the "Peroxide Kid."

Throughout his time in Ottawa, Rhodes' quirks tended to surface when the Senators hit the road. According to former defenseman Lance Pitlick, Rhodes packed exactly one suit per game, reluctant to repeat an outfit.

Another Ottawa alumnus, blue-liner Jason York, roomed with Rhodes at the team hotel. That's how he learned about - and came to depend on - the goalie's so-called "sleep machine."

"It was one of those, I don't know, dehumidifiers," York recalled. "It didn't even work, but it made some kind of noise. And he had to have it, or else he couldn't sleep.

"So I got used to it. I said, 'Damian, you bring the sleep machine with ya?' He goes, 'I got it, Yorkie. I got it in my bag here.' It kind of sucked because after - when I got a different roommate - I didn't have it anymore, and I was a little bit lost without a sleep machine."

One thing Rhodes didn't do was look up at the jumbotron during games.

This was to avoid seeing the opponent's shot count. Rhodes didn't want to give in to the urge to calculate - then obsess over - his save percentage while pucks zipped around him.

Rhodes has an explanation for his jockstrap, by the way.

His preferred brand of cup was produced by a goalie equipment company called Brian's. And when Brian's introduced a line with funky designs, Rhodes saw the leopard-skin pattern and thought, "I've got to have THAT."

The connective thread between these mannerisms and peculiarities is that they got Rhodes into the right headspace. He wasn't a player who could diversify what he did on game days and show up at the rink ready to stare down clappers.

It may have looked weird, but controlling certain things is what calmed his nerves and cleared his mind.

"I know when I was playing, a lot of people called it superstitions," Rhodes said. "And I hated that because I just felt like it all brought luck in the game.

"Some guys could do whatever they want. They could have a submarine sandwich that day, or they could take a five-hour nap and still show up. But I wanted to keep it as routine as possible. And I felt like those things were ultimately what got me in my routine. And yeah, it's a little crazy, I would say."

To hear the full episode, click here to listen on:

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And be sure to follow the podcast to check out all six episodes of "When Goalies Were Weird."

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In the lead-up to the 2022 World Junior Championship, we're looking back at the 25 best players to wear the Canadian jersey at the tournament. Rather than evaluating entire careers, these rankings are based solely on performances during the world juniors. We have revealed five players each day, culminating here with the best of the best.

25-21 | 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

Honorable mention: Toews' epic shootout (2007)

Jonathan Toews may not have cracked the list after notching just nine points in 12 games while taking home two gold medals, but he did deliver one of the most memorable moments in Canadian world junior history in 2007.

With Canada facing the archrival United States with a crop of immensely talented players on both sides, the semifinal game went to a daunting shootout. The lengthy duel went seven rounds, and Toews came up clutch by scoring on all three of his attempts - including the game-winner. Those heroics created a memory that will last a lifetime for most Canadians.

5. Ryan Ellis (2009, 2010, 2011)

Ellis medaled in all three world junior tournaments he played in, collecting one gold (2009) and two silvers (2010, 2011). He's one of four players in Canadian world junior history to win three or more medals, and he did so while scoring at a ridiculous rate for a defenseman.

He was named Canada's captain in 2011 and was eventually named the best defender at the tournament. With 25 points across three events, he remains the highest-scoring blue-liner in world junior history.

4. John Tavares (2008, 2009)

Tavares helped lead Canada to its fourth and fifth consecutive gold medals, playing a major role in both triumphs. He produced four goals and an assist across seven games in 2008 before piling up eight markers and six helpers over six contests the next year. Tavares set up Jordan Eberle's dramatic tying goal in the 2009 semifinal and scored in the shootout to help Canada advance to the gold-medal game.

The dynamic center was named MVP and top forward at the 2009 tournament. Tavares is one of three players tied for second among Canadian skaters in all-time world junior goals and sits seventh on the country's all-time world junior points list.

3. Wayne Gretzky (1978)

Gretzky only appeared in the tournament once, but he put on an incredible show. He led the 1978 event with 17 points despite being the youngest player and still holds the record for most points in a world junior tournament for a 16-year-old.

Canada settled for a bronze medal that year, but Gretzky couldn't have done much more to help the team. He was named the tournament's best forward but never returned to the world juniors. Imagine what he could have accomplished if he played another year or two.

2. Eric Lindros (1990, 1991, 1992)

Lindros was one of the most highly touted prospects in NHL history, and his world junior performances did nothing but skyrocket his stock. "The Big E" won two gold medals, first cracking the Canadian roster as a 16-year-old in 1990 and registering four goals in seven games. Lindros recorded a combined 27 points in the following two events to become Canada's all-time leading world junior scorer.

1. Jordan Eberle (2009, 2010)

"Can you believe it!?"

That epic call by TSN's Gord Miller is arguably the most iconic moment in world junior history. With Canada trailing 5-4 against Russia in the 2009 semifinal, Eberle scored the game-tying goal with just five seconds left in regulation. After Tavares shoveled the puck toward the net, Eberle showed incredible poise in front, going to his backhand and elevating the puck rather than trying to jam it in.

It's often forgotten that the game-tying tally was Eberle's second goal of the contest. He also scored the shootout winner for good measure. Eberle then registered a goal and two assists in the final against Sweden, helping Canada win its fifth straight gold medal at the tournament.

Eberle nearly pulled off similar heroics a year later. With Canada trailing 5-3 with under three minutes left in the gold-medal game against the United States, Eberle scored not one, but two goals to force overtime. It was not to be, though, as John Carlson won it for the U.S. in the extra frame. Despite falling short of another gold medal, Eberle was named tournament MVP.

While the clutch moments alone make him an easy choice for No. 1 on this list, Eberle also has the stats to back up his ranking. He sits second on Canada's all-time world junior scoring list and fifth in points per game.

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In the lead-up to the 2022 World Junior Championship, we're looking back at the 25 best players to wear the Canadian jersey at the tournament. Rather than evaluating entire careers, these rankings are based solely on performances during the world juniors. We'll reveal five players each day, culminating with the best of the best Dec. 25.

25-21 | 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 (Dec. 24) | 5-1 (Dec. 25)

20. Manny Legace (1993)

The 1992 world juniors was a rough one for Team Canada. Despite boasting a talented roster that included Eric Lindros, the squad stumbled to a sixth-place finish. Legace was at the heart of Canada's gold-medal-winning rebound the following year.

Legace put up a gargantuan 58-save effort in a must-win victory against Finland after handing silver-winning Sweden its only loss of the round-robin tournament. (Between Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund, and Niklas Sundstrom, the Swedes had three of the tournament's top five scorers.) Legace was deemed the best goaltender and named to the All-Star team.

19. Jarome Iginla (1996)

Iginla only played in one world junior tournament, but he made it count. The recently inducted Hockey Hall of Famer tied for the overall lead in goals and points at the 1996 tourney as Canada claimed gold for a fourth straight year. He was named the event's best forward and remains tied for seventh all time among Canadian junior skaters with his rate of two points per game.

Like many superstars before and after him, Iginla's world junior experience was limited because he was good enough to stick in the NHL afterward. He would later shine on the international stage at the World Championship, the World Cup of Hockey, and three Olympics.

18. Justin Pogge (2006)

If you ask Canadian hockey fans to name the most memorable goaltending performance at the world juniors, chances are many will mention Pogge's. He was barely on Canada's radar entering the 2006 tournament but managed to make his way into the selection camp and ultimately got himself the starting role.

He put together one of the most dominant tournaments ever seen by a goalie, posting three shutouts in six contests, which included a 35-save shutout against an Evgeni Malkin-led Russian team in the gold-medal game. Pogge may have ultimately been a one-hit wonder as he went on to appear in just seven NHL games, but what a hit he was.

17. Dale McCourt (1977)

McCourt certainly isn't the most renowned name on this list, but his efforts in a silver-medal showing in 1977 are among the greatest put forth by a Canadian at the event. His 18 points are the sixth-most in tournament history, and his 2.57 points per game are the third-most by anyone to don the red and white.

McCourt's dominant tournament helped him go first overall to the Detroit Red Wings the following spring.

16. Cody Hodgson (2009)

Hodgson is in the conversation for best individual performance at the world juniors. His 2.67 points per contest are second all time among Canadians (minimum five games played), trailing only Wayne Gretzky, who played in a much higher-scoring era.

The dynamic center didn't just beat up on weak countries in the round robin, either, as he potted two goals and added an assist in Canada's 5-1 win over Sweden to clinch gold.

Hodgson was eligible to play in 2010, but a back injury forced him to miss out. Canada lost to the United States in overtime in the gold-medal game, and it's fair to wonder if Hodgson's presence would've made the difference.

Unfortunately, Hodgson's pro career was cut short after being diagnosed with malignant hyperthermia. But his dominant '09 world juniors will always serve as a reminder of his potential.

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In the lead-up to the 2022 World Junior Championship, we're looking back at the 25 best players to wear the Canadian jersey at the tournament. Rather than evaluating entire careers, these rankings are based solely on performances during the world juniors. We'll reveal five players each day, culminating with the best of the best Dec. 25.

25-21 | 20-16 | 15-11 (Dec. 23) | 10-6 (Dec. 24) | 5-1 (Dec. 25)

25. Marc Denis (1996, 1997)

Denis won a gold medal with Team Canada in consecutive years, though he took a back seat to Jose Theodore in 1996. He still played in two games and registered a .962 save percentage, but his time to shine came in '97.

That squad wasn't the favorite entering the tournament and lacked the star power Canadians have since grown accustomed to, but Denis stood tall. He hung tough in a 3-2 victory against a dangerous Russian team in the semifinals and pitched a 35-save shutout against the United States the following night to lead Canada to a fifth straight world junior title. Denis was named goaltender of the tournament for his exploits.

24. Marty Murray (1994, 1995)

Murray helped Canada win back-to-back gold medals in 1994 and '95, and he was stellar in his second stint with the junior team. Murray was named the latter tournament's best forward after tying teammate Jason Allison for the overall points lead with 15 over seven games.

He also ranked second among all skaters in goals after producing a goal and three assists across seven contests in the previous year. Murray is tied for sixth on Canada's all-time world junior points list.

23. Marc-Andre Fleury (2003, 2004)

Fleury was unable to get his hands on a gold medal in his two world juniors but still nabbed back-to-back silvers in 2003 and '04. Despite the heartbreak of coming up just short in both years, Fleury's legacy at the tournament is remembered to this day.

In his first go, he led Canada to the championship game with his stellar play before falling 3-2 to Russia. Despite the loss, Fleury was named top goaltender and tournament MVP. The Pittsburgh Penguins then loaned the prized No. 1 pick to Canada the following year, and he once again led the team to the finals. However, his mistake in the dying minutes against the U.S. cost his country the gold.

With the game tied 3-3 and time winding down, Fleury left his net to play a loose puck. His clearing attempt hit teammate Braydon Coburn and bounced back into his own net. The Americans held on to win 4-3. Despite the blunder and two failures to capture gold, Fleury remains one of the best goalies to suit up for Canada at the world juniors.

22. Devon Levi (2021)

Levi and Canada's 2021 outfit looked impenetrable for the majority of last year's tournament. The 19-year-old netminder started all the games and posted three shutouts, two of which came in the quarters and semis.

His numbers were undeniably great, but he and his compatriots ultimately fell short, stumbling to a 2-0 loss to the U.S. in the gold-medal game. It's safe to say Levi would be higher on our list if Canada had clinched the championship.

21. Shayne Corson (1985, 1986)

Corson was a key supporting member on Canada's gold-medal winning squad in 1985 but was truly a man among boys in '86, sharing the tournament lead in both goals (seven) and points (14) while wearing the "C." Canada was unable to repeat in '86 but did bring home silver due in large part to Corson's efforts.

Familiarity may have played a part in Corson's dominant performance in '86. The tournament took place at a brand new Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, where Corson played his junior hockey with the OHL's Hamilton Steelhawks.

"It's one of the greatest moments I've had in my hockey career for sure," Corson told the Hamilton Spectator in 2014. "I would put the world juniors right up there with anything in my career."

The tournament wasn't as popular in the '80s as it is now, but Corson almost certainly would've been a fan favorite today due to his punishing style of play and offensive touch.

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