Matt Poitras’ experience at the 2023 World Junior Championship in Sweden didn’t go according to plan.
The 19-year-old pivot and Team Canada were bounced in crushing fashion in the quarterfinal round of the tournament, with a late goal scored by Czechia with just 11 seconds left in regulation leading to a 3-2 defeat.
Poitras, who skated in a top-six role for Canada throughout the tournament, re-joined the Bruins this week after flying back across the Atlantic.
And while it remains to be seen when Poitras will return to the lineup for Boston, the young player’s experience overseas will serve as motivation for the Bruins’ second-half stretch of the 2023-24 season.