World juniors Newhook, Mercer inspiring N.L. teens on and off the ice

As Newfoundlanders Alex Newhook and Dawson Mercer prepare for Canada's gold medal matchup with the United States at the world junior hockey championship, athletes from their home province say the duo are inspiring them on and off the ice — and the parents of the two players couldn't be prouder. 

Patrick Lambe,13, plays AAA hockey in Mercer's hometown of Bay Roberts, in the same program where Mercer began his hockey career, and know him personally and through the sport. 

"It makes me proud, and makes me want to work hard," Lambe said. "Just as hard as they did to get to where they are."

Canada will play the United States for the gold medal Tuesday night following a convincing 5-0 win over Russia. Newhook scored the first goal of the game, which ultimately held up as the game winner, in his return from injury. The game is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. NT.

Craig Mercer, Dawson's dad, says there's a swirl of emotions.

"You're nervous until game time as a parent," he told CBC's Here & Now. 

The support around town, including signs and well wishes, is incredible, he said. 

"There will be a lot of tired people tomorrow morning," Mercer said, referencing the number of people he suspects will stay up late to catch Tuesday's game. 

Watching the tournament this year is a far cry from being part of the thousands of Canadian fans packed into an arena, cheering and chanting, but Mercer said everyone is making the best of the situation, which has been dramatically altered due to COVID-19. 

"We have a group that we view it together," he said. "We enjoy the game."

Newhook is 'really amped up' says mom

Shawn and Paula Newhook said they too wish they could watch the game in-person, but there are silver linings in a year changed dramatically thanks to COVID-19. 

"At least the tournament is happening and the boys all get to play," Paula told CBC's Here & Now Tuesday afternoon. 

Shawn said while they spoke to Alex on Monday night, they haven't on game day. That's because it's a superstition of his, since one time before he spoke to his parents and didn't play well, Shawn explained laughing. 

"He's really amped up for it ... we're just as excited he is," he said. 

'It just inspires you'

Mollie Power, 14, also plays AAA hockey in Bay Roberts.

Power said it's quite a feeling to watch someone she knows wearing the red and white of Team Canada.

"It's cool knowing that you know someone out there on the ice," Power told The St. John's Morning Show on Tuesday. "You watch those junior games every year thinking that they're the best players for their age, and you see someone you know. It just inspires you."

Power started playing when she was eight, and loves being on the ice with her friends. Lambe has been on the ice since he was four, and values the game as a way to relieve stress and have fun.

"I remember that I never wanted to go. My dad would need to buy me a slushie for me to go," he joked. "Now I'm very happy, and happy that my dad made me go, 'cause I really like playing hockey."

Years later, the teenagers are drawing inspiration from Newhook and Mercer as they move forward in their hockey careers.

Their inspiration also comes from work on the ice with Mercer, who has returned to Bay Roberts often to help with local hockey camps and programs.

"[Players] are pretty excited, especially the little kids seeing Dawson come back," Power said. "Last year he brought his gold medal to show everyone from the Juniors last year."

"He goes down to the gym as well and trains the same time some of us are there," Lambe added. "He shows us some of the stuff he does and we try it out. And he gives us tips on all the stuff.… It helps us get better and stronger."

Ahead of Tuesday's gold medal game, both Power and Lambe said Canada has what it takes to win over their border rival. However, Lambe had one last piece of advice for the Canadians.

"They've got to be careful, because U.S.A.'s goalie could come out hot."

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador