Canale was announced as the Canadian junior team's head coach for the 1994 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships on June 5, 1993, with Danny Flynn and Mike Johnston to be his assistant coaches. Author Gare Joyce said that Canale was considered a controversial selection to be the head coach, but he left a lasting impression on his players. Canale felt pressured to win a gold medal based on past results, and stressed the importance of building team chemistry and character. The selection camp was missing ten prominent players from the previous championship due to commitments with the National Hockey League or the Canada men's national ice hockey team, and were not expected to repeat as champions.