So the time has come again. A time of year, that for some Canadians, undoubtedly rivals Christmas and New Years as their favorite winter holiday.
I am talking of course, about the World Junior Championships. The best young players (aged 16-19) from all over the world take part in this tournament, that will surely have those from the countries watching on the edge of their seats. This year's tournament will take place in Russia from December 26th to January 5th, at Ufa Arena and the Ice Palace Salavat Yulaev in Ufa, Russia. Canada will be featured in a tough Group B along with Russia, Slovakia, the United States, and Germany.
Canada has announced the 37 young men who will take part in the selection camp, to represent Canada on the ice in Ufa, Russia. A link to their roster can be found here: http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75137/la_id/1/season_id/202929/profile_id/202931/team_id/82853/ss_id/190000/ or by going the Hockey Canada Website.
Who will make the team is up to the coaches, I am simply here to preview the team, and offer my opinion on who will make the team, and who will have an impact, on Canada's quest for gold.
Forwards: Canada is sure to have a strong core of forwards this year, with four returnees and one who may not "technically" be a returnee has already spent a full season in the N.H.L. with the Oilers.
The first is Ryan Strome. The NY Islanders first rounder has racked up a monstrous 62 points in 32 games so far with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL, and currently leads all C.H.L. players in scoring. Strome has proved himself as an impact player, and will have a huge impact on the Canadian offense, and more importantly their power play. He has shown that he isn't a one trick pony as well, as he is +34 this year, and plus +99 over the past three seasons. He will be very important for Canada, in both ends of the ice.
The second is Mark Scheifele of the Barrie Colts. The Winnipeg Jet's first rounder is on pace for a career year with 48 points in 29 games with the Colts. Scheifele's short stint with the Jets in 2011 proved that he can play and compete at the pro level. He has great playmaking skills, and like Strome, he will be important for Canada both with his offensive and defensive ability.
Next, we have the guy with the best hockey name ever, Boone Jenner of the Springfield Falcons. While the grinding center never racked up any statistical seasons like the two mentioned above, he proved himself to be a useful weapon during last years tournament. He will be a leader on this team, and will find himself in some very tough situations. He's a durable and trustworthy center, who's great defensively, and can chip in on the offense here and there.
The last returnee is Jonathan Huberdeau. The QMJHL standout, and Florida Panthers first rounder chipped in with a goal and seven assists in last years tournament. He's fast, and creative in the offensive zone and will be one of the players relied upon heavily to carry the offensive load for Canada. He showed great chemistry with many of his teammates last year, so look for him to play just about everywhere.
And perhaps the most impactful player Canada will see attend their camp, is the young, and already N.H.L. hardened "veteran" Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. With 52 points in his rookie year, RNH has already established himself as one of the greatest young players in the N.H.L. and has settled in Oklahoma City due to the lock out. He's racked up 20 points in 19 games with the Barons this year, and is returning to the World Juniors to gain the experience, having been cut when he was 17 years old, and then spending last season with the Edmonton Oilers. He will be Canada's go to guy in all situations, and will be expected to shoulder much of the load for team Canada this year.
Canada has many other forwards that will be jostling for the 13 positions on the roster. They are all talented by unfortunately Canada can only take the 13 best. RNH and the four returnees are essential locks to make the team again, with the other sports up for grabs. Everyone will have their own opinions, but here's my (unofficial) list of Canada's 13 forwards:
- Daniel Catenacci: The Buffalo 3rd rounder 19 year old OHL vet has 45 points in 32 games with the Owen Sound Attack this season. He's on pace to crush his career high of 72 points.
- Phillip Danault: The Chicago 1st rounder is another 19 year old invited to this years camp. The Victoriaville Tiger is also on pace to beat his career high of 71 points. He has collected 44 points in 29 games thus far.
- Jonathan Drouin: The 17 year old Halifax Moosehead is in his second season with the Mooseheads. He only played 33 games in his first year but collected 29 points. This season so far, he's collected 48 points in 24 games.
- Jonathan Huberdeau: One of 4 returnees up front. Huberdeau will be relied on to lead this talented group.
- Boone Jenner: Similar to Huberdeau, Jenner will also be a leader in this forward group.
- J.C. Lipon: The Kamloops Blazer is another player on pace to shatter his career high. He has collected 57 points in 34 games this year with Kamloops. His 65 points in 69 games was his current career high that he set in 2011-2012.
- Nate McKinnon: This young but extremely talented 17 year old is currently projected No. 1 overall on most draft polls. He racked up 78 points in 58 games his rookie year, and so far this season he's sitting at 52 points in 30 games with the Halifax Mooseheads.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: The only player who has seen an entire season of N.H.L. action with the Edmonton Oilers. The Calder Trophy runner up will be the star of this Canadian team, and will be their main go to guy.
- Ty Rattie: Coming off a huge 121 point season with the Portland Winterhawks, the St. Louis Blues 2nd rounder has 47 points in 30 games with Portland this season so far. He's experienced, and will bring an experienced style of play to the team.
- Brett Ritchie: One of three Niagara Ice Dogs on the training roster this year, this Dallas Stars 2nd rounder has already surpassed his career high in point obtaining 50 points in only 32 games this season. Look for him and Ryan Strome to start on a line together.
- Mark Scheifele: The Jets top prospect will be another of the 5 forwards looked upon as a leader in this forward core. He's having a great year in Barrie, and will have a huge impact with this team.
- Hunter Shinkaruk: The 18 year old Medicine Hat Tiger is coming off a 91 point season in 2011-2012, and has collected 43 points in 29 games so far this season.
- Ryan Strome: Strome will round out my selection of Canada's forwards (alphabetically) and would be my choice as team captain. He's experienced, and good at both ends of the ice.
I will post this on Tuesday morning, and will preview the d-men on Thursday afternoon, and the Goaltenders early next week! Stay posted!
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