ROSTERS, SCHEDULES, PREVIEWS, AND PREDICTIONS
Montréal and Toronto are the two cities with the greatest amount of hockey history. Countless legends have played for the people of those fine cities, and a pantheon of storied contests were played on their ice. This year, the hockey world will converge on both of these puck-head havens for the annual gut-wrenching, heart-racing, awe-inspiring tournament that is the IIHF World Junior Championship.
With games split between Montréal's Bell Centre and Toronro's Air Canada Centre, 10 countries' finest young men will compete for national pride, glory, and hockey immortality. Every team will have its fair share of obstacles if it wants to reach its ultimate goal, but no matter how much they all want it, no matter how hard they work, only one team will have gold draped around their necks after the final game.
In this, your Ultimate Guide to the 2015 World Juniors, fans can find complete rosters of every team and its corresponding group stage schedule, a preview of all 10 teams, and predictions as to who will end up with individual honors and what country will be the one singing its anthem at center ice with new hardware.
The tournament runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5. Games will air on TSN and its affiliates for Canadian audiences and on NHL Network for those watching in the United States.
For years, the Czech republic and Slovakia have slipped out of favor with pro scouts as the perceived talent level coming out of those countries has dipped. Based on their rosters in this year's World Juniors, the Czechs appear to have bounced back nicely. The Slovaks, on the other hand, have not.
More than half the team currently plays for the country's Orange U20 team, Slovakia's equivalent to the U.S. National Team Development Program, just older. Very few players can claim that they see the same level of competition on a regular basis as some of the players on other European teams' rosters. Only three players on this team have been drafted by an NHL club, one of which, Matej Paulovič, is still considered a project.
In net, Slovakia has two Orange U20 guys, and then Daniel Gibl of the Barrie Colts. Gibl was back-up last season in the OHL, but hasn't improved his numbers at all this year in the same role. Hopefully, the starting job between the pipes goes to Dávid Okoličány, if only because his name is an absoltue joy to say.
Martin Réway was so good at the last World Juniors, that he caught the eyes of scouts and was taken in the fourth round by Montréal one year past his initial season of draft eligibility. He'll need to be even better this time around if Slovakia has any hope of success beyond simply avoiding relegation. The good news is, he's already familiar with how the game is played on North American ice thanks to two-seasons experience in the QMJHL.
It will be interesting to see how 2015 draft eligibles Erik Černák and Radovan Bondra will handle their roles this year. Černák had the honor of making the team as a 16-year-old last year, an incredible feat for a defenseman, but didn't exactly shine in his World Junior Championship debut. If he can turn his play around and Bondra can chip in with some solid play of his own, they could prove to be bright silver linings among the otherwise bleak state of Slovakian hockey prospects.
Slovakia looks completely outmatched against Canada, the United States, and reigning gold medalist Finland. Of course, this is hockey, so anything can happen, but that rule would also apply to fellow Group A underling Germany. If Germany can pull off a monumental upset somewhere, or even defeat the Slovaks, look out for what would be next for Slovakian hockey. It might not be pretty...
Montréal and Toronto are the two cities with the greatest amount of hockey history. Countless legends have played for the people of those fine cities, and a pantheon of storied contests were played on their ice. This year, the hockey world will converge on both of these puck-head havens for the annual gut-wrenching, heart-racing, awe-inspiring tournament that is the IIHF World Junior Championship.
With games split between Montréal's Bell Centre and Toronro's Air Canada Centre, 10 countries' finest young men will compete for national pride, glory, and hockey immortality. Every team will have its fair share of obstacles if it wants to reach its ultimate goal, but no matter how much they all want it, no matter how hard they work, only one team will have gold draped around their necks after the final game.
In this, your Ultimate Guide to the 2015 World Juniors, fans can find complete rosters of every team and its corresponding group stage schedule, a preview of all 10 teams, and predictions as to who will end up with individual honors and what country will be the one singing its anthem at center ice with new hardware.
The tournament runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5. Games will air on TSN and its affiliates for Canadian audiences and on NHL Network for those watching in the United States.
GROUP A
Montréal, QC
Montréal, QC
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
1
|
G
|
Tri-City Americans
|
6’1”
|
168 lbs
|
WPG
|
|
2
|
D
|
Victoria Royals
|
5’8”
|
186
lbs
|
DET
|
|
3
|
D
|
Swift Current Broncos
|
6’3”
|
196
lbs
|
CBJ
|
|
4
|
D
|
Kelowna Rockets
|
6’1”
|
195
lbs
|
WSH
|
|
5
|
D
|
Rimouski Océanic
|
6’7”
|
224 lbs
|
PHI
|
|
6
|
D
|
Seattle Thunderbirds
|
6’2”
|
182
lbs
|
ANA
|
|
7
|
D
|
Kelowna Rockets
|
6’0”
|
194
lbs
|
WPG
|
|
9
|
RW
|
Moose Jaw Warriors
|
5’8”
|
160
lbs
|
TB
|
|
10
|
RW
|
New York Rangers
|
5’11”
|
184
lbs
|
NYR
|
|
16
|
LW
|
London Knights
|
5’10”
|
194
lbs
|
ARI
|
|
17
|
C
|
Erie Otters
|
6’0”
|
182
lbs
|
2015
|
|
18
|
RW
|
Calgary Hitmen
|
6’1”
|
208
lbs
|
VAN
|
|
19
|
LW
|
Portland Winterhawks
|
5’9”
|
170
lbs
|
WPG
|
|
20
|
C
|
North Bay Battalion
|
6’3”
|
198
lbs
|
OTT
|
|
21
|
LW
|
Peterborough Petes
|
6’3”
|
226 lbs
|
ANA
|
|
22
|
C
|
Rimouski Océanic
|
6’4”
|
215
lbs
|
TOR
|
|
23
|
C
|
Kootenay Ice
|
6’1”
|
185
lbs
|
BUF
|
|
25
|
D
|
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
|
6’4”
|
185
lbs
|
EDM
|
|
26
|
LW
|
Ottawa Senators
|
6’0”
|
198
lbs
|
OTT
|
|
28
|
LW
|
Kingston Frontenacs
|
6’4”
|
211
lbs
|
2015
|
|
29
|
RW
|
Guelph Storm
|
5’10”
|
170
lbs
|
STL
|
|
31
|
G
|
Halifax Mooseheads
|
6’1”
|
180
lbs
|
MTL
|
Schedule:
vs Slovakia - Friday, Dec. 26, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs Germany - Saturday, Dec. 27, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs Finland - Monday, Dec. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs United States - Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4:00 p.m. ET
They say, "Go big or go home." In the midst of its longest medal drought since the launch of MTV, Canada went as big as it possibly could.
This year's host country boasts the biggest team at the World Juniors, standing over all opponents with an average height of 73.15 inches and average weight of 196 lbs. If not for the tremendously endearing play of munchkins Brayden Point and Joe Hicketts bogging down te mean, this team would be even bigger.
Size doesn't mean much if you can't do anything with it, though, but Canadians don't have to worry about that when it comes to their team. As always, the Great White North is chock-full of excellent NHL prospects on both sides of the puck, including hockey's latest prodigy, Connor McDavid. McDavid had a rare honor of making the team last year as a 16-year-old, and is back in a facemask again in attempt to get Canada back to the promised land.
Head Coach Benoit Groulx put the playmaking-extraordinaire McDavid in between power forward Nick Ritchie and current NHL-er Curtis Lazar. It seems like matches made in heaven. Oh, and did I mention it's only the second line?
Lazar isn't the only NHL player on loan to Canada this year, as the Rangers' Anthony Duclair will have the maple leaf on his chest. Duclair's (and Lazar's, for that matter,) presence on this team is expected to be enough to push this team over the edge, but don't forget, even with a roster loaded with NHL talent due to the lockout in 2013, Canada not only failed to win gold, but went home without a medal at all.
Toronto prospect and returnee Frédérik Gauthier will serve as the team's defensive specialist down the middle as fourth line center, and the defense itself looks promising, as well. The only fear for this Canadian defense is that its members might be too offensively-minded. If that proves to be the case, inserting Dillon Heatherington into the line-up with more regularity may reveal itself to be a prudent solution.
In goal, Canada has two more than competent netminders. Frankly, Eric Comrie outplayed Zach Fucale in camp and pre-tournament exhibitions, but Fucale was named the started by Groulx's staff on Christmas day, most likely due to Fucale's already outstanding reputation as a goaltender and his experience with the team last year. This is nothing to be up in arms about, even though some enthusiastic Canadian supporters decree it an injustice, because even if Fucale falters at any point in the four-game round robin stage, Comrie is welcome to perform for the job. That's the luxury of a group stage before elimination, Canada can work out the kinks in its first few games and then move on.
The "pressure's on the home team" card is a bit played out, especially in Canada's case, where the team is expected to take home gold every year regardless of whether the tournament is played in Moose Jaw or on Mars. If Canada doesn't win gold again, it's not going to be because of added pressure playing on home soil, it will be because another team was just better. That said, another medal-less year would be an unfathomable failure.
This year's host country boasts the biggest team at the World Juniors, standing over all opponents with an average height of 73.15 inches and average weight of 196 lbs. If not for the tremendously endearing play of munchkins Brayden Point and Joe Hicketts bogging down te mean, this team would be even bigger.
Size doesn't mean much if you can't do anything with it, though, but Canadians don't have to worry about that when it comes to their team. As always, the Great White North is chock-full of excellent NHL prospects on both sides of the puck, including hockey's latest prodigy, Connor McDavid. McDavid had a rare honor of making the team last year as a 16-year-old, and is back in a facemask again in attempt to get Canada back to the promised land.
Head Coach Benoit Groulx put the playmaking-extraordinaire McDavid in between power forward Nick Ritchie and current NHL-er Curtis Lazar. It seems like matches made in heaven. Oh, and did I mention it's only the second line?
Lazar isn't the only NHL player on loan to Canada this year, as the Rangers' Anthony Duclair will have the maple leaf on his chest. Duclair's (and Lazar's, for that matter,) presence on this team is expected to be enough to push this team over the edge, but don't forget, even with a roster loaded with NHL talent due to the lockout in 2013, Canada not only failed to win gold, but went home without a medal at all.
Toronto prospect and returnee Frédérik Gauthier will serve as the team's defensive specialist down the middle as fourth line center, and the defense itself looks promising, as well. The only fear for this Canadian defense is that its members might be too offensively-minded. If that proves to be the case, inserting Dillon Heatherington into the line-up with more regularity may reveal itself to be a prudent solution.
In goal, Canada has two more than competent netminders. Frankly, Eric Comrie outplayed Zach Fucale in camp and pre-tournament exhibitions, but Fucale was named the started by Groulx's staff on Christmas day, most likely due to Fucale's already outstanding reputation as a goaltender and his experience with the team last year. This is nothing to be up in arms about, even though some enthusiastic Canadian supporters decree it an injustice, because even if Fucale falters at any point in the four-game round robin stage, Comrie is welcome to perform for the job. That's the luxury of a group stage before elimination, Canada can work out the kinks in its first few games and then move on.
The "pressure's on the home team" card is a bit played out, especially in Canada's case, where the team is expected to take home gold every year regardless of whether the tournament is played in Moose Jaw or on Mars. If Canada doesn't win gold again, it's not going to be because of added pressure playing on home soil, it will be because another team was just better. That said, another medal-less year would be an unfathomable failure.
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
2
|
D
|
JYP
|
6’0”
|
168
lbs
|
2015
|
|
4
|
D
|
St. Cloud State
|
5’8”
|
157
lbs
|
||
5
|
D
|
Ilves
|
6’2”
|
198
lbs
|
DAL
|
|
6
|
D
|
KalPa
|
6’0”
|
150
lbs
|
NSH
|
|
7
|
D
|
Tappara
|
6’3”
|
203
lbs
|
||
9
|
D
|
Texas Stars
|
5’10”
|
180
lbs
|
DAL
|
|
10
|
RW
|
JYP
|
5’9”
|
170
lbs
|
||
11
|
C
|
Lahti
|
6’1”
|
183
lbs
|
||
13
|
RW
|
Kärpät
|
6’2”
|
180
lbs
|
2016
|
|
16
|
C
|
TPS
|
6’3”
|
195
lbs
|
2015
|
|
19
|
C
|
Kärpät
|
6’1”
|
160
lbs
|
||
20
|
RW
|
Ässät
|
5’10”
|
172
lbs
|
||
21
|
C
|
Ilves
|
5’8”
|
155
lbs
|
||
22
|
C
|
Ilves
|
6’2”
|
183
lbs
|
2015
|
|
23
|
D
|
Ottawa 67’s
|
6’3”
|
190
lbs
|
LA
|
|
24
|
RW
|
KalPa
|
6’0”
|
180
lbs
|
PIT
|
|
26
|
LW
|
Kärpät
|
5’11”
|
176
lbs
|
2015
|
|
27
|
LW
|
TPS
|
6’5”
|
192
lbs
|
DET
|
|
28
|
LW
|
Frölunda
|
5’10”
|
165
lbs
|
MTL
|
|
29
|
C
|
Tappara
|
5’11”
|
200
lbs
|
||
30
|
G
|
HIFK
|
6’2”
|
207
lbs
|
STL
|
|
31
|
G
|
HPK
|
5’10”
|
180
lbs
|
NSH
|
Schedule:
vs United States - Friday, Dec. 26, 3:00 p.m. ET
vs Slovakia - Saturday, Dec. 27, 4:00 p.m. ET
vs Canada - Monday, Dec. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs Germany - Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8:00 p.m. ET
They're baaaaaack.
Finland's tremendous goaltending due of Juuse Saros and Ville Husso will strap on the pads for another World Juniors, the former without the question the biggest reason why Finland became the second consecutive team at this tournament to go from seventh to second-to-none. Saros and Husso's track record would suggest that the Finns have the tournament's best last line of defense, and that alone has catapulted teams to special places at all levels of hockey in the past. Still, no European team has repeated as gold medalists in over a decade, so even with arguably the best U20 goaltending in the world, the rest of the team will have to play like gangbusters in the elimination round to repeat atop the podium.
Speaking of the rest of Finland's team, it's lost a ton of key cogs from last year's championship squad. Teuvo Teräväinen and Saku Mäenalanen are major subtractions from the offense, while the Finnish blue line will be without Esa Lindell and golden goal-scorer Rasmus Ristolainen. Luckily, the Finns have retained Julius Honka, a revelation at last year's tournament, but was fortunate enough to play behind Lindell and Ristolainen. Furthermore, Finland lost the ever-so-skilled Kasperi Kapanen to injury just before last year's tournament. That is not the case this year. Even though he was banged up once again during the Finns' exhibition games, he can be expected to be the commander of the Finnish offense this time around.
From the looks of things, this team is generally pretty fleet of foot and skilled, which is good, because they're far from physically imposing. Its average height (72.18 inches) and weight (182 lbs) are good enough for last and second to last out of all 10 teams in the tournament. In fact, the only team lighter on average is lowly Denmark, which wasn't even at the last World Juniors. Then again, Finnish players are stereotyped as the grittiest among the Scandinavian hockey powers, and it's never about the size of the dog in the fight, it's about, well, you get it...
On paper, Finland has the best goaltending, a great group of defensemen, and high-end talent in its top six forwards. If all of those elements click as expected, the only thing separating Finland from back-to-back gold medals is how well its role players and younger, less-experienced forwards can perform compared to last years squad. Well, that and a couple other really, really, really good teams that happen to have their eyes set on the same goal.
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
1
|
G
|
EC Salzburg II
|
6’0”
|
198 lbs
|
||
3
|
D
|
SC Riessersee
|
6’0”
|
176 lbs
|
||
4
|
D
|
FASS Berlin
|
6’0”
|
176 lbs
|
||
5
|
D
|
Muskegon Lumberjacks
|
6’5”
|
207 lbs
|
||
6
|
RW
|
Sioux Falls Stampede
|
5’10”
|
185 lbs
|
||
7
|
D
|
Heilbronner Falken
|
6’3”
|
214 lbs
|
||
9
|
D
|
Ravensburg Towerstars
|
6’1”
|
176 lbs
|
||
10
|
LW
|
Green Bay Gamblers
|
5’10”
|
168 lbs
|
||
11
|
RW
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
|
6’0”
|
176 lbs
|
||
12
|
D
|
FASS Berlin
|
6’3”
|
181 lbs
|
2015
|
|
14
|
C
|
ESV Kaufbeuren
|
5’11”
|
143 lbs
|
2015
|
|
16
|
D
|
EV Landshut
|
6’0”
|
187 lbs
|
||
17
|
LW
|
Western Michigan University
|
6’1”
|
200 lbs
|
||
18
|
D
|
Ohio State University
|
5’11”
|
180 lbs
|
||
19
|
LW
|
Austin Bruins
|
6’2”
|
187 lbs
|
||
21
|
C
|
SC Riessersee
|
5’11”
|
174 lbs
|
||
22
|
RW
|
EV Landshut
|
6’2”
|
190 lbs
|
||
23
|
C
|
EC Salzburg II
|
6’0”
|
176 lbs
|
||
25
|
C
|
Kölner Haie
|
5’11”
|
187 lbs
|
||
27
|
LW
|
EC Salzburg II
|
6’0”
|
163 lbs
|
2015
|
|
28
|
RW
|
EC Salzburg II
|
6’2”
|
180 lbs
|
||
29
|
G
|
Heilbronner Falken
|
6’0”
|
165
lbs
|
||
30
|
G
|
Green Bay Gamblers
|
6’1”
|
205
lbs
|
Schedule:
vs Canada - Saturday, Dec. 27, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs United States - Sunday, Dec. 28, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs Slovakia - Sunday, Dec. 30, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs Finland - Monday, Dec. 31, 8:00 p.m. ET
Germany has plenty of returning players from last year's squad, but not the only one who could make sort of difference. Leon Draisaitl is wasting away on the third line in Edmonton, while the rest of Team Germany is in for a bumpy ride of its own on the other side of Canada.
Once again, Deutschland has no NHL-drafted players on its roster, far and away the lowest total at the tourney. If this team is to avoid relegation, it's going to take an otherworldly performance from more than one of its veteran forwards and some creative coaching from Canadian head coach Pat Cortina. The latter is already in motion.
Cortina decided to submit a roster with two extra defensemen and no extra forwards to the IIHF on Christmas day. It's a peculiar move at first glace, but upon closer inspection, it makes all the sense in the world. Two of the German blue liners have previous experience playing the forward position, the towering David Trinkberger and Ohio State Buckeye Janik Möser. With very little forward depth to begin with, Cortina decided to not waste a roster spot on a player who would make no impact and instead pencil in two diversified defenders who can move around if injury necessitates so.
That's a smart start for an undoubtedly overpowered German squad, but it won't matter much if Deutschland's returning players can't up the ante on the scoresheet. Such responsibility falls on the shoulders of CHL castaways Dominik Kahún and Maximillian Kammerer, as well as playmaking winger Frederik Tiffels. Kahún actually outscored Draisaitl at last year's tournament, but he won't have nearly as much space to work with as he's likely to draw a majority of the opponents' attention the way the Deutschland Dangler did before.
Massive 2015 draft prospect Kai Wissmann will be expected to log a ton of minutes on the back-end, and if something happened that would require Möser or fellow giant Trinkberger to move up to forward, Wissmann's workload may prove to be too much to handle for such an inexperienced player.
Germany finds themself in one heck of a tough group, but it has at least put itself in the best position possible to try an succeed before the puck drops at the first game.
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
1
|
G
|
Barrie Colts
|
6’2”
|
185
lbs
|
||
2
|
G
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
5’7”
|
154
lbs
|
||
4
|
D
|
Banska Bystrica
|
5’11”
|
174
lbs
|
||
5
|
D
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’2”
|
180
lbs
|
||
7
|
D
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’0”
|
176 lbs
|
||
8
|
RW
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
5’9”
|
170
lbs
|
||
9
|
C
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’0”
|
179
lbs
|
||
10
|
LW
|
Sparta Praha
|
5’10”
|
174
lbs
|
MTL
|
|
11
|
D
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
5’10”
|
165
lbs
|
||
12
|
C
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’0”
|
183
lbs
|
||
13
|
LW
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’5”
|
212
lbs
|
2015
|
|
14
|
D
|
Kosice
|
6’4”
|
203
lbs
|
2015
|
|
15
|
D
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’1”
|
187
lbs
|
||
16
|
RW
|
Västerås
|
5’11”
|
172
lbs
|
||
18
|
D
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’1”
|
187 lbs
|
||
19
|
C
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
5’9”
|
154
lbs
|
||
21
|
RW
|
Prince George Cougars
|
5’11”
|
183
lbs
|
||
22
|
LW
|
Luleå
|
6’2”
|
200
lbs
|
BOS
|
|
26
|
D
|
Luleå
|
6’4”
|
205
lbs
|
||
27
|
C
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’4”
|
218
lbs
|
||
28
|
RW
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
6’5”
|
207
lbs
|
||
29
|
LW
|
Muskegon Lumberjacks
|
6’3”
|
196
lbs
|
DAL
|
|
30
|
G
|
Orange 20 Bratislava
|
5’11”
|
176
lbs
|
Schedule:
vs Canada - Friday, Dec. 26, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs Finland - Saturday, Dec. 27, 4:00 p.m. ET
vs United States - Monday, Dec. 29, 4:00 p.m. ET
vs Germany - Tuesday, Dec. 30, 8:00 p.m. ET
For years, the Czech republic and Slovakia have slipped out of favor with pro scouts as the perceived talent level coming out of those countries has dipped. Based on their rosters in this year's World Juniors, the Czechs appear to have bounced back nicely. The Slovaks, on the other hand, have not.
More than half the team currently plays for the country's Orange U20 team, Slovakia's equivalent to the U.S. National Team Development Program, just older. Very few players can claim that they see the same level of competition on a regular basis as some of the players on other European teams' rosters. Only three players on this team have been drafted by an NHL club, one of which, Matej Paulovič, is still considered a project.
In net, Slovakia has two Orange U20 guys, and then Daniel Gibl of the Barrie Colts. Gibl was back-up last season in the OHL, but hasn't improved his numbers at all this year in the same role. Hopefully, the starting job between the pipes goes to Dávid Okoličány, if only because his name is an absoltue joy to say.
Martin Réway was so good at the last World Juniors, that he caught the eyes of scouts and was taken in the fourth round by Montréal one year past his initial season of draft eligibility. He'll need to be even better this time around if Slovakia has any hope of success beyond simply avoiding relegation. The good news is, he's already familiar with how the game is played on North American ice thanks to two-seasons experience in the QMJHL.
It will be interesting to see how 2015 draft eligibles Erik Černák and Radovan Bondra will handle their roles this year. Černák had the honor of making the team as a 16-year-old last year, an incredible feat for a defenseman, but didn't exactly shine in his World Junior Championship debut. If he can turn his play around and Bondra can chip in with some solid play of his own, they could prove to be bright silver linings among the otherwise bleak state of Slovakian hockey prospects.
Slovakia looks completely outmatched against Canada, the United States, and reigning gold medalist Finland. Of course, this is hockey, so anything can happen, but that rule would also apply to fellow Group A underling Germany. If Germany can pull off a monumental upset somewhere, or even defeat the Slovaks, look out for what would be next for Slovakian hockey. It might not be pretty...
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
2
|
D
|
Boston College
|
6’3”
|
205 lbs
|
2015
|
|
3
|
D
|
Boston College
|
6’3”
|
206 lbs
|
FLA
|
|
4
|
D
|
University of Denver
|
5’10”
|
200 lbs
|
COL
|
|
6
|
D
|
University of Minnesota
|
6’4”
|
204 lbs
|
CBJ
|
|
7
|
C
|
University of Michigan
|
5’11”
|
185 lbs
|
BUF
|
|
8
|
C
|
University of North Dakota
|
6’0”
|
172 lbs
|
CHI
|
|
9
|
C
|
Boston University
|
6’1”
|
190 lbs
|
2015
|
|
10
|
LW
|
Miami University
|
5’7”
|
160 lbs
|
CHI
|
|
11
|
LW
|
Noble and Greenough School
|
6’1”
|
195 lbs
|
NJ
|
|
13
|
LW
|
Plymouth Whalers
|
5’11”
|
185 lbs
|
CBJ
|
|
14
|
LW
|
University of Michigan
|
5’10”
|
185 lbs
|
CHI
|
|
15
|
RW
|
Yale University
|
6’3”
|
210 lbs
|
CHI
|
|
17
|
RW
|
Boston College
|
6’3”
|
220 lbs
|
MIN
|
|
18
|
C
|
Portland Winterhawks
|
5’10”
|
175 lbs
|
WPG
|
|
21
|
C
|
University of Michigan
|
6’0”
|
192 lbs
|
DET
|
|
22
|
RW
|
University of Minnesota
|
6’2”
|
207 lbs
|
BUF
|
|
23
|
D
|
University of Michigan
|
6’2”
|
214 lbs
|
2015
|
|
24
|
D
|
Sarnia Sting
|
5’11”
|
177 lbs
|
TB
|
|
26
|
D
|
Tri-City Americans
|
6’5”
|
195 lbs
|
2015
|
|
29
|
G
|
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
|
6’4”
|
190 lbs
|
NYR
|
|
30
|
G
|
Boston College
|
6’3”
|
192
lbs
|
VAN
|
|
31
|
G
|
Plymouth Whalers
|
6’0”
|
192
lbs
|
CAR
|
|
34
|
C
|
USNTDP
|
6’2”
|
195
lbs
|
2016
|
Schedule:
vs Finland - Friday, Dec. 26, 3:00 p.m. ET
vs Germany - Sunday, Dec. 28, 8:00 p.m. ET
vs Slovakia - Monday, Dec. 29, 4:00 p.m. ET
vs Canada - Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4:00 p.m. ET
The United States seems to constantly ping-pong up and down the standings at the World Juniors from year-to-year. Four years ago they found themselves bronze medalists on home ice, then disappointed and found themselves in seventh place a year later, only to shoot up to win gold at the following tournament, and most recently regressed back to fifth place. That pattern would suggest this is sure to be an up year for the Yanks, but a roster inspection would suggest more uncertainty. Consistently inconsistent, as is par for the course.
Steve Santini had the chance to be the best defenseman at the tournament if not for a wrist surgery early in his NCAA season at Boston College. Santini worked to get healthy so he could represent the stars and stripes one again, but couldn't play in any games and forced USA Hockey's hand to make him the team's final cut. Santini's absence made it possible for three different 2015 draft eligible defenders to get penciled onto the roster, an oddity for the U.S.
Ian McCoshen, Will Butcher, and Ryan Collins round out a very strong top end of the American defense. After that, it gets murky. Noah Hanifin, one of those 2015 draft eligible d-men, is a stud, there's no doubt about it. Anthony DeAngelo, when he's on his game, would be the most gifted puck distributor on the team, maybe even in the whole tournament. Brandon Carlo brings the size the back-end needs. However, Carlo, Hanifin, and Zach Werenski's youth and inexperience could come back to bite them in a big game. Carlo has never played a shift in any significant international competition for the United States before! And in DeAngelo's case, let's just say there are few players (not from Russia) considered as enigmatic at such a young age.
Without the stabilizing influence of Santini, the U.S. "d" looks like a boom or bust assembly right now. The offense, on the other hand, is all boom. Armed with plenty of players with great hockey sense and the skills to do something with it, the American front lines will be a force to reckoned with for any opponent. Even beyond Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews, perhaps to two greatest American-born hockey prospects ever, the roster runs deep with players who can play just about any role and are willing to do so.
The U.S. will likely turn to Thatcher Demko in net, as he's been groomed by USA Hockey for the starting role in this year's World Juniors since the previous tournament. Demko had a sensational rookie campaign for Boston College last year, and has improved his numbers thus far this season. Alex Nedeljkovic has the small stature and athletic style that's more reminiscent of Juuse Saros, the goaltending stand-out of the 2014 World Juniors, so don't be shocked if he shines in an appearance or two of his own.
Eichel going head-to-head against Connor McDavid in the classic New Year's Eve rivalry game will be must-see TV for any sane hockey fan, and if the two teams can meet again in the elimination round, too, the match-up could be looked back on as one for the ages.
GROUP B
Toronto, ON
The Czechs are back with a vengeance at this year's World Juniors, thanks in part to a generous donation and striking the genetic jackpot.
The Czech blue line at this tournament is just one giant, hulking mass. Lean, mean, and certainly motivated by a quarterfinal collapse against eventual champion Finland in last year's tournament, that saw Suomi bury four unanswered goals in the latter half of the game en route to a 5-3 victory, this defense looks exceptionally stout. It may not carry the gravitas of some of the big name prospects like the United States or Canada, but its large bodies will definitely have some gravitace along the boards and in the corners. Dominik Mašín might be the most underrated d-man in the tournament.
In net, Vítek Vaněček might not be quite as large as his defensive brethren, but he sure plays like it. A 2014 second round pick by the Washington Capitals in a second round filled with goalie selections, Vaněček was considered one of hockey's best-kept secrets before the draft. The Caps heard about him, and have been delighted with what they got when many accused them of jumping on the Czech netminder too soon in the draft. If he doesn't begin the tournament with starting duty, you can rest assured knowing he'll earn it with his play. In fact, Vaněček might prove to be the Czech Republic's best goalie at the World Juniors since the legend that is Petr Mrázek...
Offensively, the Czechs have decent talent, but were missing a game changer for the most part leading up to the tournament. That was until the Boston Bruins delivered an early Christmas gift. David Pastrňák would be loaned to the team from the Bruins' AHL affiliate and Providence, and suddenly, the Czechs had their game-changer. Pastrňák was good, but not great for the Czech Republic last year, but has since become a monster at the AHL level. For what it's worth, he also has three goals and one assist in three games for his homeland from a tournament earlier this year.
Czech hockey has been slowly on the decline for years, but its teams have remained pesky in international competition, nonetheless. With an apparent boost in talent from years past this time around, the Czech Republic can reasonably challenge for its first medal in a decade.
Russia comes into the World Juniors with the oldest, most experienced group in the field, and they're hoping it pays off in droves.
Like the Czechs, the Russians have tall, think bodies on defence, but the pedigree on offense runs so much deeper than many other teams in the tournament. That traditional talent has given Russia 17 medals in the past 20 World Juniors, but for Russia, "medals" are unsatisfactory unless they're gold. Surprisingly, the Russians have only won one gold medal in the last 11 World Junior Championships.
Speaking of that offense, it features plenty of excellent NHL prospects, but several good players that NHL teams are afraid to touch because of the players' lack of enthusiasm for leaving the motherland. Anatoly Golyshev falls under that category, so North American fans should look out for him and some of the other unfamiliar names on the forward end of the roster to make an unexpected impact. In fact, the Russians are so deep, that filling those final roster spots became so tightly contested that for the second year in a row, flashy forward Vladimir Tkachev couldn't even come close to the final cut.
It's not all roses for Russia, though. For the first time in three years, it will have to find a way to succeed without stud netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy in goal. Both Igor Shestyorkin and Ilya Sorokin are highly touted NHL prospects, and both have played exceptionally for Russia in the past, but it would still be hard to believe one of them or a tandem starter approach can match what Vasilevskiy brought.
Russia, as they always seem to be accused of, didn't have the attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck nor in transition back into its own zone the last two years when it was expected of big things, and that likely played a big role in why they only ended up with bronze instead of something shinier. That inconvenient, occasional lackadaisical attitude might quell while cognizant of the fact that there's no longer a Vasilevskiy back there to bail out a guilty party or two several times a night, but bench boss Valeri Bragin will still have to preach good defensive habits often and always if Russia wants to make its triumphant return back to the top of the junior hockey scene.
Size, skill, speed, and puck-stoppers, the Russians seem to have a good balance of everything once again. They're not alone, though. A couple of different countries are coming in with similarly constructed teams, so the execution of the glory days must make a return if gold is to find its way eastward towards the mighty Ural Mountains.
Most Impactful Skater on Each Team:
Toronto, ON
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
1
|
G
|
AZ Havířov
|
6’2”
|
176 lbs
|
||
2
|
G
|
Benatky nad Jizerou
|
6’0”
|
181 lbs
|
WSH
|
|
3
|
D
|
Rimouski Océanic
|
6’1”
|
196 lbs
|
WPG
|
|
4
|
D
|
Pojištovna Pardubice
|
6’2”
|
200 lbs
|
||
5
|
D
|
Verva Litvínov
|
6’1”
|
180 lbs
|
||
6
|
D
|
AZ Havířov
|
6’0”
|
180 lbs
|
||
7
|
LW
|
Pardubice U20
|
6’2”
|
194 lbs
|
||
8
|
D
|
TPS U20
|
6’4”
|
210 lbs
|
||
9
|
RW
|
Providence Bruins
|
5’11”
|
168 lbs
|
BOS
|
|
10
|
C
|
Piráti Chomutov
|
6’2”
|
192 lbs
|
||
13
|
RW
|
Linköping
|
5’11”
|
185 lbs
|
WSH
|
|
14
|
C
|
Sarnia Sting
|
6’3”
|
203 lbs
|
2015
|
|
16
|
C
|
Val-d’Or Foreurs
|
6’0”
|
203 lbs
|
||
17
|
RW
|
Trinec
|
6’2”
|
176 lbs
|
||
18
|
LW
|
Škoda Plzeň
|
6’1”
|
174 lbs
|
LA
|
|
20
|
D
|
Viktovice Steel
|
5’9”
|
176 lbs
|
||
21
|
C
|
Pojištovna Pardubice
|
5’11”
|
187 lbs
|
2015
|
|
25
|
RW
|
Piráti Chomutov
|
5’11”
|
168 lbs
|
ANA
|
|
26
|
LW
|
Rebel Havlíčkův Brod
|
6’0”
|
180 lbs
|
||
27
|
D
|
Peterborough Petes
|
6’2”
|
190 lbs
|
TB
|
|
28
|
LW
|
Energie Karlovy Vary
|
6’0”
|
180 lbs
|
||
30
|
G
|
Rytíři Kladno
|
6’5”
|
185 lbs
|
2015
|
Schedule:
vs Sweden - Friday, Dec. 26, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Switzerland - Saturday, Dec. 27, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Denmark - Monday, Dec. 29, 1:00 p.m. ET
vs Russia - Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5:00 p.m. ET
The Czechs are back with a vengeance at this year's World Juniors, thanks in part to a generous donation and striking the genetic jackpot.
The Czech blue line at this tournament is just one giant, hulking mass. Lean, mean, and certainly motivated by a quarterfinal collapse against eventual champion Finland in last year's tournament, that saw Suomi bury four unanswered goals in the latter half of the game en route to a 5-3 victory, this defense looks exceptionally stout. It may not carry the gravitas of some of the big name prospects like the United States or Canada, but its large bodies will definitely have some gravitace along the boards and in the corners. Dominik Mašín might be the most underrated d-man in the tournament.
In net, Vítek Vaněček might not be quite as large as his defensive brethren, but he sure plays like it. A 2014 second round pick by the Washington Capitals in a second round filled with goalie selections, Vaněček was considered one of hockey's best-kept secrets before the draft. The Caps heard about him, and have been delighted with what they got when many accused them of jumping on the Czech netminder too soon in the draft. If he doesn't begin the tournament with starting duty, you can rest assured knowing he'll earn it with his play. In fact, Vaněček might prove to be the Czech Republic's best goalie at the World Juniors since the legend that is Petr Mrázek...
Offensively, the Czechs have decent talent, but were missing a game changer for the most part leading up to the tournament. That was until the Boston Bruins delivered an early Christmas gift. David Pastrňák would be loaned to the team from the Bruins' AHL affiliate and Providence, and suddenly, the Czechs had their game-changer. Pastrňák was good, but not great for the Czech Republic last year, but has since become a monster at the AHL level. For what it's worth, he also has three goals and one assist in three games for his homeland from a tournament earlier this year.
Czech hockey has been slowly on the decline for years, but its teams have remained pesky in international competition, nonetheless. With an apparent boost in talent from years past this time around, the Czech Republic can reasonably challenge for its first medal in a decade.
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
1
|
G
|
Esbjerg Energy
|
6’4”
|
203
lbs
|
||
2
|
D
|
Esbjerg Energy
|
6’0”
|
170
lbs
|
||
3
|
D
|
SønderjyskE Vojens
|
6’0”
|
187
lbs
|
||
5
|
D
|
Rødovre Mighty Bulls
|
6’0”
|
172
lbs
|
||
6
|
D
|
Hvidovre IK
|
6’3”
|
247
lbs
|
||
7
|
C
|
Niagara IceDogs
|
6’0”
|
179
lbs
|
||
9
|
LW
|
Odense Bulldogs
|
6’1”
|
176
lbs
|
||
10
|
RW
|
Luleå
|
6’1”
|
198
lbs
|
||
11
|
D
|
Malmö J20
|
5’11”
|
172
lbs
|
||
14
|
D
|
Gentofte Stars
|
6’2”
|
157
lbs
|
||
15
|
LW
|
Wenatchee Wild
|
6’0”
|
183
lbs
|
||
16
|
C
|
Seattle Thunderbirds
|
6’4”
|
176
lbs
|
2015
|
|
17
|
C
|
Rungsted IK
|
6’2”
|
194
lbs
|
||
18
|
D
|
Oshawa Generals
|
6’2”
|
187
lbs
|
||
19
|
RW
|
Rødovre Mighty Bulls
|
6’1”
|
181
lbs
|
||
20
|
C
|
Edmonton Oil Kings
|
6’1”
|
205
lbs
|
||
21
|
LW
|
Malmö J20
|
6’0”
|
170
lbs
|
||
23
|
LW
|
Esbjerg Energy
|
6’0”
|
180 lbs
|
||
24
|
LW
|
Halifax Mooseheads
|
5’11”
|
176
lbs
|
WPG
|
|
27
|
RW
|
Portland Winterhawks
|
6’0”
|
170
lbs
|
CBJ
|
|
28
|
C
|
Esbjerg Energy
|
5”11”
|
163
lbs
|
||
31
|
G
|
Växjö J20
|
6’0”
|
165
lbs
|
||
39
|
G
|
Herning Blue Fox
|
5’10”
|
165
lbs
|
Schedule:
vs Russia - Friday, Dec. 26, 1:00 p.m. ET
vs Sweden - Saturday, Dec. 27, 1:00 a.m. ET
vs Czech Republic - Monday, Dec. 29, 1:00 a.m. ET
vs Switzerland - Tuesday, Dec. 30, 5:00 p.m. ET
The Danes enter this year's tournament on the hunt for their country's first ever World Junior victory. Replacing the relegated Norway, Denmark boasts a team the likes of which its natives have never seen. With high-end talents like Nikolaj Ehlers and Oliver Bjorkstrand, that first win is more feasible than ever.
The aforementioned Ehlers and Bjorkstrand are both NHL draft picks and juggernauts in the CHL. Ehlers is easily the most dynamic talent for his age that his motherland has ever produced, and is on pace for a second consecutive 100-point season with the Halifax Mooseheads (even without the assistance of Jonathan Drouin.) Ehlers' elite speed and Bjorkstrand's skill will likely be matched with the more stable influence of centerman Mads Eller. Eller plays a responsible two-way game for the defending Memorial Cup Champion Edmonton Oil Kings, and is likely to get attention from some NHL clubs next summer for tryouts. Ehlers-Eller-Bjorkstrand is probably the best line Denmark hockey has ever seen at any level, but after that, it isn't very pretty.
The level of talent takes a steep drop after those three players, as the roster gets filled out by undrafted '95s. Some of those players have made their way to North America to play in supporting roles in the CHL or NAHL. Others stayed in Europe to try and feel their way through domestic junior leagues. Other than Ehlers, Eller, and Bjorkstrand, only three other players on the entire roster have reached double digits in points this season. Yikes. Even with that tremendous top unit, scoring is going to be at a premium for the Danes.
Defensively, Denmark will be led by a rock of a player in Mads Larsen. What Larsen lacks in size he makes up for in heart, but head coach Olaf Eller would be wise to pair him with fellow veteran yet much larger and opposite-handed Oshawa Generals d-man Sonny Hertzberg. A wild card for this blue line will be Daniel Nielsen, a 6'3", 247 lbs defender who has been racking up the points in the second tier Danish league. Nielsen will be going up against the toughest competition of his life, but his size and skillset could become an X-factor for this team in its quest for that first ever World Junior win.
Don't be fooled, even with its best team in years, Denmark is easily the worst team in its group and will almost undoubtedly be trying to stave off relegation against Germany in a little over week. However, that first World Junior victory isn't an unobtainable feat. It won't come easy, but it's certainly not unobtainable.
The Danes enter this year's tournament on the hunt for their country's first ever World Junior victory. Replacing the relegated Norway, Denmark boasts a team the likes of which its natives have never seen. With high-end talents like Nikolaj Ehlers and Oliver Bjorkstrand, that first win is more feasible than ever.
The aforementioned Ehlers and Bjorkstrand are both NHL draft picks and juggernauts in the CHL. Ehlers is easily the most dynamic talent for his age that his motherland has ever produced, and is on pace for a second consecutive 100-point season with the Halifax Mooseheads (even without the assistance of Jonathan Drouin.) Ehlers' elite speed and Bjorkstrand's skill will likely be matched with the more stable influence of centerman Mads Eller. Eller plays a responsible two-way game for the defending Memorial Cup Champion Edmonton Oil Kings, and is likely to get attention from some NHL clubs next summer for tryouts. Ehlers-Eller-Bjorkstrand is probably the best line Denmark hockey has ever seen at any level, but after that, it isn't very pretty.
The level of talent takes a steep drop after those three players, as the roster gets filled out by undrafted '95s. Some of those players have made their way to North America to play in supporting roles in the CHL or NAHL. Others stayed in Europe to try and feel their way through domestic junior leagues. Other than Ehlers, Eller, and Bjorkstrand, only three other players on the entire roster have reached double digits in points this season. Yikes. Even with that tremendous top unit, scoring is going to be at a premium for the Danes.
Defensively, Denmark will be led by a rock of a player in Mads Larsen. What Larsen lacks in size he makes up for in heart, but head coach Olaf Eller would be wise to pair him with fellow veteran yet much larger and opposite-handed Oshawa Generals d-man Sonny Hertzberg. A wild card for this blue line will be Daniel Nielsen, a 6'3", 247 lbs defender who has been racking up the points in the second tier Danish league. Nielsen will be going up against the toughest competition of his life, but his size and skillset could become an X-factor for this team in its quest for that first ever World Junior win.
Don't be fooled, even with its best team in years, Denmark is easily the worst team in its group and will almost undoubtedly be trying to stave off relegation against Germany in a little over week. However, that first World Junior victory isn't an unobtainable feat. It won't come easy, but it's certainly not unobtainable.
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
1
|
G
|
Metallurg Novokuznetsk
|
6’2”
|
168
lbs
|
NYI
|
|
3
|
D
|
SKA St. Petersburg
|
6’2”
|
185 lbs
|
||
4
|
D
|
Ak Bars Kazan
|
6’6”
|
210
lbs
|
||
5
|
D
|
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
|
6’1”
|
179 lbs
|
||
6
|
D
|
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
|
6’2”
|
205
lbs
|
||
7
|
D
|
HK Ryazan
|
6’2”
|
183
lbs
|
CGY
|
|
9
|
C
|
Metallurg Magnitogorsk
|
6’2”
|
203
lbs
|
NSH
|
|
11
|
LW
|
HIFK
|
6’0”
|
185
lbs
|
SJ
|
|
12
|
D
|
Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
|
6’3”
|
196
lbs
|
||
15
|
RW
|
Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg
|
5’9”
|
172
lbs
|
||
17
|
RW
|
Avangard Omsk
|
6’2”
|
200
lbs
|
||
18
|
LW
|
CSKA Moskva
|
6’1”
|
170
lbs
|
||
19
|
LW
|
Severstal Cherepovets
|
6’2”
|
176 lbs
|
NYR
|
|
20
|
G
|
Avangard Omsk
|
5’11”
|
170
lbs
|
||
22
|
C
|
Moncton Wildcats
|
6’1”
|
190
lbs
|
STL
|
|
23
|
C
|
Lada Togliatti
|
6’2”
|
192
lbs
|
||
24
|
D
|
Kootnay Ice
|
6’2”
|
207
lbs
|
TOR
|
|
25
|
C
|
SKA St. Petersburg (MHL)
|
6’4”
|
200
lbs
|
2015
|
|
26
|
RW
|
Dynamo Balashika
|
6’1”
|
183
lbs
|
||
27
|
RW
|
Atlant Mytishchi
|
5’11”
|
163
lbs
|
||
28
|
LW
|
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
|
5’9”
|
170 lbs
|
CAR
|
|
29
|
D
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
|
6’0”
|
200
lbs
|
2015
|
|
30
|
G
|
SKA St. Petersburg
|
6’1”
|
187
lbs
|
NYR
|
Schedule:
vs Denmark - Friday, Dec. 26, 1:00 p.m. ET
vs Switzerland - Sunday, Dec. 28, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Sweden - Monday, Dec. 29, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Czech Republic - Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5:00 p.m. ET
Russia comes into the World Juniors with the oldest, most experienced group in the field, and they're hoping it pays off in droves.
Like the Czechs, the Russians have tall, think bodies on defence, but the pedigree on offense runs so much deeper than many other teams in the tournament. That traditional talent has given Russia 17 medals in the past 20 World Juniors, but for Russia, "medals" are unsatisfactory unless they're gold. Surprisingly, the Russians have only won one gold medal in the last 11 World Junior Championships.
Speaking of that offense, it features plenty of excellent NHL prospects, but several good players that NHL teams are afraid to touch because of the players' lack of enthusiasm for leaving the motherland. Anatoly Golyshev falls under that category, so North American fans should look out for him and some of the other unfamiliar names on the forward end of the roster to make an unexpected impact. In fact, the Russians are so deep, that filling those final roster spots became so tightly contested that for the second year in a row, flashy forward Vladimir Tkachev couldn't even come close to the final cut.
It's not all roses for Russia, though. For the first time in three years, it will have to find a way to succeed without stud netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy in goal. Both Igor Shestyorkin and Ilya Sorokin are highly touted NHL prospects, and both have played exceptionally for Russia in the past, but it would still be hard to believe one of them or a tandem starter approach can match what Vasilevskiy brought.
Russia, as they always seem to be accused of, didn't have the attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck nor in transition back into its own zone the last two years when it was expected of big things, and that likely played a big role in why they only ended up with bronze instead of something shinier. That inconvenient, occasional lackadaisical attitude might quell while cognizant of the fact that there's no longer a Vasilevskiy back there to bail out a guilty party or two several times a night, but bench boss Valeri Bragin will still have to preach good defensive habits often and always if Russia wants to make its triumphant return back to the top of the junior hockey scene.
Size, skill, speed, and puck-stoppers, the Russians seem to have a good balance of everything once again. They're not alone, though. A couple of different countries are coming in with similarly constructed teams, so the execution of the glory days must make a return if gold is to find its way eastward towards the mighty Ural Mountains.
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
1
|
G
|
Asplöven
|
6’0”
|
172
lbs
|
||
2
|
D
|
Skellefteå
|
5’10”
|
174
lbs
|
||
3
|
D
|
Dubuque Fighting Saints
|
6’2”
|
198
lbs
|
EDM
|
|
5
|
D
|
Djurgården
|
5’11”
|
196
lbs
|
CHI
|
|
6
|
D
|
Djurgården
|
6’3”
|
198
lbs
|
OTT
|
|
7
|
D
|
London Knights
|
6’2”
|
194
lbs
|
SJ
|
|
8
|
D
|
Linköping
|
6’0”
|
181
lbs
|
TOR
|
|
9
|
C
|
Hamilton Bulldogs
|
6’3”
|
198
lbs
|
MTL
|
|
11
|
LW
|
Frölunda
|
6’1”
|
192
lbs
|
BOS
|
|
12
|
LW
|
MODO
|
5’10”
|
176
lbs
|
BUF
|
|
14
|
D
|
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
|
6’2”
|
207
lbs
|
PHI
|
|
20
|
RW
|
Brynäs
|
5’11”
|
168
lbs
|
||
21
|
RW
|
MODO
|
5’11”
|
170
lbs
|
TOR
|
|
22
|
LW
|
Brynäs
|
6’1”
|
192
lbs
|
PHI
|
|
23
|
C
|
Luleå
|
6’0”
|
176
lbs
|
CAR
|
|
24
|
RW
|
Brynäs
|
6’0”
|
187
lbs
|
2015
|
|
25
|
C
|
Skellefteå
|
6’1”
|
198
lbs
|
DET
|
|
26
|
C
|
Frölunda
|
6’3”
|
187
lbs
|
DET
|
|
27
|
LW
|
Frölunda
|
6’1”
|
187
lbs
|
ARI
|
|
28
|
C
|
University of Minnesota
|
5’8”
|
183
lbs
|
||
29
|
RW
|
MODO
|
6’2”
|
187
lbs
|
LA
|
|
30
|
G
|
Södertälje
|
6’4”
|
194
lbs
|
NYI
|
Schedule:
vs Czech Republic - Friday, Dec. 26, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Denmark - Saturday, Dec. 27, 1:00 p.m. ET
vs Russia - Monday, Dec. 29, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Switzerland - Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1:00 p.m. ET
Sweden has made it to three consecutive World Juniors finals. It earned one gold and two silver medals in that time. Additionally, the Swedes have medaled six times in the last seven tournaments. This year, the Tre Kronor is back with another strong roster, but not without some question marks.
Almost all of Sweden's forwards have been drafted into the NHL and have seen significant time in the SHL. The roster has just about the perfect mixture of all the key ingredients, skill, size, and grit, spread out among its 13 names. Additionally, getting two-time World Juniors veteran and do-it-all player Jacob de la Rose on loan from the Hamilton Bulldogs cannot go understated.
Their depth down four lines might not be as strong on paper as it was at the last tournament, but that's more of a testament to how good the 2014 WJC Sweden was, and not a slight to this year's version. So with all that said, what's the problem? What's stopping Sweden from going gold again? We won't really have a definitive answer to that question until the team actually hits the ice in Toronto, but one's best guess would say it lies in the crease.
Oscar Dansk and Marcus Högberg are no longer available to play goalie, and Sweden looks to be struggling to find replacements. Samuel Ward is the eldest member of the Swedish goaltending corps and has the most international experience, but posted an abysmal .755 save percentage in his last two pre-tournament tune-up games against Canada and the United States. If the Swedes have any hope for a medal, they will have to turn to Linus Söderström. Söderström was good enough to be chosen in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders, but had a lackluster showing last year for the blue and gold at the U18 World Junior Championship.
If Söderström (or any Swedush netminder, for that matter) is going to succeed, he's going to need a ton of help from the defense in front of him. Luckily, they're pretty darn good.
Led by high-end NHL prospects Robert Hägg, Gustav Forsling, and Julius Bergman, there's no doubt Sweden will have little trouble escorting the puck out of their zone and getting offense generated from defense. William Lagesson will be expected to carry a big burden as the team's premier stay-at-home d-man. However, the loss of Oliver Kylington may prove to be a costly one.
Injured in one of Sweden's final pre-tournament games, Kylington will miss the whole tournament. Kylington, the youngest player to ever score an SHL goal (and a defenseman, at that,) is widely regarded as one of the best defenders available in the 2015 draft. His loss means much more ice time will be afforded to wild cards Sebastian Aho and Robin Norell.
It's been an impressive run recently for Sweden at this tournament, but with uncertainty between the pipes, it may ultimately prove to be an unsustainable one.
No.
|
Player
|
Pos.
|
Current
Team
|
Height
|
Weight
|
NHL Rights
|
1
|
G
|
Fribourg-Gottéron U20
|
6’2”
|
187
lbs
|
||
2
|
D
|
Kamloops Blazers
|
6’2”
|
207
lbs
|
||
5
|
D
|
San Jose Sharks
|
6’3”
|
205
lbs
|
SJ
|
|
6
|
D
|
Kloten Flyers
|
6’3”
|
212
lbs
|
||
9
|
LW
|
SC Langenthal
|
6’0”
|
185
lbs
|
||
10
|
LW
|
HV71
|
5’10”
|
187
lbs
|
NSH
|
|
12
|
C
|
HC Ambri-Piotta
|
5’9”
|
174
lbs
|
||
13
|
C
|
EHC Visp
|
6’2”
|
192
lbs
|
||
14
|
D
|
Guelph Storm
|
6’1”
|
203
lbs
|
||
15
|
C
|
Kelowna Rockets
|
5’10”
|
183
lbs
|
||
16
|
C
|
ZSC Lions Zurich
|
5’9”
|
176
lbs
|
2015
|
|
18
|
RW
|
Sherbrooke Phoenix
|
5’10”
|
174
lbs
|
2015
|
|
19
|
C
|
Davos U20
|
5’11”
|
176
lbs
|
||
20
|
D
|
HC Davos
|
6’3”
|
216
lbs
|
||
21
|
LW
|
HC Lugano
|
5’9”
|
187
lbs
|
||
22
|
LW
|
Sherbrooke Phoenix
|
5’7”
|
161
lbs
|
||
24
|
C
|
Guelph Storm
|
5’11”
|
170
lbs
|
||
25
|
D
|
ZSC Lions Zurich
|
6’2”
|
214
lbs
|
2015
|
|
26
|
C
|
Genève-Servette
|
6’1”
|
192
lbs
|
SJ
|
|
27
|
D
|
Plymouth Whalers
|
6’1”
|
200
lbs
|
||
28
|
RW
|
Halifax Mooseheads
|
6’1”
|
209
lbs
|
2015
|
|
29
|
G
|
Red Ice
|
5’11”
|
161
lbs
|
Schedule:
vs Czech Republic - Saturday, Dec. 27, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Russia - Sunday, Dec. 28, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Denmark - Tuesday, Dec. 30, 5:00 p.m. ET
vs Sweden - Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1:00 p.m. ET
The saying The Hart of Hockey likes to use when talking about Switzerland in international competition is, "Never underestimate the Swiss." It has become a familiar refrain in these annual World Juniors guides and the Olympic preview. Moreover, with it reiterated over and over again to not underestimate them, could we be in fact overestimating Switzerland at the same time?
That's what it seemed like at last year's World Junior Championship, when the typically defensively stout and structured Swiss surrendered an uncharacteristic amount of goals en route to an altogether disappointing tournament appearance. Despite a shootout victory over eventual champion Finland, Colin Muller's team surrendered 21 goals in five contests. Goaltender Melvin Nyffeler couldn't replicate his performance in the 2013 World Juniors and slipped to a .888 save percentage. The tournament was essentially a colossal failure for everyone with the white cross on their chest whose name wasn't Kevin Fiala.
Now, John Fust is at the helm behind the bench, and this team has the look of one that will succeed best in a "non-traditional" Swiss fashion. It's less about the trap, and much more about flash.
That's not to say Switzerland still won't apply some of its signature defensive schemes, but it's forwards are pretty strong. Led by Fiala, a player with plenty of offensive gifts and the heart of a lion to match, the Swiss front line is a younger one than last year's. What they lack in experience is made up for in skill, thanks to QMJHL stars Timo Meier and Kay Schweri. Mix in defensive-minded centerman Noah Rod (who was inexplicably left off last year's team,) and the Swiss O doesn't have too many apparent holes.
Defensively, the offensive-minded Yannick Rathgeb is back and wearing the "C". Despite the team's terrible goal differential, Rathgeb (an offensive defenseman, remember) was the only player on Switzerland's 2014 roster with a positive +/- at the end of the tournament. The right-handed Rathgeb would be an ideal partner for the undrafted lefty and defensive zone expert, Phil Baltisberger. 2015 draft-eligible Jonas Siegenthaler will look to impress scouts with his two-way play, and Mirco Müller, unleashed on the World Juniors for a third time by the San Jose Sharks, will look to rebound from a disappointing individual showing at the last WJC in Malmö, Sweden.
Switzerland's biggest head-scratcher comes in goal. The athletic netminder, Gauthier Descloux, is likely to get the most starts, and he comes into this tournament with a more impressive pro and international statistical résumé than Nyffeler ever had first coming onto the big stage.
The Swiss don't have the most impressive roster from top-to-bottom. That's reality. However, the high-end talent they do boast paired with improved goaltending leaves them a prime candidate for an upset, or even an underdog medalist. Like every other year, never underestimate the Swiss.
* = Switzerland will start the tournament shorthanded with eight forwards, but plans to gradually add more rostered players as the event goes on, as is allowed under IIHF rules. Denoted players are who The Hart of Hockey projects to join the Swiss squad, based on talent, team needs, and the pre-tournament exhibition rosters.
POST-PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE
QUARTERFINALS:
Bell Centre, Montréal, Que. - Friday, January 2, 1:00 p.m.
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Friday, January 2, 3:00 p.m.
Bell Centre, Montréal, Que. - Friday, January 2, 5:00 p.m.
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Friday, January 2, 8:00 p.m.
SEMIFINALS:
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Sunday, January 4, 4:00 p.m.
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Sunday, January 4, 8:00 p.m.
BRONZE MEDAL GAME:
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Monday, January 5, 4:00 p.m.
GOLD MEDAL GAME:
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Monday, January 5, 8:00 p.m.
RELEGATION ROUND:
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Friday, January 2, 11:00 a.m.
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Saturday, January 3, 7:00 p.m.
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont. - Monday, January 5, 11:00 a.m.
TOP 2015 DRAFT PROSPECTS
Below is a table representing the best prospects for the 2015 NHL Entry draft participating in this World Junior Championship. Included are the player rankings from the International Scouting Service (ISS), HockeyProspect.com, McKeen's Scouting, and TSN's Craig Button and Bob McKenzie.
All rankings are taken from each outlet's most recent edition of its players rankings. "n/r" implies a certain player was not ranked in the most recent version of a certain outlet's rankings.
Player
|
Country
|
ISS
|
HockeyProspect
|
McKeen's
|
Button
|
McKenzie^
|
Canada
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
USA
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
|
USA
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
|
Czech
|
8
|
4
|
4
|
17
|
4
|
|
Canada
|
9
|
6
|
5
|
18
|
5
|
|
USA
|
5
|
7
|
11
|
7
|
n/r
|
|
Russia
|
16
|
27
|
22
|
8
|
n/r
|
|
Finland
|
13
|
26
|
18
|
22
|
16
|
^ = Bob McKenzie's rankings were released at the start of the 2014-15 seasons, and is not updated monthly like the other scouting services.
FINAL PREDICTIONS
Final Standings:
Gold- Canada
Silver- Finland
Bronze- United States
Silver- Finland
Bronze- United States
4. Russia
5. Czech Republic
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Slovakia
9. Denmark
10. Germany
Leading Scorer:
Switzerland: Kevin Fiala
Best Defenseman:
Sweden: Robert Hägg
Best Goalie:
Finland: Juuse Saros
Most Impactful Skater on Each Team:
Canada: Connor McDavid
Czech Republic: David Pastrňák
Denmark: Nikolaj Ehlers
Finland: Julius Honka
Germany: Dominik Kahún
Russia: Sergey Tolchinsky
Slovakia: Martin Réway
Sweden: Robert Hägg
Switzerland: Kevin Fiala
USA: Jack Eichel
