One other things I wanted to touch up on is Team USA's World Juniors Potential Roster.
You know, this time of year there is a lot to be thankful and joyous about. The Holiday season is very fun and magical with something to always do... however, one of the best kept secrets in the sports world comes the day after Christmas. Every year hockey future stars are involved in the IIHF World Junior Championship. My favorite thing about this tournament is being able to see certain players represent their background, league, schools and country. You always have certain players you cheer for and you watch closely to see how they will position themselves in the NHL Draft the following year. This year is no exception to, plus I know Team USA will want to redeem themselves after that lack luster performance against Canada in the semi-finals last year.
The Schedule
Dec. 26 - U.S. vs. Denmark
Dec. 28 - U.S. vs. Finland
Dec. 30 - U.S. vs. Czech Republic
Dec. 31 - U.S. vs. Canada
Jan. 2 - Quarterfinals
Jan. 3 - Semifinals
Jan. 5 - Gold medal/bronze medal games
Last year team USA had a very easy schedule, which hurt them when Team Canada came around. Canada was playing against Russia, Sweden, very tough nations with strong programs. When it was Team USA chance to play Canada... we weren't tested and battle ready and Canada wiped the floor with us. It's good to see we have Finland and Czech Republic this time around and Canada at the end always happens. We'll see how we play.
Camp Roster - Player, School / Team. League (NHL Team Draft)
FORWARDS
Kenny Agostino, Yale, ECAC (Pittsburgh)
Josh Archibald, Nebraska-Omaha, WCHA (Pittsburgh)
Bill Arnold, Boston College, HE (Calgary)
Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Connor Brickley, Vermont, HE (Florida)
Austin Czarnik, Miami, CCHA (2012 draft eligible)
Charlie Coyle, Boston University, HE (Minnesota)
Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat, WHL (Anaheim)
Brian Ferlin, Cornell, ECAC (Boston)
John Gaudreau, Boston College, HE (Calgary)
J.T. Miller, Plymouth, OHL (N.Y. Rangers)
Shane Prince, Ottawa, OHL (Ottawa)
Kyle Rau, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Brandon Saad, Saginaw, OHL (Chicago)
T.J. Tynan, Notre Dame, CCHA (Columbus)
Austin Watson, Peterborough, OHL (Nashville)
Jason Zucker, Denver, WCHA (Minnesota)
DEFENSEMEN
Adam Clendening, Boston University, HE (Chicago)
Justin Faulk, Carolina, NHL
Derek Forbort, North Dakota, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Kevin Gravel, St. Cloud State, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Stephen Johns, Notre Dame, CCHA (Chicago)
Seth Jones, USNTDP U-18, USHL (2013 draft eligible)
Austin Levi, Plymouth, OHL (Carolina)
Jonathon Merrill, Michigan, CCHA (New Jersey)
Jarred Tinordi, London, OHL (Montreal)
Jacob Trouba, USNTDP U-18, USHL (2012 draft eligible)
GOALIES
Jack Campbell, Sault Ste. Marie, OHL (Dallas)
John Gibson, Kitchener, OHL (Anaheim), *Andy Iles, Cornell University, ECAC (2012 draft eligible)
*This isn't the final line up*
As you can tell my focus player will be on University of Denver player Jason Zucker. It's good to see 15 players representing the NCAA Division 1 and what more it's great to see 7 of them coming from the WCHA. Team USA has always done a great job evenly matching College players with Canadian Junior League players. Any players who could come in due to injury isn't on this line up, however there is talk that University of Denver's Scott Mayfield and Nick Shore could be replacements.
It was announced yesterday that Justin Faulk will not be released by the Hurricanes. He is out of the picture officially now. I'm rooting for Austin Levi to make the team - he and Tinordi are the only D with regular experience against the other countries' top forwards (in the OHL) and Levi's from Colorado. Seth Jones played youth hockey there, too.
ReplyDeleteYeah I noticed Austin Levi was from Colorado as well. He's defiantly someone I'll root for big time since he's from here. :)
ReplyDelete