U18 Thoughts - Day 1

After a day long hike, I've finally arrived in Brno, Czech Republic for the Under 18 World Championship tournament.

Day 1 saw some fairly predictable results but none the less here are some thoughts:

USA vs. FIN
- Seth Jones is wearing the C for the US and was easily the best player on the ice in the first game.  He is a favorite to go #1 overall in 2013 and with good reason.  I honestly believe he would go over Yakupov if he were available this year.  Best U18 defenseman I think I have ever watched.
- Nicholas Kerdiles has taken a bit of heat for the fact that his offensive numbers don't seem to justify his top prospect status.  If last night was any indication Kerdiles is looking to shoot the lights out here in the Czech Republic.  Really liked what I saw, especially his aggressive box attacks from the half wall on the PP.
- Finnish defender Rasmus Ristolainen is about as likeable of a prospect as you could ask for.  There doesn't seem to be anything he can't do insanely well.  I would be scared to play against him.
- The Finns really need Teravainen, there net presence was not strong and they need a player who can create space to the outside so others can penetrate.
- The Finns overused Ville Pokka, who did not show well in the first game of the tournament and underused Ristolainen.
- The Us defense is scary good and Olson is a very underrated goaltender who does not give up rebounds very often.

CAN - DEN
- Oliver Bjorkstrand is the only Danish player who seemed to be able to consistently play against the Canadians
- Matt Dumba is a machine
- Kerby Rychel always seems to improve on each shift, it's amazing

RUS - LAT
- Osnovin and Zharkov have shown instant chemistry and could be the dynamic duo for the Russian offense all tourney long
- Vasilevski looked bored
- Born on the last day of the year 1995, Latvia's Rihards Bukarts has some serious potential

SWE - GER
- Surprised not to see Cupper in nets for Germany
- With all the big guns in Sweden's lineup it was Alexander Wennberg who stole the show, scoring a hat trick and really capitalizing on the space that his linemate Sebasiten Collberg created for him
- Filip Forsberg scored the 8th goal for Sweden but was a two way force all game long and was dominant at times.
- Calle Andersson outshined Ludvig Bystrom, his puck movement skills and quick reactions are tremendous.  I picked him to be one of the biggest movers after this tournament as far as draft stock is concerned and if he keeps this up, even I may be surprised with just how far he climbs.

Games are moved from Brno today, so I will be taking in the CZE - DEN and SUI - LAT games in Znojmo.  Another adventure on the seemingly ruleless Czech highways...