Several teams have now been eliminated from the CHL playoffs cutting down the list for Team Canada at the U18 World Championships.
Here is an updated depth chart for players deserving consideration:
Forward
1. Sean Monahan or Brendan Gaunce (Guaranteed one of these players, barring injury)
2. Charles Hudon (unlikely, considering Chicoutimi has a 3-1 series lead at this point)
3. Scott Laughton (in a tough series with Niagara, winning would be an upset, he should be here)
4. Jarrod Maidens (Attack will likely get eliminated, currently down 3-1 but Maidens hasn't played in a long while and likely won't start at the U18s)
5. Gemel Smith (Maidens teammate on the Attack is a lock to make the team should they fall soon)
6. Kerby Rychel (Down 3-0 to London, expect Warren's kid to be there)
7. Mike Winther (Already eliminated, should be on the team)
8. Troy Bourke (Cougars didn't qualify for the playoffs, Bourke should be on the team)
9. Tom Wilson or Scott Kosmachuk (Close series, one or the other likely a lock in a similar role)
10. Sam Reinhart (Will lead the youth movement when Ice finish up against top seed Oil Kings)
11. Andreas Athanasiou (Highly unlikely London blows their 3-0 series lead, don't expect him to be there)
12. Matia Marcantuoni (Injured but talking about coming back soon, even so Kitchener has a 3-1 lead over Owen Sound and isn't likely to give up the series)
13. Brendan Leipsic (Up 3-0 to Kelowna, Leipsic's Winterhawks will move on and Leipsic won't be in Brno)
14. Brandon Magee (Royals lost their series tonight, but Magee remains on the injured list with an undisclosed ailment, if he's healthy he should be included, big asterix here for now)
15. William Carrier (Cape Breton got thrown to the Sea Dogs, Carrier has good potential to be one of the only Q representatives on this team)
16. Chris Marchese (Windsor is clinging on but London is too strong, Marchese has a real shot after strong second half of OHL season)
17. Matthew Campagna (Sudbury is done, Campagna a serious consideration for Canada)
18. Coda Gordon (Swift Current didn't make the playoffs, I'm not huge on him, but Hockey Canada may disagree with me....it's happened before)
19. Christophe Lalancette (Acadie-Bathurst is on the bubble of elimination, Lalancette could be a consideration)
20. Steven Hodges (Royals are out, Hodges deserves debate)
21. Ryan Olsen (Could be anywhere from 16 to 21 on this list, Blades are out, Olsen on the bubble at least)
22. Branden Troock (People love him, he's got a shot and his team is done)
23. Carter Rigby (Good character player, would be an asset in short term competition, team down 0-3 to high powered Portland)
24. Tyrel Seaman (Surprisingly up 3-1 over 3rd seated Calgary, bubble either way)
25. Chandler Stephenson (Down 3-1 to 2nd seed Moose Jaw, a real possibility)
Other bubble forwards: Alex Forsberg, Morgan Klimchuk, Connor Honey, Zane Jones, Anthony Mantha
Defense
1. Matt Dumba (lock, likely captain as well)
2. Morgan Rielly (injured but talking comeback, too bad for Canada Moose Jaw is up 3-1 and likely moving on even if he is ready to play)
3. Griffin Reinhart (not likely with top seed Oil Kings having their way with Kootenay)
4. Matt Finn (Guelph in a serious battle with Plymouth, underdogs but too close to call so far)
5. Derrick Pouliot (Unlikely, team up 3-0 and heavily favored)
6. Adam Pelech (Count him in)
7. Ryan Pulock (Up 3-1 in potential upset series win, don't rule him out yet, but chances of him playing for Canada are fading)
8. Damon Severson (Down 0-3, strong shot at being named to team)
9. Gianluca Curcuruto (Team is out, he had a strong showing at summer U18 camp, good shot here)
10. Eric Roy (Same situation as Pulock)
11. Brett Kulak (In a big series battle with Spokane, currently all knotted up, keep an eye out)
12. Jesse Graham (Niagara has their hands full right now but is favored to move on)
13. Aaron Ekbald (Barrie is knotted up with the Majors 2-2, Ekbald gets serious consideration should Barrie lose out)
14. Josh Morrissey (Already out, chances are slim...but you're saying there's a chance)
15. Reid Gow (Spokane is tied 2-2 with Giants, in the conversation if they can't pull it out)
Other bubble defenders: Nic Walters, Darnell Nurse, Matt Murphy, Cole Wedman
Goaltenders
1. Chris Driedger (Hitmen facing elimination, Driedger should be the starter for Canada if they don't come back, however not everyone is as high on him as I am)
2. Matthew Murray (The Soo is out, Murray has a lot of fans since the Top Prospect Game, battle between top 4 goalies will be tight)
3. Francois Tremblay (Pretty strong shot at making this team either way, team is already out)
4. Daniel Althsuler (Already backstopped Canada to one U18 Gold Medal, showing very well in OHL playoffs which could make point moot if Oshawa upsets Niagara)
5. Brandon Whitney (Likely the odd man out of just the debate, but anything can happen, team was upset in 1st round of Quebec league playoffs....every team could use a Martimer....)
Bubble Goalies: Dominic Graham
Showing posts with label IIHF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IIHF. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Canada's U18 Prospects
The CHL regular season has come to a close and a small amount of teams have seen their seasons come to an end. There is still a huge opportunity for those undrafted prospects to showcase their ability in a high intensity competition, the U18 World Championship being held April 12-22 in Brno and Znojmo, Czech Republic.
The coaching staff has been named with Jesse Wallin of Red Deer taking the helm, flanked by Todd Gill of Kingston and Gordie Dwyer of the PEI Rocket. Along with the scouting staff of Hockey Canada, they will be charged with putting together the roster who's job it will be to win the U18 Championship for their country.
Canada's roster will be made up of CHL players not playing in the playoffs or whose teams have been eliminated in round 1.
Here are the possibilities:
Eliminated teams
The Locks:
Red Deer Rebels (WHL): Matt Dumba - An almost absolute lock to go in the top 10 of this year's NHL draft, Dumba was the captain of Canada's U18 Team that took home gold at the Ivan Hlinka and should be a lock to wear the C again for Canada this time around. Especially considering his head coach in Red Deer will be running the show this time around.
Erie Otters (OHL): Adam Pelech - A surprise selection for the Ivan Hlinka roster considering Canada's wealth of 94 born defenders, Pelech has improved all year and should be a lock to return to the Red and White.
Sault Saint Marie Greyhounds (OHL): Matt Murray - A standout during the Top Prospect Showcase in Kelowna, Murray is highly regarded with Hockey Canada goaltending consultant and coach, Ron Tugnutt and will have the opportunity to atone for his disapointment in being left off the Ivan Hlinka roster. Even if other goaltenders emerge, Murray can likely only be challenged by Calgary's Chris Driedger, Val d'Or's Tremblay or Oshawa's Altshuler. He's a safe bet to be at least the 2nd goaltender for this squad.
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL): Mike Winther - A speedy forward who has turned heads all season, Winther's game translates well to the International style and he should be a lock to at least crack the 4th line, but could even find himself on a 2nd or 3rd line with potential PP minutes.
Prince George Cougars (WHL): Troy Bourke - A very talented offensive playmaker, Bourke has been thrown to the wolves a bit this year in the WHL but continues to drive forward. He will be highly motivated and ready to play for his country.
The Good Shots
Sault Saint Marie Greyhounds (OHL) - Giancarlo Curcuruto - A very talented and under rated prospect in my opinion, Curcuruto was very close to making the Ivan Hlinka team in the summer and sits with an excellent shot, though not a lock, to make the team this time around.
Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) - Branden Troock - A gritty and hard working power forward, Troock fits a mould that Hockey Canada loves and he could find himself with a role playing spot when all is said and done, especially after proving his clutch ability in an MVP performance at the CHL Top Prospect Game.
Other Players with Slight Hopes
WHL
Lethbridge - Jay Merkley - Underaged playmaker, well know to those in Calgary.
Prince Albert - Josh Morrissey - Very well rounded underaged defender turning heads out west.
Prince George - Alex Forsberg - Undersized and underaged but a highly touted playmaker.
Prince George - Devon Fordyce - Goaltender with short term competition experience and success.
Red Deer - Bolton Pouliot - Not likely to take a spot, but still a goaltending consideration
Seattle - Connor Honey - Gritty ball of energy who never stops competing.
Swift Current - Coda Gordon - Big numbers on bad team, but cooled as season carried on.
OHL
Kingston - Ryan Kujawinski - Big underage centre is one of Todd Gill's go to guys already.
Peterborough - Nick Ritchie - Underage speedster is primed to be an offensive machine.
Peterborough - Slater Koekoek - Injured, highly unlikely to return, but name should be there as he would be on the team if not for being sidelined.
SS Marie - Darnell Nurse - Big hulking underaged defender, worth at least the conversation.
QMJHL
None to consider at this time
The Playoff Teams
WHL
Tri City - Connor Rankin
Everett - Nick Walters, Jari Ericsson
Preferred - Rankin would be a welcome addition to the offense.
Likelihood - Not much of a chance Tri Cities loses this one. Walters likely a bubble player, Ericsson likely gets spoken about but won't crack the roster
Portland - Derrick Pouliot, Brendan Leipsic
Kelowna - Damon Severson, Carter Rigby
Pref: Portland's Pouliot and Leipsic would be shoeins.
Likelihood - Kelowna falls to high powered Winterhawks. Severson stands a real shot at cracking the squad, Rigby will get serious consideration as a role player but likely doesn't make the team in the end.
Kamloops - none
Victoria - Brandon Magee, Steven Hodges, Zane Jones
Pref - The choice of 3 vs. 0 makes it easy.
Likelihood - Victoria doesn't stand much of a chance to win this series, Magee, if healthy has earned a great reputation and should make the team, Hodges and Jones would both fit nicely but likely find themselves on the wrong side of the bubble when the team is chosen.
Spokane - none
Vancouver - none
Calgary - Chris Driedger
Brandon - Ryan Pulock, Eric Roy, Tyrell Seaman
Pref - Wash
Likelihood - Driedger would be a solid number one or two goaltender but Calgary is favored to win this series. Offensively inclined D men Pulock and underager Roy are a nice consolation to chose from, and big strong power forward Seaman adds a nice dynamic as well. Pulock would be a no brainer to crack the D, Roy and Seaman would likely fall victim to the numbers game, but will get long looks.
Edmonton - Reinhart
Kootenay - Reinhart
Pref - Reinhart
Likelihood - Reinhart...Edmonton should steamroll the Ice and will the elder Reinhart would be a lock to make the team, the very young Sam Reinhart will get debated heavily on whether or not they will bring someone so young on board. Depending on what other forwards are available elsewhere, Reinhart could just crack the squad.
Moose Jaw - Morgan Rielly
Regina - Morgan Klimchuk, Chandler Stephenson
Pref - Rielly
Likelihood - No Rielly even if Regina manages to upset the number 2 seed Warriors as he is still injured. Klimchuk and Stephenson are nice to debate, but have little hope of making the final roster.
Medicine Hat - Hunter Shinkaruk
Saskatoon - Ryan Olsen, Dalton Thrower
Pref - Shinkaruk. Who wouldn't want one of the best offensive players available for next year's NHL draft.
Likelihood - An upset is possible here, but unlikely. Thrower is injured but word is he could be back and would be a welcome addition to this team. Olsen has been up and down but could find himself with consideration in the bottom 3-4 forwards for the team.
OHL
London - Andreas Athanasiou
Windsor - Kerby Rychel, Chris Marchese
Pref - Wash
Likelihood - Top seed London rolls on. Kerby Rychel has been one of the most surprising prospects of the season and it all started with his breakout performance in Canada's colors at the Ivan Hlinka. He would be a lock to rejoin the squad. Marchese has been inconsistent but his high energy and physical play could be a welcome addition as well.
Plymouth - Tom Wilson
Guelph - Matt Finn, Scott Kosmachuk
Pref - Guelph
Likelihood - Guelph falls to Plymouth. Finn and Kosmachuk are virtual locks to be named to the team. If Guelph prevails, Wilson also would be a lock.
Kitchener - Matia Marcantuoni
Owen Sound - Gemel Smith, Jarrod Maidens
Pref - Owen Sound
Likelihood - Maidens would be a lock, but since he has barely played all year, safe to assume he is out. Smith's work ethic and small offensive upside are very difficult to match up against and he can really inspire a team with his play. Smith would be a lock. An injury riddled season have left a lot of questions around Marcantuoni.
Sarnia - none
Saginaw - none
Niagra - Jesse Graham
Oshawa - Scott Laughton, Daniel Altshuler
Pref - Oshawa
Likelihood - Oshawa falls to high powered Niagra, Laughton shores up a strong 2nd line for Canada, Altshuler enters the goalie debate. It likely comes down to him, Murray and Tremblay for 2 spots.
Ottawa - Sean Monahan
Belleville - Brenden Gaunce
Pref - Slight lean to Monahan
Likelihood - Canada gets their top line center from this series. Belleville seems poised for a potential upset, Monahan tears up tournament and garners serious hype for next year's draft.
Barrie - Aaron Ekblad
Mississauga - none
Pref - Barrie to fall
Likelihood - Barrie doesn't fall. Ekblad would be a great addition to the backend for Canada and would seize the opportunity, but it doesn't look like it will be this year.
Brampton - none
Sudbury - Matthew Campagna
Pref - Blujus
Likelihood - Campagna's Wolves fall to the Battalion and Campagna finds himself as one of the last players to make the team, or the first not to make the team.
QMJHL
Saint John - none
Cape Breton - William Carrier
Pref - Cape Breton
Likelihood - It would be a moder day miracle if 16th seed Cape Breton took down the reigning Memorial Cup champs. Carrier is one of only a handful of players in the Q who would really have a shot at cracking team Canada as it is. Expect him to be there.
Shawinigan - none
Rouyn-Noranda - Dillon Fournier (injured)
Pref - Fournier
Likelihood - Even with the likelihood that they will fall to the far superior Cataractes, Fournier will have his work cut out for himself to make the Canadian squad, but stranger things have happened.
EDIT - Fournier is out with a shoulder injury and likely isn't able to recover in time to participate.
Blainville-Boisbriand - none
Gatineau - none
Victoriaville - Brandon Whitney
Baie Comeau - Felix Girard
Pref - Wash
Likelihood - Baie Comeau falls, Girard still doesn't make the team.
Quebec - none
Drummondville - Dominic Graham
Pref - Graham to improve the goalie pool
Likelihood - It won't matter, Graham, while talented, can't push one of the other names out.
Halifax - Nathan MacKinnon
Moncton - none
Pref - The young superstar in the making
Likelihood - MacKinnon could have made the WJC squad, but it's not likely he will get his shot to suit up for Canada here as the Mooseheads are poised to roll through Moncton.
Rimouski - none
Val d'Or - Anthony Mantha, Matt Murphy
Pref - Val d'Or
Likelihood - Neither Mantha or Murphy are on the radar enough as of yet to earn a spot on Canada, but watch out for both moving forward.
Chicoutimi - Charles Hudon
Acadie Bathurst - Christophe Lalancette
Pref - Hudon to run the offense
Likelihood - Lalancette gets added to the mix as one of the very few Q league players who could actually stand a chance to make the team.
If I had to predict the squad, I imagine it will look something like this:
Forwards
Monahan, Bourke, Smith
Rychel, Laughton, Kosmachuk
Carierre, Winther, Lalancette
Magee, Reinhart, Rigby
Bubble: Troock, Campagna, Hodges
Defense
Dumba, Finn
Pelech, Pulock
Curcuruto, Severson
Thrower - if healthy
Bubble - Morrissey
Goaltenders
Murray, Tremblay
Bubble - Altshuler, Graham
The coaching staff has been named with Jesse Wallin of Red Deer taking the helm, flanked by Todd Gill of Kingston and Gordie Dwyer of the PEI Rocket. Along with the scouting staff of Hockey Canada, they will be charged with putting together the roster who's job it will be to win the U18 Championship for their country.
Canada's roster will be made up of CHL players not playing in the playoffs or whose teams have been eliminated in round 1.
Here are the possibilities:
Eliminated teams
The Locks:
Red Deer Rebels (WHL): Matt Dumba - An almost absolute lock to go in the top 10 of this year's NHL draft, Dumba was the captain of Canada's U18 Team that took home gold at the Ivan Hlinka and should be a lock to wear the C again for Canada this time around. Especially considering his head coach in Red Deer will be running the show this time around.
Erie Otters (OHL): Adam Pelech - A surprise selection for the Ivan Hlinka roster considering Canada's wealth of 94 born defenders, Pelech has improved all year and should be a lock to return to the Red and White.
Sault Saint Marie Greyhounds (OHL): Matt Murray - A standout during the Top Prospect Showcase in Kelowna, Murray is highly regarded with Hockey Canada goaltending consultant and coach, Ron Tugnutt and will have the opportunity to atone for his disapointment in being left off the Ivan Hlinka roster. Even if other goaltenders emerge, Murray can likely only be challenged by Calgary's Chris Driedger, Val d'Or's Tremblay or Oshawa's Altshuler. He's a safe bet to be at least the 2nd goaltender for this squad.
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL): Mike Winther - A speedy forward who has turned heads all season, Winther's game translates well to the International style and he should be a lock to at least crack the 4th line, but could even find himself on a 2nd or 3rd line with potential PP minutes.
Prince George Cougars (WHL): Troy Bourke - A very talented offensive playmaker, Bourke has been thrown to the wolves a bit this year in the WHL but continues to drive forward. He will be highly motivated and ready to play for his country.
The Good Shots
Sault Saint Marie Greyhounds (OHL) - Giancarlo Curcuruto - A very talented and under rated prospect in my opinion, Curcuruto was very close to making the Ivan Hlinka team in the summer and sits with an excellent shot, though not a lock, to make the team this time around.
Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) - Branden Troock - A gritty and hard working power forward, Troock fits a mould that Hockey Canada loves and he could find himself with a role playing spot when all is said and done, especially after proving his clutch ability in an MVP performance at the CHL Top Prospect Game.
Other Players with Slight Hopes
WHL
Lethbridge - Jay Merkley - Underaged playmaker, well know to those in Calgary.
Prince Albert - Josh Morrissey - Very well rounded underaged defender turning heads out west.
Prince George - Alex Forsberg - Undersized and underaged but a highly touted playmaker.
Prince George - Devon Fordyce - Goaltender with short term competition experience and success.
Red Deer - Bolton Pouliot - Not likely to take a spot, but still a goaltending consideration
Seattle - Connor Honey - Gritty ball of energy who never stops competing.
Swift Current - Coda Gordon - Big numbers on bad team, but cooled as season carried on.
OHL
Kingston - Ryan Kujawinski - Big underage centre is one of Todd Gill's go to guys already.
Peterborough - Nick Ritchie - Underage speedster is primed to be an offensive machine.
Peterborough - Slater Koekoek - Injured, highly unlikely to return, but name should be there as he would be on the team if not for being sidelined.
SS Marie - Darnell Nurse - Big hulking underaged defender, worth at least the conversation.
QMJHL
None to consider at this time
The Playoff Teams
WHL
Tri City - Connor Rankin
Everett - Nick Walters, Jari Ericsson
Preferred - Rankin would be a welcome addition to the offense.
Likelihood - Not much of a chance Tri Cities loses this one. Walters likely a bubble player, Ericsson likely gets spoken about but won't crack the roster
Portland - Derrick Pouliot, Brendan Leipsic
Kelowna - Damon Severson, Carter Rigby
Pref: Portland's Pouliot and Leipsic would be shoeins.
Likelihood - Kelowna falls to high powered Winterhawks. Severson stands a real shot at cracking the squad, Rigby will get serious consideration as a role player but likely doesn't make the team in the end.
Kamloops - none
Victoria - Brandon Magee, Steven Hodges, Zane Jones
Pref - The choice of 3 vs. 0 makes it easy.
Likelihood - Victoria doesn't stand much of a chance to win this series, Magee, if healthy has earned a great reputation and should make the team, Hodges and Jones would both fit nicely but likely find themselves on the wrong side of the bubble when the team is chosen.
Spokane - none
Vancouver - none
Calgary - Chris Driedger
Brandon - Ryan Pulock, Eric Roy, Tyrell Seaman
Pref - Wash
Likelihood - Driedger would be a solid number one or two goaltender but Calgary is favored to win this series. Offensively inclined D men Pulock and underager Roy are a nice consolation to chose from, and big strong power forward Seaman adds a nice dynamic as well. Pulock would be a no brainer to crack the D, Roy and Seaman would likely fall victim to the numbers game, but will get long looks.
Edmonton - Reinhart
Kootenay - Reinhart
Pref - Reinhart
Likelihood - Reinhart...Edmonton should steamroll the Ice and will the elder Reinhart would be a lock to make the team, the very young Sam Reinhart will get debated heavily on whether or not they will bring someone so young on board. Depending on what other forwards are available elsewhere, Reinhart could just crack the squad.
Moose Jaw - Morgan Rielly
Regina - Morgan Klimchuk, Chandler Stephenson
Pref - Rielly
Likelihood - No Rielly even if Regina manages to upset the number 2 seed Warriors as he is still injured. Klimchuk and Stephenson are nice to debate, but have little hope of making the final roster.
Medicine Hat - Hunter Shinkaruk
Saskatoon - Ryan Olsen, Dalton Thrower
Pref - Shinkaruk. Who wouldn't want one of the best offensive players available for next year's NHL draft.
Likelihood - An upset is possible here, but unlikely. Thrower is injured but word is he could be back and would be a welcome addition to this team. Olsen has been up and down but could find himself with consideration in the bottom 3-4 forwards for the team.
OHL
London - Andreas Athanasiou
Windsor - Kerby Rychel, Chris Marchese
Pref - Wash
Likelihood - Top seed London rolls on. Kerby Rychel has been one of the most surprising prospects of the season and it all started with his breakout performance in Canada's colors at the Ivan Hlinka. He would be a lock to rejoin the squad. Marchese has been inconsistent but his high energy and physical play could be a welcome addition as well.
Plymouth - Tom Wilson
Guelph - Matt Finn, Scott Kosmachuk
Pref - Guelph
Likelihood - Guelph falls to Plymouth. Finn and Kosmachuk are virtual locks to be named to the team. If Guelph prevails, Wilson also would be a lock.
Kitchener - Matia Marcantuoni
Owen Sound - Gemel Smith, Jarrod Maidens
Pref - Owen Sound
Likelihood - Maidens would be a lock, but since he has barely played all year, safe to assume he is out. Smith's work ethic and small offensive upside are very difficult to match up against and he can really inspire a team with his play. Smith would be a lock. An injury riddled season have left a lot of questions around Marcantuoni.
Sarnia - none
Saginaw - none
Niagra - Jesse Graham
Oshawa - Scott Laughton, Daniel Altshuler
Pref - Oshawa
Likelihood - Oshawa falls to high powered Niagra, Laughton shores up a strong 2nd line for Canada, Altshuler enters the goalie debate. It likely comes down to him, Murray and Tremblay for 2 spots.
Ottawa - Sean Monahan
Belleville - Brenden Gaunce
Pref - Slight lean to Monahan
Likelihood - Canada gets their top line center from this series. Belleville seems poised for a potential upset, Monahan tears up tournament and garners serious hype for next year's draft.
Barrie - Aaron Ekblad
Mississauga - none
Pref - Barrie to fall
Likelihood - Barrie doesn't fall. Ekblad would be a great addition to the backend for Canada and would seize the opportunity, but it doesn't look like it will be this year.
Brampton - none
Sudbury - Matthew Campagna
Pref - Blujus
Likelihood - Campagna's Wolves fall to the Battalion and Campagna finds himself as one of the last players to make the team, or the first not to make the team.
QMJHL
Saint John - none
Cape Breton - William Carrier
Pref - Cape Breton
Likelihood - It would be a moder day miracle if 16th seed Cape Breton took down the reigning Memorial Cup champs. Carrier is one of only a handful of players in the Q who would really have a shot at cracking team Canada as it is. Expect him to be there.
Shawinigan - none
Rouyn-Noranda - Dillon Fournier (injured)
Pref - Fournier
Likelihood - Even with the likelihood that they will fall to the far superior Cataractes, Fournier will have his work cut out for himself to make the Canadian squad, but stranger things have happened.
EDIT - Fournier is out with a shoulder injury and likely isn't able to recover in time to participate.
Blainville-Boisbriand - none
Gatineau - none
Victoriaville - Brandon Whitney
Baie Comeau - Felix Girard
Pref - Wash
Likelihood - Baie Comeau falls, Girard still doesn't make the team.
Quebec - none
Drummondville - Dominic Graham
Pref - Graham to improve the goalie pool
Likelihood - It won't matter, Graham, while talented, can't push one of the other names out.
Halifax - Nathan MacKinnon
Moncton - none
Pref - The young superstar in the making
Likelihood - MacKinnon could have made the WJC squad, but it's not likely he will get his shot to suit up for Canada here as the Mooseheads are poised to roll through Moncton.
Rimouski - none
Val d'Or - Anthony Mantha, Matt Murphy
Pref - Val d'Or
Likelihood - Neither Mantha or Murphy are on the radar enough as of yet to earn a spot on Canada, but watch out for both moving forward.
Chicoutimi - Charles Hudon
Acadie Bathurst - Christophe Lalancette
Pref - Hudon to run the offense
Likelihood - Lalancette gets added to the mix as one of the very few Q league players who could actually stand a chance to make the team.
If I had to predict the squad, I imagine it will look something like this:
Forwards
Monahan, Bourke, Smith
Rychel, Laughton, Kosmachuk
Carierre, Winther, Lalancette
Magee, Reinhart, Rigby
Bubble: Troock, Campagna, Hodges
Defense
Dumba, Finn
Pelech, Pulock
Curcuruto, Severson
Thrower - if healthy
Bubble - Morrissey
Goaltenders
Murray, Tremblay
Bubble - Altshuler, Graham
Monday, 26 December 2011
WJC Predictions
Another year, another WJC tournament gets underway. Before the tournament begins, I'm going to jump out on a limb and make some predictions
Gold - Sweden
Sweden has the mix to compete with any team at this event. Their defense is as dynamic as could be, they have some intense and hard working offensive talent and they can play an uptempo and energetic style that should be able to wear down any opponent. If they have one weakness, their goaltending has yet to prove that they can steal games internationally, but with the strong defensive corps, that may be a moot point.
Key to Success - Playing their own style and not getting sucked in to the talk
Big Players to Watch: Mika Zibanejad, Oscar Klefbom
Silver - USA
This particular age group has been dominated by American talent, and this tournament will likely be more of the same. The US squad is deep and talented. Jack Campbell has tournament MVP potential and is a likely candidate for another top goaltender award. Emerson Etem is well versed in scorchin up nets in Western Canadian rinks and his supporting cast is potent to say the least. The US powerplay will likely be the most potent in the tournament and with excellent poised and creative defenders like Jon Merrill, there will be a lot of open lanes and puck movement, sending opposition defensive schemes into frenzies.
Key to Success - Walking the fine line between intense and disciplined against other top nations
Big Players to Watch - Charlie Coyle, Jon Merrill
Bronze - Canada
A 3rd place finish would definitely be a huge disapointment for Canadian hockey, but this tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory and in short term competitions anything can happen. Canada starts with a goaltending controversy but Mark Visentin is a capable starter who should settle in well and ease the fears of Canadian hockey fans quickly. If he can't Scott Wedgewood has shown incredible development over the past two seasons and will certainly be able to step right in and impress. The Canadian blueline is stellar, Ryan Murray and Dougie Hamilton are certain to have impressive tournaments, but the whole group will be anchored by Brandon Gormley who is a stud prospect and the kind of player who brings a calming influence to the ice but also knows how to quickly capitalize on chances. Canada is not strong down the middle and this could prove to be a problem as the tournament moves on.
Key to Success - Playing physical, wearing down opponents and using the energy of the home crowds
Big Players to Watch - Ryan Murray, Mark Stone
4th - Finland
Of all the predictions, putting Finland here seems the hardest. This is arguably the best Finnish squad since 2003 in Halifax, and even then it's likely higher in top end skill. Teemu Pulkkinen and Mikael Granlund will lead the charge for the offensive explosive Finns but their offensive talent is deep with the likes of Joel Armia, Miikka Salomaki and young Aleksandr Barkov in the mix as well. The defensive corps has some high end talent as well in all around star Olli Maatta and offensive minded Ville Pokka. There are concerns in net, but the Finns are deep there as well and can find success with any of their goaltenders.
Key to Success - Playing in both directions on all shifts. Not buying into their hype until it's over
Big Players to Watch - Teemu Pulkkinen, Mikael Granlund
5th - Russia
Russia has the talent to repeat, but when it is all said and done they seem to have the most weaknesses of any of the big 5 teams. The top 5 teams all have potential to not only just win the tournament but dominate. Russia's offense will be potent and opportunistic. Making a defensive mistake against Russia will likely result in a puck in your own net. Young Mikhail Grigorenko and Nail Yakupov are poised to turn a lot of heads, even though most scouts will have their eyes already locked dead on to them. Russia has confidence and the skill to back it up, but their D is an area of concern, and the Russians will need to rely on a very structured game to compete against the top nations instead of just running and gunning.
Key to Success - Playing smart two-way hockey, being patient and taking advantage of their opportunities
Big Players to Watch - Mikhail Grigorenko, Nail Yakupov
6th - Slovakia
The Slovaks have some good gritty two-way players and some high end talent with the likes of Tomas Jurco. Their twin towers on D (Marincin and Gernat) will both log major minutes but the Slovaks just don't have the depth to crack the big 5.
7th - Switzerland
The Swiss are another team that just don't have the depth to really push far into the tournament. There isn't much likelihood in any miracle upsets for the Swiss over the top nations this time around, although Gregory Hoffman and Sven Baertschi do put up a very nice one-two punch on offense and they do have the potential to at least scare.
8th - Czech Republic
The Czechs are reeling a bit and missing some of their top talent. With that being said there is a great opportunity for some of their lesser known developing stars to shine. Keep an eye on Tomas Hyka and Radek Faksa as they both have shown strong development over the course of the season so far and are no strangers to playing above their age level.
9th - Latvia
With relegation a likely result for the Latvians in this tournament, the team will not be the pushovers they have in recent years and may be able to salvage a return to the tournament next year with some timely efforts. Zemgus Girgensons and Teddy Blueger will garner a ton of attention and have an excellent opportunity to showcase their skill sets for the abundance of NHL scouts in attendance.
10th - Denmark
The Danish program continues to move forward, but this tournament will likely be chalked up to an experience builder for the program. The country continues to produce talent and fans will be surprised with the level of talent from top to bottom. Niklas Jensen will have to carry most of the offensive load for a team that will have to play some tough and disciplined defensive systems if they want to keep scores tight.
Gold - Sweden
Sweden has the mix to compete with any team at this event. Their defense is as dynamic as could be, they have some intense and hard working offensive talent and they can play an uptempo and energetic style that should be able to wear down any opponent. If they have one weakness, their goaltending has yet to prove that they can steal games internationally, but with the strong defensive corps, that may be a moot point.
Key to Success - Playing their own style and not getting sucked in to the talk
Big Players to Watch: Mika Zibanejad, Oscar Klefbom
Silver - USA
This particular age group has been dominated by American talent, and this tournament will likely be more of the same. The US squad is deep and talented. Jack Campbell has tournament MVP potential and is a likely candidate for another top goaltender award. Emerson Etem is well versed in scorchin up nets in Western Canadian rinks and his supporting cast is potent to say the least. The US powerplay will likely be the most potent in the tournament and with excellent poised and creative defenders like Jon Merrill, there will be a lot of open lanes and puck movement, sending opposition defensive schemes into frenzies.
Key to Success - Walking the fine line between intense and disciplined against other top nations
Big Players to Watch - Charlie Coyle, Jon Merrill
Bronze - Canada
A 3rd place finish would definitely be a huge disapointment for Canadian hockey, but this tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory and in short term competitions anything can happen. Canada starts with a goaltending controversy but Mark Visentin is a capable starter who should settle in well and ease the fears of Canadian hockey fans quickly. If he can't Scott Wedgewood has shown incredible development over the past two seasons and will certainly be able to step right in and impress. The Canadian blueline is stellar, Ryan Murray and Dougie Hamilton are certain to have impressive tournaments, but the whole group will be anchored by Brandon Gormley who is a stud prospect and the kind of player who brings a calming influence to the ice but also knows how to quickly capitalize on chances. Canada is not strong down the middle and this could prove to be a problem as the tournament moves on.
Key to Success - Playing physical, wearing down opponents and using the energy of the home crowds
Big Players to Watch - Ryan Murray, Mark Stone
4th - Finland
Of all the predictions, putting Finland here seems the hardest. This is arguably the best Finnish squad since 2003 in Halifax, and even then it's likely higher in top end skill. Teemu Pulkkinen and Mikael Granlund will lead the charge for the offensive explosive Finns but their offensive talent is deep with the likes of Joel Armia, Miikka Salomaki and young Aleksandr Barkov in the mix as well. The defensive corps has some high end talent as well in all around star Olli Maatta and offensive minded Ville Pokka. There are concerns in net, but the Finns are deep there as well and can find success with any of their goaltenders.
Key to Success - Playing in both directions on all shifts. Not buying into their hype until it's over
Big Players to Watch - Teemu Pulkkinen, Mikael Granlund
5th - Russia
Russia has the talent to repeat, but when it is all said and done they seem to have the most weaknesses of any of the big 5 teams. The top 5 teams all have potential to not only just win the tournament but dominate. Russia's offense will be potent and opportunistic. Making a defensive mistake against Russia will likely result in a puck in your own net. Young Mikhail Grigorenko and Nail Yakupov are poised to turn a lot of heads, even though most scouts will have their eyes already locked dead on to them. Russia has confidence and the skill to back it up, but their D is an area of concern, and the Russians will need to rely on a very structured game to compete against the top nations instead of just running and gunning.
Key to Success - Playing smart two-way hockey, being patient and taking advantage of their opportunities
Big Players to Watch - Mikhail Grigorenko, Nail Yakupov
6th - Slovakia
The Slovaks have some good gritty two-way players and some high end talent with the likes of Tomas Jurco. Their twin towers on D (Marincin and Gernat) will both log major minutes but the Slovaks just don't have the depth to crack the big 5.
7th - Switzerland
The Swiss are another team that just don't have the depth to really push far into the tournament. There isn't much likelihood in any miracle upsets for the Swiss over the top nations this time around, although Gregory Hoffman and Sven Baertschi do put up a very nice one-two punch on offense and they do have the potential to at least scare.
8th - Czech Republic
The Czechs are reeling a bit and missing some of their top talent. With that being said there is a great opportunity for some of their lesser known developing stars to shine. Keep an eye on Tomas Hyka and Radek Faksa as they both have shown strong development over the course of the season so far and are no strangers to playing above their age level.
9th - Latvia
With relegation a likely result for the Latvians in this tournament, the team will not be the pushovers they have in recent years and may be able to salvage a return to the tournament next year with some timely efforts. Zemgus Girgensons and Teddy Blueger will garner a ton of attention and have an excellent opportunity to showcase their skill sets for the abundance of NHL scouts in attendance.
10th - Denmark
The Danish program continues to move forward, but this tournament will likely be chalked up to an experience builder for the program. The country continues to produce talent and fans will be surprised with the level of talent from top to bottom. Niklas Jensen will have to carry most of the offensive load for a team that will have to play some tough and disciplined defensive systems if they want to keep scores tight.
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