Still no NHL. I think we're over it anyways. Quite often the best hockey of the year (at least in Toronto) is during the World Junior Tournament that kicks off every boxing day. The games, officially known as "2013 Ice Hockey U20 World Championship, are being held is Russia, who host the tournament after losing the Gold medal game to Sweden in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta last year. Canada placed third, winning the bronze medal game against Finland following a semi-final loss to the Russians. Their long time rivals came out of the gates full speed ahead and built up a 6-1 lead at the midway mark of the third period. The Canadians finally got their game going, 50 minutes too late, losing the game 6-5 after potting three quick goals to give Team Russia a scare. It was the first time Canada hadn't played in the gold medal game in 11 years. This year, the Canadians are sending out locked out Oiler young gun Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (who scored 18 goals in 62 games during his rookie NHL season) to captain a team that features six returnees, but is overall, a young team (relative terms for an under 20 event). But since the third place was the worst showing since 2001's bronze, change may not be the worst thing. A potential issue for team Canada is that if the NHL lockout resolves itself then four of their returnees will have to go back to their NHL clubs. Some owners are fine with their rookies playing for their country, others not so much. The final rosters must be submitted on Christmas day and no player can be added to the roster after said date. If we lose Nugent-Hopkins (Oilers), Jonathan Huberdeau (Florida Panthers), Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets), Dougie Hamilton (Boston Bruins) and Ryan Strome (New York Islanders), we could be in for a rough ride. The loss of the veterans would definitely be a tough blow, but a shortened bench for the playoff round of the tournament would be the main obstacle to overcome. The NHL, in lieu of angering anymore Canadians, might want to wait until after the Juniors until they resolve their player-owner CBA bickering.
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Phil Housley, seven time NHL All-Star, takes the reigns of an American squad that's coming off their worst finish in the tournament since 1999's 8th place finish. Their roster this season only has three returnees: Kitchener Rangers/Anaheim Ducks' pick John Gibson, U of Michigan/Winnipeg Jets' pick Jacob Trouba, and the New York Rangers' first rounder in 2011 J.T. Miller, who is the only one actually playing pro hockey now, with the Rangers AHL affiliate, Conneticut Whale. In fact, all but three players on the Americans roster have been drafted by an NHL team and that's only because two of them aren't draft eligible until 2013. Toronto Maple Leafs goalie prospect Garrett Sparks and current Guelph Storm netminder is trying to make the squad, as is Leaf first round pick Tyler Biggs, who currently with the Oshawa Generals. The Americans have some big punishing D-men in the backend, not to mention all three of their goalies are huge, they are going to make it tough to get pucks to the net.
Sweden makes its first trip to the tournament as defending champions since 1982. The hallmark of Sweden over the last few years of the tournament has been their phenomenal goaltending. This year is no exception with Erie Otters goalie and Blue Jackets draft pick Oscar Dansk manning the pipes. That if he gets the starters job… Niklas Lundström, a veteran of the Swedish national stage, put up amazing numbers in the IIHF U18 tournament in 2011 and is currently playing for AIK in the Swedish Elite League. Upfront the team has some returning firepower despite losing leading scorer Max Friberg (he's now 20). Returnee Filip Forsberg, Washington's first round pick will be a player to watch for his creativity, explosive shot and great two way play. Sweden's main concern may be in the back end, with no returning members from their championship squad from a year ago, but have a great two way defenceman named Hampus Lindholm, currently of the Norfolk Admirals in the AHL and the Ducks first round pick last year, who could be their anchor.
It will be a great tournament. It always is. The Russians are perennial favourites and hosts; no one should take them lightly. Not to mention the Czecs and Fins always ice some very tough teams… Canadians can click HERE for TSN's broadcast schedule of the tournament and here's your 2013 Canadian World Juniors (NHL team in parentheses):
GOALIES:
Jordan Binnington, Owen Sound Attack (St. Louis)
Jake Paterson, Saginaw Spirit (Detroit)
Malcolm Subban, Belleville Bulls (Boston)
DEFENSEMEN:
Dougie Hamilton, Niagara Ice Dogs (Boston)
Scott Harrington, London Knights (Pittsburgh)
Ryan Murphy, Kitchener Rangers (Carolina)
Xavier Ouellet, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (Detroit)
Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton Oil Kings (New York Islanders)
Morgan Reilly, Moose Jaw Warriors (Toronto)
Tyler Wotherspoon, Portland Winterhawks (Calgary)
FORWARDS:
Anthony Camara, Barrie Colts (Boston)
Phillip Danault, Victoriaville Tigres (Chicago)
Jonathan Drouin, Halifax Mooseheads (2013 Draft)
Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs (Florida)
Charles Hudon, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (Montreal)
Boone Jenner, Oshawa Generals (Columbus)
J.C. Lipon, Kamloops Blazers (2013 Draft)
Nathan MacKinnon, Halifax Mooseheads (2013 Draft)
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Oklahoma City Barons (Edmonton)
Ty Rattie, Portland Winterhawks (St. Louis)
Brett Ritchie, Niagara Ice Dogs (Dallas)
Mark Scheifele, Barrie Colts (Winnipeg)
Ryan Strome, Niagara Ice Dogs (New York Islanders)
Added treat... 1987 tourney… Canada and Russia. If you know, then you know! Can you say double disqualification?
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