Macklin Celebrini
With 25 points in 15 games, this young forward from Vancouver is producing almost at the same rate at Boston University as Adam Fantilli at Michigan last year, in his year of eligibility. But being born in June, Celebrini concedes nine months to Fantilli at the same stage of the journey, since the latter was born in October, and considered a late. In short, Celebrini may not be Connor Bedard, but he’s close.
Konsta Helenius
Tenacious and creative small forward who produces at an astonishing rate in the Finnish first division for a 17-year-old boy: 20 points in 28 games. Powerful skater, good vision of the game, plays center for the moment even if we could find him on the wing in the NHL. Featured in the top 10 on a majority of recruiters’ lists.
Emil Hemming
A teammate of Helenius in Finland, bigger at 6’1″ and 187 lbs, more of a scorer with a powerful shot and not afraid to position himself in front of the net to deflect shots or get returns. Accumulated 8 points, including 6 goals, in 26 games with TPS Turku in the Finnish First Division. A little less well rated than Helenius for the moment.
Adam Jiříček
Great right-handed defender, complete, effective on the numerical penalty as well as during power plays, already a leader at the World Under-18 Championship last year at only 16 years old, playing among the pros in the Czech Republic at only 17 years old. Needs to put some meat around the bone, at only 176 lbs at 6’2″, but big potential for long term development.
Zeev Buium
Had a resounding debut at the University of Denver, even though he had just turned 18, with 25 points in 18 games, and a production of 6 points in 7 games at the World Under-18 Championship. last year. Very fluid skater, responsible defensively, but also explosive offensively. Not the biggest size at 6′ and 183 lbs, but doesn’t shy away from rugged play.
Team Canada in an unfamiliar underdog position
In his life, Macklin Celebrini was not often considered overlooked. The same goes for Canada, every time the country takes the ice to compete in an international tournament. However, as the World Junior Hockey Championship approaches, the representatives of the maple leaf are not the favorites in the eyes of many. And it suits the group perfectly. “We don’t really focus on that,” Celebrini said. These are just opinions. We can’t wait to get out there and prove who we are. » This is a team that is currently missing a few players in the NHL, but which showed what it could do in its last preseason game.
The Canadian Press