Tonight, December 26th at 6:30 PM EST Team Canada kicks off its 2023 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship journey against Czechia.
This year’s Canadian team is packed to the brim with young talent, some NHL tested.
Players to watch
Connor Bedard – C/RW, #16
Bedard is the only 17-year old on the Canadian roster. Impressive to say the least considering he easily earned his spot on the right side of Canada’s lethal top line.
From North Vancouver and currently playing for the Regina Pats, Bedard has torched the WHL. Supplying 64 points in just 28 contests so far this season, a ridiculous 2.29 points per game. An even more impressive ratio than his incredible 100 points in 62 games last year.
Connor Bedard is the most highly touted prospect since McDavid, and is looking for his second consecutive gold at the World Juniors. He is expected to be selected with the 1st pick in the 2023 NHL draft.
Shane Wright – C, #15
Burlington, Ontario’s Shane Wright has been named as Canada’s captain for the 2023 World Juniors. Currently 18-years of age and finding his feet in the Seattle Kraken organization after being taken with the 4th overall pick in 2022.
He has played 5 AHL games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds where he’s netted 4 goals. In 8 NHL games with the Kraken, Wright has a goal and an assist.
Shane is a point collector. Destined to find a way to make an impact in every game he plays and ensure his name’s on the scoresheet. In the U18 Worlds, Wright had 14 points in just 5 games.
Dylan Guenther – RW/LW, #11
This Edmonton-born kid can flat out play. Drafted 9th overall in 2021 by the struggling Arizona Coyotes. A bit of a surprise to have the 19-year old stud gracing the World Juniors.
Look for Guenther to make an impact on the power play with his world class, Ovi-esque sniping ability.
Guenther has 11 NHL points with the Coyotes, in 21 games this year.
Brandt Clarke – D, #5
Clarke could very well be the best passer in the tournament. An impactful force on both sides of the puck, Brandt uses his speed, agility and skating ability to assert his dominance along the blue line.
From Nepean, Ontario just outside of Ottawa, Clarke was drafted eighth overall in 2021 by the Los Angeles Kings where he’s made nine professional appearances.
Olen Zellweger – D, #3
Olen is the reigning WHL defender of the year. Standing just 5’10 and 182 pounds, he is easily the smallest defender on the Canadian roster. Though arguably the best, and has potential to be the tournaments most outstanding player.
Zellweger was born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta and was drafted 34th in the 2021 draft by the Anaheim Ducks.
Adam Fantilli – C/LW, #19
Fantilli’s recent success with the University of Michigan Wolverines has him closing in on top draft prospect and Canadian teammate Connor Bedard. The Nobleton, Ontario-born 6’2 freshman has 26 points in 16 games, good enough for 2nd in points per game in the NCAA.
Adam Fantilli is an incredibly high-IQ player, he uses his hockey intellect to play a step ahead of the competition. Partnered with his seamless skating fluidity, he’ll be sure to provide some flair and flavour in the tournament.
Expectations, odds and predictions
Canada enter the tournament at the top of the power rankings after winning gold in dramatic fashion against Finland in last year’s final. Currently with -110 odds to repeat, the biggest threats are the USA +350 and Finland +400, who just lost their opener to Switzerland in overtime.
In Canada’s opening contest tonight against Czechia, Canada are favoured to win the game by 3.5 goals -145.
Canada has won this tournament a record 19 times and has medalled in 34 of 46 World Juniors since 1977. Not only do we have history on our side, but this Canadian roster is considered to have the potential to be one of the strongest ever. Eight players are returning after winning gold in Edmonton last year.
Canada’s Connor Bedard’s +435 odds to lead the tournament in goal scoring is topped by only one, Shane Wright who boasts +381 odds.
Canada deserve to be heavy favourites and barring something surprising happening it should be a celebratory ride. I predict Canada will leave with gold around their necks. Though, this tournament has proven time and time again that it’s never easy. There will be turbulence along the way, and likely some overtime thrillers, in true Canadian fashion.
Projected lines
Forwards
Othmann – Wright (C) – Bedard
Fantilli – Stankoven (A) – Guenther (A)
Dean – Gaucher (A) – Roy
Dach – Bankier – Ostapchuk
Schaefer
Defenders
Del Mastro (A) – Zellweger
Hinds – Clarke
Korchinski – Allan
Matier
Goalies
Gaudreau
Milic
C – Captain
A – Assistant Captain
(Photo Credit Hockey Canada)