Canadas WJC Team - Unsung Heroes in the making
Not familiar with this year's version of Canada's Under-20 National Team? We
break down the team, project line combinations and tell you what you can expect
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from this group of virtual unknowns.
This version of the Canadian Junior National team has somewhat of an unknown
face. Not present are the high profile names of years gone by but adding up
the players selected this year, it could have the makings of a Cinderella story.
Names like Spezza & Bouwmeester not on this year's roster leave some scratching
their heads, wondering who is going to carry the load. For the most part, none
of the players on this roster have recognizable names, nor do they stir up dreams
of a dominating performance on the world stage.
Extra:
White
Don't count a gold medal out quite yet.
For it has been the lesser known players of years gone by that have stepped
up and carried the team to its past success. We only have to go back as far
as last season to realize this. Jared Aulin, Mike Cammalleri and Brad Boyes
formed the top line for Canada and simply dominated every team they faced offensively.
Jason Spezza, who was expected to carry the load and lead the team was hardly
noticeable. Highly touted goaltender, Pascal Leclaire, was the superstar-in-the-making
who fell apart halfway through the gold medal game vs. Russia.
Coach Marc Habscheid and Co. took a slightly different approach to this year's
team than in years past. Many highly skilled players were cut from the team
in favor of a grittier, more mature bunch. Nathan Horton, who is potentially
the first overall choice in this year's NHL Entry Draft bursts talent out of
every pore in his body, yet the character and tenacity of Brooks Laich was preferred.
Looking through the lineup, there are many examples of this preference.
Here is a breakdown of the team:
Name
:
Brings
to the Table:
Forwards
Upshall (C)
Grit, leadership and a clutch
performer.
Bouchard (A)
Elite playmaker.
McClement
Strong two-way centre who has
been there before.
Gordon
A coach's dream player. All about
intangibles.
Parenteau
Strong skating scorer.
Stajan
Highly underrated two-way forward.
Lupul
100% pure sniper who will be relied
on heavily.
Campbell
Rugged workhorse, likely in a
defensive role.
Roy
Underrated pivot who will likely
play wing.
Tootoo
Will drive opponents crazy with
his agitation & scoring skills.
Paille
Physical, scoring winger with
heart and leadership.
Laich
Face-off specialist, defensive
stalwart.
Wellwood
Skilled point producing machine.
Defensemen
Colaiacovo
WJC vet and two-way anchor. Known
for clutch goals.
Paetsch
Brings a nasty physical presence.
Eminger (A)
Ultra-mobile Power Play QB who
plays an intelligent game.
Bell
Maturing two-way defender.
Rouleau
Physical defender who can lug
the puck well.
Woywitka
Well rounded and loves to play
physical.
White
Power play specialist who is likely
to see limited action.
Goaltenders
Fleury
Highly skilled
and as mature as Luongo was at his age.
LeNeveu
Solid, technical goaltender