WJC: Czechs In Medal Hunt

This year's Czech under-20 world juniors promise to be a fairly competitive team that could conceivably reach the semi-finals, though more likely will be playing for bronze rather than gold.

The team is built mostly of players with CHL experience so there shouldn't be any significant

problems with the adjustment to the smaller ice surface and different style of play.

Marek Schwarz will be the starting goalie despite not receiving a particularly heavy workload this fall compared to '04-5 with the WHL Vancouver Giants. He is definitely lacking in game experience having mainly performed as backup to 40-year-old icon Petr Briza. Additionally, Schwarz was soundly thrashed in several games.

However, he has always been a strong performer against juniors and should carry the Czech team again, and perhaps right to the final if he can rediscover his stunning form from last year's event.

Likely getting the call as backup will be Atlanta second-rounder Ondrej Pavelec, who has adjusted remarkably well to the QMJHL and is a proven commodity at major U18 tournaments.

Pirating Smid

The arrival of Ladislav Smid is the key to the Czech defense. Assuming the Portland Pirates grant his release, Smid's addition would only elevate the blueline core to decent, but not great. He is the only genuine anchor, a player of international repute and very experienced in the North American game.

Roman Polak could blossom into a wildcard on defense, though isn't the inspirational leader despite his solid play in the Extraleague this season. He is well-built for the North American game and should serve as a dependable player who will mix things up and limit defensive mistakes.

Expect Jakub Kindl to also have a solid tournament as his smooth two-way prowess is a strong asset to the team. He will be expected to take over from Smid as the backline leader next year and should learn valuable lessons at this tournament.

Forward Advance

The biggest strength of this Czech team lies at forward. The front lines look good on paper and should provide some scoring.

Michael Frolik and Jiri Tlusty, two of the top names for the 2006 NHL Draft, get an opportunity to test their abilities against elite North American talent such as Jonathan Toews. Frolik in particular will have to step up at this tournament to solidify his ranking among the top three. Tlusty, on the other hand, arrives with less pressure to succeed than Frolik, and therefore won't be relied upon to be a central contributor. Under these circumstances, Tlusty could be a nice surprise.

Another '06 draft eligible, Tomas Kana, eagerly takes on the role as gritty sparkplug who works feverishly for the success of the team. Kana's shown an ability to create scoring chances for his wingers and will be under the draft microscope. He will be accompanied in the engine room by the similarly hard-working Karel Hromas.

One player who may blossom in Vancouver is Petr Kalus. The Boston draft pick is producing a stellar debut in the WHL and will be used as both a scorer and a pest, a role he has filled admirably at previous tournaments. He thrives in the North American game and is very eager to show up at this main event. Zdenek Bahensky has made remarkable progress in his defensive awareness during his one-plus seasons in the WHL and could shine as a defensive forward and penalty-killing specialist.

The combo of David Krejci and Petr Pohl appear to be an ideal match as Krejci is excellent in the set-up role, while the latter is a proven goal-scorer with good hand-eye coordination and hockey sense. Pohl is currently enjoying a particularly strong season in the QMJHL.

At the other end of the spectrum, don't expect much from Phoenix first-rounder Martin Hanzal. Though he should prove useful as a tenacious forward who thrives in the corners and in front of the opposing net, Hanzal's scoring has been missing this term.

And finally there is Jakub Sindel and Vladimir Sobotka, two players who could both surprise and fade. Much will depend on whether Sobotka is able to perform at full health having been hampered by a sore back recently. Sobotka's demise could prevent Sindel from finding his scoring prowess and therefore nullifying his worth as Sindel wouldn't be effective as a grinder.