Haven't seen anyone post on it yet, so I guess I'll kick it off: anyone going to watch the WJHC tournament this year? Canada's selection camp will be revealed at 12:30pm ET today (TSN's coverage), while Team USA will deliver theirs tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10am (News and updates at www.usahockey.com). I never hear a peep about it here in MN, while TSN airs every single game in Canada. Anyone else planning to watch?
Finland's got a pretty decent group of guys. Barkov being probably the most anticipated. Both NA teams seem pretty darn strong once again. I think Sweden is pretty even with Finland. Russian names are so similiar to be that I have no clue what caliber their team is.
Anyway it's gonna be an exciting tournament to follow. It's great to see these highly touted prospects play a full game instead of just some measly highlights.
I recognize Maatta, Markus Granlund, and Armia. Any others to keep any eye on from Finland?
Rasmus Ristolainen, 2013 draft eligible D-man. Potential top-5 pick. A solid two-way/defensive D-man with a good shot and decent skating ability.
Artturi Lehkonen, also 2013 eligible. Potential first rounder, a good skater with soft hands and a lethal wrister.
Other names to watch: Juuso Ikonen (2013 draft eligible, forward), Teuvo Teräväinen (2012 1st round pick, forward), Olli Määttä (2012 1st round pick) and Ville Pokka (2012 2nd round pick).
This squad looks finally solid both offensively and defensively. Finland has traditionally been fast and gritty, but this year we may finally have skill to go with that as well as defensive depth. That being said, a medal would be a surprise but certainly a possibility.
I recognize Maatta, Markus Granlund, and Armia. Any others to keep any eye on from Finland?
I'll just copy what I posted on WJC '13 Finland Roster thread:
Quote:
It's actually rather balanced group of guys. Not much high-end talent but I find this year a little bit better than last year. A lot of SM-liiga experience too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Huokaus
Goalies:
Janne Juvonen, Pelicans Joonas Korpisalo, Jokerit
Eetu Laurikainen, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
Defencemen:
Henri Auvinen, JYP-Akatemia
Petteri Lindbohm, Jokerit Esa Lindell, Jokerit Olli Määttä, London Knights (OHL)
Ville Pokka, Kärpät
Juuso Riikola, KalPa Rasmus Ristolainen, TPS Juuso Vainio, HPK
Mikko Vainonen, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Joonas Valkonen, Blues Espoo.
Forwards: Miro Aaltonen, Blues
Joel Armia, Ässät Aleksander Barkov, Tappara Markus Granlund, HIFK
Henrik Haapala, Tappara
Markus Hännikäinen, Jokerit Juuso Ikonen, Blues
Henri Ikonen, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Ville Järveläinen, Peliitat
Matti Lamberg, Jokerit Artturi Lehkonen, KalPa
Robert Leino, HPK
Thomas Nykopp, HIFK
Saku Salminen, Jokerit Miikka Salomäki, Kärpät Teuvo Teräväinen, Jokerit
Bolded the guys you should keep an eye on, imo ofcourse. Lehkonen is the most "in radar" one for me.
I don't know why I haven't bolded Joel Armia. He's a bit lazy sometimes but does own a nice scoring touch.
I'm interested in watching Jacob Trouba too. He almost makes me want to cheer for Michigan, but then again, no, Michigan sucks. The way that kid lays other chumps out flat is scary. He's gonna rock in a Jets uniform.
Finland, Helsinki 20.12-22.12. Four WJHC Premiere Game.
20.12. klo 16.30 Finland - Canada (Valtti Arena)
20.12. klo 19.30 USA - Sweden (Valtti Arena)
22.12. klo 13.00 Finland - USA (Helsinki Ice Hall)
22.12. klo 16.00 Canada - Sweden (Helsinki Ice Hall)
thank goodness for Galchenyuk on USA, too bad Ill be gone for the good games. But it starts the 26th or 27th right? I'm predicting the USA in the top 4. Will USA medal? Finlands got a better squad than I thought, I forgot about half of their team, pokka, ristolainen, armia
Unless I manage to forgot to buy Christmas presents buy then (yet again ).
Will be interesting tournament for sure.
I might be joining you two as well. An excellent opportunity to see loads of top prospects live.
Have you ordered tickets yet? I'm probably getting some cash tomorrow or early next week. Should we plan some sort of a HF mini meet-up there? Would be interesting to analyze the games & players with fellow HFers.
The teams this year seem more evenly matched than I've seen in the past, though I still have my money on Canada. Russia, US, Sweden, and Finland all look pretty strong. Yet another reason to look forward to going to Winnipeg over New Years.
I might be joining you two as well. An excellent opportunity to see loads of top prospects live.
Have you ordered tickets yet? I'm probably getting some cash tomorrow or early next week. Should we plan some sort of a HF mini meet-up there? Would be interesting to analyze the games & players with fellow HFers.
So, have you? I'm thinking of going to see the games in 22nd. Anyone else going?
What confuses me is the fact that they are "unnumbered", meaning you pretty much have to arrive early for good seats, or have I gotten something wrong here?
Anyway, the tickets are 19,50€ including the "handling costs", which are 3,50€ if you pick up the tickets from any lippu.fi dealer.
It really seems to me there are no numbered seats so I guess we don't have to plan it that way. I'm going, it seems that you're going, anyone else fancy joining?
).
