Just like in the NHL, players from the non-playoff teams and first round exits usually join their national team for the World Championships. CHL teams no longer in the playoff hunt make their 17 and year olds available for the World Under 18 Championships.
This year the event is taking place in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota starting on Thursday. For many players this will be the last on ice showcase to impress the scouts for the upcoming draft.
Here are my predictions
Gold: USA
The United States always has an advantage in this tournament because they use the National Team Development Program. They are the only squad to play with each other all year long. European countries have U-18 tournaments throughout the year but players return to their clubs teams afterwards. Ron Rolston will be coaching the squad, he had trouble at the World Juniors. I think it could be a weakness.
Silver: Canada
The players just got together last week for the first time. They shouldn’t have a problem because they are very skillful. I question their selections for the goalies but I said the same thing about Jake Allen last year. He played very well and improved his draft stock.
Bronze: Sweden
I believe Sweden and Russia battle it out for bronze. I give the advantage to Sweden because of their goaltending. Robin Lehner could be a sleeper pick in the second or third round. Victor Hedman is too old for this tournament but Sweden has six first round possibilities on the team.
4th place Russia
Will be relying on the younger guys on the team to provide the offense.
5th place Finland
Watch out for 2009 draft eligible players Toni Rajala and Erik Haula. Mikael Grunlund a 2010 draft eligible player, could be Finland’s best player. He lit the Finnish U20 league up and had a two goals and an assist at the World Juniors as a 16-year-old. Another highly touted 2010 player is Teemu Pulkkinen.
6th place: Czech Republic
Players to watch is 2010 draft eligible Daniel Krejci (I believe there’s no relation to David) and 2011 draft eligible David Musil. Both are defensemen
7th place: Germany
8th place: Slovakia
Demoted to the Division I World Under-18’s
9th Place: Switzerland
10th place Norway
That’s My Take
