DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Author: Parker McLean

  • Game Report – London Knights 4 vs North Bay Battalion 1 – October 2nd, 2026

    Game Report – London Knights 4 vs North Bay Battalion 1 – October 2nd, 2026

    The London Knights extended their perfect start to the young OHL season on Friday night, securing a 4-1 victory over the North Bay Battalion.

    Marcus Nordmark opened the scoring for London, firing one home from the slot to notch his first-ever OHL goal. North Bay quickly responded when Evgeny Dubrovtsev tapped one home off a great set-up feed from Kam Hodgson.

    The Knights looked to be a different team in the third, seemingly finding their game after being pushed around for much of the opening 40 minutes. Thomas Zocco and Jaxon Cover both found the back of the net early in the frame before Cohen Bidgood eventually sealed it with an empty-net goal.

    The Knights improved to 4-0 on the young season and will take on the Flint Firebirds at home on Sunday afternoon.

    Standouts:

    Cooper McAslan (London Knights | 2027 NHL Draft Eligible)

    One of the most complete performances of the day, McAslan was a factor in all three zones and a constant disruption for the Battalion. He consistently clogged passing lanes, using his active stick and body positioning to kill plays before they could develop. Willing to push the pace, McAslan utilized his fluid skating to actively join the rush and seamlessly pivot along the offensive blue line to carve out space. Keeping his head up to survey options, his vision was rewarded when he picked up the secondary assist on the game’s opening goal.

    Camryn Warren (North Bay Battalion | 2027 NHL Draft Eligible)

    Arguably the best player on the ice tonight, Warren put on a dominant display. Having tracked him at the U17s and the Hlinka, his offensive upside was already clear, but what stood out most tonight was his poise under pressure. He never panicked, consistently taking that extra half-second to let a seam open up, using his hands and edges to navigate into high-danger areas, and anticipating plays before they materialized. While his frame still leaves a bit to be desired, Warren delivered a stellar performance that leaves plenty of reason to be excited for his development this season.

    Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights | VAN 2025 47th OVR )

    Stepping up in a major way, Medvedev was the backbone of London’s victory tonight, helping the Knights extend their win streak to four games. He turned aside 38 of 39 shots, weathering a barrage that featured numerous high-danger opportunities and a plethora of breakaways. The 2025 47th overall pick put his high-end lateral movement and lightning-fast reflexes on full display. For a London squad with Memorial Cup hopes, Medvedev will be a vital piece of the puzzle, and if this performance is any indication, the Knights are in good hands.

    Oskar Konobelj (North Bay Battalion | 2027 NHL Draft Eligible)

    While not the flashiest player on the ice, Konobelj did an exceptional job of disrupting London’s rhythm, most notably through his physical presence. Standing 6-foot-4, he uses his frame effectively, but what truly elevates his projection is his surprising mobility and edge work for a player of his size. This tracks with his reliable, albeit quiet, showing at the U18 Division IA tournament for a fifth-place Slovenia squad. While his offensive upside remains limited, his defensive utility and physical foundation could be enough to hear his name called in June.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Neuenschwander, and Privalov Lead Round 1

    With the 2026 NHL Draft behind us, we now turn our attention to the 2027 class.

    A busy summer of international tournaments has given us an early pulse on the top talent on the board.

    From consensus early leaders to tournament breakout stars and fast-rising wildcards, here is my initial 2027 NHL Draft Round 1 Ranking.

    1. Landon DuPont (6’0″ | 190lbs | RD | Michigan Wolverines | Canada)

    The consensus first overall pick was dominant at the recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

    Posting an impressive eight points in five games from the blue line, Landon DuPont demonstrated that his game extends far beyond raw puck skills.

    Built on an elite skating foundation, he uses his edges seamlessly to shake defenders, create space, and set up high-danger scoring chances with top-tier playmaking vision.

    Defensively, his quickness allows him to close gaps rapidly and clog shooting lanes, making high-quality chances hard to come by when he’s on the ice.

    As he transitions to the NCAA with Michigan, the main question is how his 6’0”, 190-pound frame will adjust to the added physicality.

    But if his Hlinka performance was any indication, he remains the frontrunner to go number one overall.

    2. Jonah Neuenschwander (6’3″ | 187lbs | F | EHC Biel-Bienne | Switzerland)

    While the first pick is relatively straightforward, the board really opens up at second overall, and that is where I have Jonah Neuenschwander.

    Though still raw and continuing to fill out his 6’3” frame, the combination of size, shot, and strong two-way play is hard to ignore.

    He has been a consistent standout across international play, anchoring top lines for Switzerland at the WJC, U18, and Hlinka Gretzky tournaments even as an underager.

    Although his pro stint in the Swiss NL may be non-traditional, his high-end toolkit, defensive maturity, and 6’3” frame are why you bet on him at pick two.

    3. Nazar Privalov (6’4″ | 227lbs | C/LW | Krasnaya Armiya Moskva | Russia)

    The Russian goal-scoring pest who lit up the MHL this season, racking up 30 goals and 19 assists in 51 games, ranks third overall on my board.

    There’s a lot to like about Nazar Privalov, who uses his 6’4″ frame to infiltrate high-danger areas as a true power forward with elite finishing ability and soft hands.

    He plays a heavy, physical game, leveraging his size as a relentless forechecker who makes defensemen shake in their skates.

    The main drawback to his draft stock is a recently signed four-year extension with CSKA Moscow, delaying his North American debut until the 2030-31 season.

    The wait is long, but the upside is worth the top-three risk.

    4. Alexis Joseph (6’5″ | 201lbs | C | Saint John Sea Dogs | Canada)

    Alexis Joseph’s draft stock took a hit after a tough Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but one mid-summer tournament shouldn’t drop him out of the top five.

    At 6’5″, his size is an immediate standout. When he’s dialled in, he uses that frame to bully his way into tight spaces, unlocking exceptional hands and a high hockey IQ.

    That combination gives him the foundation of a dominant offensive weapon, reminiscent of the Tage Thompson-style game he showcased at the U17s.

    NHL front offices are always looking for size, and Joseph delivers that in spades.

    He needs to round out his overall game, but expect a big bounce-back season with Saint John to put him right back on track.

    5. Carter Meyer (6’0″ | 176lbs | C | Québec Remparts | USA)

    Meyer has a huge season ahead in Quebec after leaving the USNTDP.

    A high-IQ, hardworking playmaker who does a bit of everything, he should see his offensive game flourish in the QMJHL following a solid USHL campaign.

    He already has a proven international track record, standing out at the U17 World Hockey Challenge with 10 points in four games and adding five points in five games as an underager at the U18s.

    He has plenty to prove this year, but a strong season could easily vault him into the top-three conversation.

    6. Milan Sundström (6’2″ | 198lbs | C | MoDo Hockey U20 | Sweden)

    Both Team Sweden and Milan Sundström had similar outings at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, struggling to find consistency while still showing flashes of brilliance.

    At times, Sundström looked like an elite playmaker with high-end top speed; whenever the puck was on his stick, you felt something special was coming.

    On the flip side, there were noticeable issues with his initial acceleration, paired with instances of forced plays and lackluster effort.

    While one mid-summer tournament shouldn’t drastically impact his draft stock, maintaining consistency will be a key storyline to monitor as the season progresses.

    The raw tools are undeniably there; his compete level will ultimately determine whether he separates himself from the pack.

    7. Brock England (5’11” | 174lbs | C | Seattle Thunderbirds | Canada)

    We knew Brock England was fast, like really fast, but what stood out most about his game at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup was his physicality.

    At 5’11”, you wouldn’t expect it, but England was relentless with his body checking, making life miserable for anyone facing him in puck battles. Paired with his elite speed, he is an absolute nightmare to play against.

    His performance solidified him as a clear top-10 prospect, with a very real chance to push into the top five if his offensive touch carries over into the season.

    Throw in his finishing ability, potting four goals at Hlinka, and England has made a compelling case for himself heading into his draft year.

    8. Dima Zhilkin (5’11” | 190lbs | RW | Saginaw Spirit | Canada)

    Dima Zhilkin has built up some serious momentum heading into his draft year.

    At the U18s, he put up 7 points in 5 games and, more recently, tied for the Team Canada lead with 4 points over 2 games at the World Junior Summer Showcase.

    He boasts a relentless motor and the speed to match it. Paired with strong playmaking and an even better scoring touch, he is a threat whenever he’s on the ice.

    The primary concern for Zhilkin looking to play at the next level is his size; listed at only 5’10”, he may simply struggle to sustain his aggressive style against larger competition.

    However, with his dog-on-a-bone mentality, he rarely lets anything slow him down, and he’ll be one to watch as the season progresses.

    9. Sergei Skvortsov (6’0″ | 154lbs | LW | Chaika Nizhny Novgorod | Russia)

    You’ll hear a lot of buzz around Sergei Skvortsov over the coming months, but he comes with plenty of question marks.

    He is going to be one of the biggest wildcard prospects in this draft, a player who could very well challenge for the #1 spot or fall to the back half of the first round.

    His game revolves around strong skating and elite edge work to evade defenders, creating space for his high IQ, playmaking, and finishing ability to flourish.

    Physicality remains the main concern; at 6’0″ and just 154 lbs, he has a long way to go in terms of adding strength for the NHL level, though doing so without sacrificing his dynamic agility will be a delicate balance.

    It’s early, but if Skvortsov can bulk up while maintaining his pace, he could very well push for the top spot come draft day.

    10. Luca Santala (6’2″ | 190lbs | C/W | London Knights | Finland)

    I really like Luca Santala right now, and his development is about to skyrocket in a London program that continues to pump out first-round picks.

    He is a mature player who prioritizes the defensive end first, driving a strong transition game which is backed by a 6’2” frame, soft hands, and a nose for the net when needed.

    Santala has been tremendous internationally, racking up 6 points over 5 games at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and as an underager at the U18s, while also posting a strong 5 points in 4 games at the U17 World Hockey Challenge.

    Whether he ultimately projects at center or on the wing remains a question mark, but with a strong year in London, Santala could hear his name called very early on draft night. 

    11. Sammy Nelson (6’2″ | 192lbs | F | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | USA)

    One of the oldest players in this 2027 draft class, Nelson has a certain refinement to his game that most players lack.

    Much of his game revolves around north-south hockey, where he generates offence off the rush, showcasing his speed, playmaking, and finishing abilities.

    He’s also dependable in his own end, serving in a penalty-killing role on the USNTDP and for Team USA at the World Junior Summer Showcase this past July.

    An intriguing mix of speed, size, and heart, Nelson will look to make noise at Notre Dame ahead of next year’s draft.

    12. Timothy Kazda (6’1″ | 194lbs | F | Guelph Storm | Slovakia)

    After earning tournament MVP with 12 points in 7 games, the U18 World Championship sensation comes in at #12 on my list and although I want to put him higher, he’ll need to round out some areas this year in Guelph.

    Kazda is a prolific scorer featuring one of the best releases in this draft class. He can beat you from any spot on the ice and has good vision and awareness to complement the scoring touch.

    At 6’1”, he’s not afraid to attack the net and frequently drives into danger areas searching for rebounds.

    While his top-end speed needs work to help maximize his power-forward style, Kazda has already proven he can dominate his age group; now he’ll need to continue it against OHL competition.

    13. Brock Cripps (5’10” | 161lbs | RD | Prince Albert Raiders | Canada)

    While Landon DuPont captured most of the headlines on the Canadian blue line at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Brock Cripps quietly put together one of the best all-around performances of the tournament.

    He is incredibly gifted with the puck, using his elusive edge-work to shake forecheckers, opening up passing lanes, and driving offence from the back end.

    Despite a smaller 5’10” frame, Cripps played physical, never shying away from contact, making life miserable for opposing forwards in corner battles.

    Drawing comparisons to recent early-round draftees in Tommy Bleyl and Xavier Villeneuve, Cripps is making a compelling case to join the growing list of undersized defensemen who hear their names called in the opening rounds in June.

    14. Jaakko Wycisk (6’1″ | 190lbs | RW/C | Guelph Storm | Canada)

    An emerging prospect at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Jaakko Wycisk excelled by collecting 10 points and tying for the tournament lead.

    He does it all: he’s physical, a strong skater, a capable playmaker, highly competitive, and able to finish when needed.

    While no single attribute of his jumps off the page, the well-rounded nature of his game makes him a dangerous player and a strong candidate for the first round.

    He faces a big upcoming season with Guelph, where he’ll look to secure his day-one draft position following a 43-point, 61-game campaign last year.

    15. Max Calce (5’11” | 181lbs | C | Adler Mannheim | Germany)

    Heralded as the future of German hockey, Max Calce is the most exciting German prospect since the back-to-back draft classes of Tim Stützle and Moritz Seider.

    Having already participated in two U18 World Championships and Hlinka Gretzky Cups as an underager, along with being a late injury scratch from last year’s World Junior squad, Calce has shown he can consistently elevate his game against older competition.

    As he transitions into a full-time DEL role after splitting time in the DNL U20, we’ll get a clear look at how his game translates against men.

    Calce brings a versatile toolkit anchored by a defence-first mindset. He brings a strong first step and poses a real threat in the offensive zone thanks to his crafty hands, sharp edge work, and dependable finishing ability.

    He is a key player to watch this season and will have a massive opportunity to elevate his draft stock at the World Juniors in December with Germany.

    16. Petr Tomek (5’10” | 165lbs | C | HC Energie Karlovy Vary | Czechia)

    Petr Tomek may not possess elite size, but his skill and relentless motor allow him to play far bigger than his frame.

    Captaining Czechia to a U18 bronze medal, he relied on that motor to set the pace for his game, consistently infiltrating high-danger areas.

    Once inside those tight spaces, his hands and vision take over, making him just as dangerous slipping passes through narrow seams as he is finishing in close.

    The blend of compete and talent has already earned him 51 pro games with HC Energie Karlovy Vary, proving his game holds up against men.

    An expected roster spot at the upcoming World Juniors will give another key look at how he stacks up against top NHL talent.

    17. Jaxon Jacobson (5’10” | 183lbs | C | Brandon Wheat Kings | Canada)

    Small but mighty, there’s a lot to like about Jaxon Jacobson’s game.

    Known for his playmaking ability, he has a knack for finding seams before they even open.

    Coming off an 85-point season, including 60 assists in 63 games with Brandon in the WHL, Jacobson is poised for another big year.

    While finishing isn’t his strongest attribute, he has good hands and tends to score from close range.

    His U18 Worlds stint began with him on the bench, but he quickly made an impact, recording three points in three games.

    He’ll need to continue developing his skating and physical play if he wants to keep pace at the NHL level.

    Jacobson’s IQ and play-driving ability allow him to consistently create offence despite his smaller frame, making him an intriguing player to watch as the season progresses.

    18. Tomáš Selič (6’3″ | 198lbs | RW | HC Kometa Brno | Slovakia)

    Talk about rising to the moment, Tomáš Selič did it again on the international stage, this time at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

    He exploded for four goals and two assists in a must-win game against Switzerland, helping Slovakia clinch a playoff spot.

    He finished the tournament with eight points in five games, adding to the six points he recorded in seven games at the U18 Worlds as an underager.

    But Selič’s game goes far beyond the stat sheet. He’s strong defensively and plays with plenty of physicality, making good use of his 6’3”, 198-pound frame.

    Selič could realistically find himself on both the WJC and U18 Worlds teams this year, presenting a huge opportunity for the 2009-born Slovak.

    If his offensive game continues to shine, this could be a major stepping stone toward a potential top-10 selection.

    19. Andrei Pustovoy (6’3″ | 201lbs | RW/C | Loko Yaroslavl | Russia)

    With one of the most dangerous releases in the draft class, Andrei Pustovoy is coming off an impressive 32-goal, 62-point season in the MHL.

    He is the definition of a pure sniper, lethal off the one-timer and capable of scoring from anywhere on the ice.

    While the rest of his game requires some refinement, the tools are there, and his 6’3” stature gives him a solid baseline.

    Though listed as both a centre and a winger, his skill set and size make a transition to the wing probable once he moves over to North America.

    If he can round out his play beyond his elite finishing, expect to hear his name called early on draft night.

    20. Bosse Meijer (5’10” | 168lbs | C | Frölunda HC | Sweden)

    One of the more complete players in this draft, Bosse Meijer is difficult to pinpoint because no single attribute defines his success, yet he racks up a ton of points while remaining strong defensively.

    He’s produced above a point-per-game pace across the U18s, Hlinka, and U20 Nationell. While the mobility is solid, he thrives down low by hunting rebounds, winning battles, and navigating tight spaces with his 5’10” frame.

    Beyond his offensive output, Meijer is a reliable defensive presence who projects as a staple on the penalty kill.

    The skating should be enough for him to stick at centre in the NHL, though the physicality aspect will be key to monitor.

    Given his proven international track record, expect him to be at the World Juniors, even with Sweden’s deep talent pool to choose from.

    21. Yevgeni Yakunin (6’3″ | 194lbs | C | MHK Spartak Moskva | Russia)

    Yevgeni Yakunin is a compelling prospect with intriguing upside. He has a knack for slowing the game down, taking an extra half-second to read the ice before making the right play. That high offensive IQ fuels the rest of his game and helped him rack up 47 points in the MHL last season.

    At 6’3”, Yakunin excels around the crease, using his frame to establish net-front presence and make life difficult for opposing defenders.

    While his skating mechanics look a bit awkward and will need refining before he can transition to the NHL, his combination of size and awareness gives him a strong projection.

    Despite being under contract in Russia, he should still expect to hear his name called early on draft night.

    22. Douglas Johnsson (5’10” | 170lbs | RD | Skellefteå AIK U20 | Sweden)

    An undersized but at times game-altering blueliner, Douglas Johnsson had a must-watch performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on an underwhelming Swedish team.

    Skating is the focal point of his game, using exceptional edge work and top speed to generate separation in all three zones.

    Although not known for a heavy point shot, his softer, more tactical release consistently finds its way through traffic to create chaos and high-danger rebound opportunities in front.

    He’s a dynamic playmaker who regularly finds the highlight reel by deking through opponents before finding his teammates on the backdoor tap-in.

    Finding better consistency will be key to elevating his draft stock, but if he can undergo a late growth spurt closer to his dad Pierre’s 6’2″ frame, Johnsson could become a marquee feature of this draft class. 

    23. Roberts Naudiņš (6’6″ | 212lbs | F | Penticton Vees | Latvia)

    Standing at a staggering 6’6”, Roberts Naudiņš has tons of potential through his sheer physical presence alone. Pair that frame with soft hands and respectable mobility, and he projects as a sneaky high-upside option who could end up as the steal of the draft class.

    While he didn’t put up massive numbers at the World Juniors, he did hold his own as a 16- and 17-year-old against much older competition, highlighting his drive and maturity.

    He has made significant strides in filling out his massive frame, and as he transitions to Penticton in the WHL, a breakout campaign could easily vault him into top-20 consideration. 

    24. Ryerson Edgar (5’10” | 161lbs | C/LW | Niagara IceDogs | Canada)

    Ryerson Edgar is an electric, fun-to-watch forward. He loves to attack defenders head-on in one-on-one scenarios, where his high-end hands and dynamic skill allow him to regularly beat opponents clean en route to the net.

    He pairs good speed with a well-rounded offensive toolkit, capable of hurting teams as both a sharp shooting threat and an inventive playmaker once inside the zone.

    While his 5’10” frame doesn’t offer high-end physical leverage, his overall skill set is undeniable.

    He will need to post some elite offensive numbers to cement his status in the first-round conversation, but given his raw toolkit, the likelihood of a breakout year is high.

    25. Lenni Kokkonen (6’2″ | 194lbs | RD | Oulun Kärpät | Finland)

    A standout performer from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Lenni Kokkonen demonstrated why he sits a tier above his fellow Finnish defenders through his well-rounded, mature game.

    He establishes his value in his own zone first, utilizing his frame and stickwork to kill plays and protect the house. Transitioning up the ice, his offensive instincts shine as a calculated playmaker with a sneaky, deceptive point shot.

    At 6’2”, his frame is projectable, and as a coveted right-shot blueliner, he is an even higher-valued asset in this draft class.

    He is expected to earn reps in Liiga with Kärpät this season, which will only accelerate his adjustment to senior hockey, and continuing that momentum will be his primary focus as the year unfolds. 

    26. Maxmilian Mareš (6’6″ | 225lbs | C/W | Rimouski Océanic | Czechia)

    If there’s a net, you can expect Maxmilian Mareš to be around it. Utilizing his massive 6’6” frame, he consistently infiltrates high-danger areas, combining soft hands with good finishing, especially in tight, to cash in.

    He delivered a stellar performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, posting six points in four games, and will look to carry that momentum into his campaign with Rimouski.

    While still raw in terms of overall development, he moves remarkably well for his size, making him a fascinating high-upside target for any team looking to take a gamble in the first round.

    27. Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (6’0″ | 190lbs | F | Medicine Hat Tigers | USA)

    Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll can absolutely fly. Working at a relentless pace, he wreaks havoc on the forecheck by forcing turnovers that quickly turn into high-danger scoring opportunities, with the majority of his offensive threats generated off the rush.

    While his overall production hasn’t quite reached first-round calibre yet, expect that trajectory to shift upward during the 2026–27 campaign with Medicine Hat.

    Combine his dynamic speed with exceptional efficiency in the face-off circle, and he projects cleanly as a reliable middle-six center at the NHL level.

    28. Vladimir Shtyrkhunov (6’0″ | 157lbs | RD | Shawinigan Cataractes | Russia)

    Vladimir Shtyrkhunov is an intriguing, offensively minded defenceman who loves to join the rush and faces a pivotal season ahead as he transitions from Russia to the QMJHL.

    Standing at 5’10”, he lacks imposing size, relying instead on high-end mobility and sharp anticipation to disrupt plays defensively and drive transition up the ice.

    Offensively, he has solid vision paired with a functional point shot, traits that should continue to refine as he adapts to the North American game.

    With a strong skating base and proven offensive instincts, Shtyrkhunov is a prime candidate for a breakout year with Shawinigan.

    29. Boston Tait (6’2″ | 183lbs | LD | Wenatchee Wild | Canada)

    While not the flashiest defenceman projected for the first round, Boston Tait is a very reliable defender who manages both ends of the ice with quiet precision.

    Utilizing his 6’2” frame, Tait thrives in dirty areas, battling relentlessly in corners and punishing anyone who tries to establish a net-front presence.

    He racks up heavy penalty-kill minutes and projects as someone who can be trusted in any situation. Though his point shot lags behind some of his class’s higher-end offensive peers, his transition passing and breakout vision are crisp and efficient.

    As a defence-first anchor with ideal size and mobility, Tait will be a prime target for teams seeking stability on the back end.

    30. Lukáš Kachlíř (5’8″ | 150lbs | RD | Bílí Tygři Liberec | Czechia)

    Making serious noise at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Lukáš Kachlíř looked every bit the part of a first-round pick after piling up six points in four games.

    His offensive tool set is undeniable: he leverages sharp edge work to create passing seams or unleash a dangerous release from distance.

    While already possessing good speed, his top-end pace should only continue to improve. Defensively, he uses that mobility to overcome his smaller 5’8” frame, closing gaps quickly and maintaining sound positioning.

    After going pointless in a 13-game stint with the senior Bílí Tygři Liberec team last season, increasing minutes in the Czech Extraliga will be his true proving ground.

    Call it recency bias if you will, but Kachlíř carries some serious momentum heading into his draft year.

    31. Nolan Fitzhenry (5’11” | 183lbs | C | USNTDP Juniors | USA)

    It’s set to be a big year for Nolan Fitzhenry as he aims to cement his status as a first-round selection.

    The toolbox is there; he is a fluid skater, a creative playmaker, and possesses a lethal release to match. He generates high-volume offence off the rush and executes clean, composed breakouts the moment the puck hits his stick in the defensive zone.

    Although a limited role at the U18 Worlds yielded a single assist in three games, his offensive ceiling was on full display at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, where he posted seven points in four games.

    Stepping into a primary role with the USNTDP this season, Fitzhenry has every opportunity to prove he belongs in the upper echelon of the draft.

    32. Malik L’Italien (6’4″ | 198lbs | LD | Halifax Mooseheads | Canada)

    In a draft class full of smaller-framed blueliners, it wouldn’t surprise me to see 6’3” Malik L’Italien selected early on draft day.

    Primarily serving as a shutdown defender, he embraces physical play, clearing out the net front and battling relentlessly along the boards.

    While his offensive tools are built around a heavy point shot and solid distribution vision during power-play minutes with Halifax, they don’t project as high-end attributes just yet.

    L’Italien possesses the defensive ability of a top-10 talent, but expanding his offensive toolbox will be the key to climbing into that top tier.

  • USA Offense Explodes in 7-2 Victory Over Canada

    Team USA dominated Team Canada 7-2 on the final day of World Junior Summer Showcase action.

    What began as a hesitant first period with both teams feeling each other out quickly erupted into a shooting gallery for the rest of the game.

    The first goal came shortly after the first intermission when Sammy Nelson stole the puck and took off to the races, beating Lukas Beckman low glove side for the shorthanded tally.

    Canada responded quickly. Ethan Belchetz forced an offensive zone turnover, then fired it home to tie the game 1-1. 

    Minutes later, following a dominant shift that included a breakaway attempt, Cole Reschny was rewarded when his shot deflected off teammate Dima Zhilkin and in to give Canada a 2-1 lead.

    Then the USA rallied back, scoring 4 unanswered goals to close out the second period. Ethan Wyttenbach potted 2 back-to-back goals in tight, one of which was on the power play. Then Sean Barnhill scored from long distance on a seeing-eye shot before Brooks Rogowski showed off his speed going end to end and blasting one blocker side to beat Lukas Beckman. 

    The Americans didn’t slow down in the third. Wyatt Cullen picked up the period’s opening goal when a broken-up 2-on-1 pass bounced right back onto his stick. Blake Fiddler then capped off the scoring following an extended sequence of zone pressure in the Canadian end.

    Team USA closed out the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Canada.

    Both teams will now shift their focus to Edmonton and Red Deer, where they’ll look to carry this momentum onto the podium in search of gold.

    Standouts:

    Carter Sanderson – Brooks Rogowski – Mason West (USA)

    What’s the quote again? “All for one and one for all?” In all seriousness, what a standout performance from this entire unit. Setting the tone from the opening puck drop, they were physical, skilled, and relentless, helping Team USA find its offensive groove in the second period. The trio combined for five points while wearing down the Canadian defence all night.

    Mikey Berchild – Wyatt Cullen – Ethan Wyttenbach (USA)

    Again. This entire line has been exceptional all tournament long. While it remains to be seen if coaching keeps them together come December, this showcase proved the Americans have a legitimate top line capable of doing serious damage. Combining for another eight points tonight, they made a compelling case to stay intact for the main event.

    Cole Reschny (Canada | Calgary Flames)

    One of the few highlights for Canada, Reschny flashed his high-end skill during a dominant second-period shift, one of the best of the entire tournament. He split the defenders with speed to create a prime scoring opportunity before picking up an assist 30 seconds later, shooting it off Zhilkin and in. Reschny will need to be a major presence if Canada wants to succeed in Edmonton.

  • Sweden Tops Rival Finland to Finish World Junior Showcase

    Team Sweden defeated Team Finland 5-2 on the final day of World Junior Summer Showcase action.

    Both Kevin Törnblom and Patrik Kerkola made their Showcase debuts in today’s rivalry game. Kerkola is the projected starter for Finland’s official World Junior team while Törnblom is expected to serve as the backup to Love Härenstam.

    The game started hot, with both teams generating chances early. Viktor Klingsell opened the scoring on the power play, firing one over the shoulder of Kerkola to give Sweden the 1-0 lead.

    Jeremi Virtanen responded shortly after, cutting in from the halfwall off the rush, beating the Swedish defender to the inside and scoring to tie the game at 1.

    From there, Finland took control of the game until a stroke of bad luck: an Alexander Command shot deflected off the visor of Jesper Kotajärvi and trickled into the net. Just 43 seconds later, Filip Ekberg scored on the doorstep off a beautiful no-look pass from Torkel Jennersjö to make it 3-1. 

    Needing a spark, Finland opened up offensively in the third. Sweden took full advantage with Jennersjö tipping a William Håkansson point shot past Kerkola to extend the lead to 4-1. 

    Finland continued to push, generating several high-quality chances, including a goal that was called back for goaltender interference, but couldn’t capitalize. Isac Nilsson added an empty-netter to seal the win for Sweden before Vilho Vanhatalo added a late tally with 66 seconds remaining. Sweden claimed the 5–2 victory as both teams wrapped up the showcase.

    After dropping their first two showcase games against USA White and USA Blue, Sweden bounced back in a big way, winning three straight against Canada, USA (Merged), and Finland. They will look to carry that momentum into December’s IIHF World Junior Championship.

    Standouts: 

    D Vertti Svensk (Finland | Los Angeles Kings)

    It’s hard to believe Svensk didn’t log a point today. He was a relentless engine in the offensive zone, once again showcasing the high-end speed that’s defined his tournament. That pace translated to the defensive end as well, where he shut down gaps quickly and disrupted Sweden’s attack. Coming in, he felt like a lock for December’s roster; his Showcase performance sealed the deal.

    G Kevin Törnblom (Sweden | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    In his lone appearance of the tournament, Törnblom impressed. He stopped everything expected of him and made several high-quality saves to keep Sweden alive early in the second period. While Sweden’s World Junior goaltending room is crowded with Måns Goos and Love Härenstam also in the mix, Törnblom continues to stay in the conversation, especially coming off a gold-medal run at the U18 World Championships, where he played in all seven games.

    F Torkel Jennersjö (Sweden | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    For a guy who wasn’t expected to make the WJC team for Sweden, Jennersjö has certainly turned some heads over these last 2 games. Tallying another goal and primary assist to add to a strong defensive performance, Jennersjö has earned a closer look for the Swedes. He will close the tournament with 3 goals and an assist in his final 2 games.

    F Jeremi Virtanen (Finland | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    Virtanen was a standout for Team Finland today, scoring the tying goal in the first period on a strong cutback move using his size to get in tight before finishing. Beyond the offensive production, he played a quiet, reliable defensive game and consistently broke up plays in passing lanes. Finishing the World Junior Summer Showcase with four points (2G, 2A), we will see if he has done enough to secure a spot on December’s 25-man roster.

  • Doing it the ‘Canadian Way’ in Comeback Win Against Finland

    Team Canada rallied back from a three-goal deficit to beat Team Finland 5-3 on Day 4 of the World Junior Summer Showcase.

    Following a tough loss yesterday against Team Sweden, all eyes were on Canada to see how they would respond today against Finland.

    The game opened cautiously, with both teams playing a tight, defensive style, waiting for the other to make a mistake. It wasn’t until the final minute of the period that Finland broke the ice, with Julius Saari picking up the loose puck off a faceoff draw and firing it past William Lacelle.

    Canada began to put the pressure on but couldn’t convert. Exploiting Canada’s aggressive push, Eetu Orpana showed off his speed, wheeling around Keaton Verhoeff and wrapping it around the inside of the post to beat Lacelle to the far post, doubling Finland’s lead. 

    Shortly after, Jesse Pärssinen blasted one home on the power play, giving Finland a commanding 3-0 advantage. 

    Canada, championing their motto to return to the “old Canadian style,” did exactly that. They rallied back with three goals in the final five minutes of the second period, including two in the last minute alone. Dima Zhilkin led the charge with two breakaway goals, before Keaton Verhoeff buried a one-timer off a pass from Cole Reschny with just 14 seconds left.

    Caleb Desnoyers kicked off the third-period scoring by jamming a puck in on the power play during a scramble in the crease. Minutes later, Jackson Smith unleashed a screened shot from the point to extend Canada’s lead to 5-3. Finland mounted a late push, but with Lacelle locked in, the comeback effort came too late to stop Canada from sealing the victory.

    Extra Time:

    In accordance with the Showcase format, both teams agreed to play an additional overtime period and shootout regardless of the regulation score.

    It was a slow overtime period with Finland dominating all of the possession. Vertti Svensk was the OT hero, scoring one just over the left pad of Lacelle.

    The shootout ended 3-1 in favour of Canada across 5 shooters. Desnoyers, Reschny, and Tynan Lawrence all scored for Canada, with Somervuori being the only goal scorer for Finland. 

    Both teams will enjoy a day off tomorrow before the final day of Showcase action on Saturday, where Finland takes on Sweden, and Canada will take on Team USA.

    Standouts:

    F Cole Reschny (CAN | Calgary Flames)

    This was a completely different Cole Reschny than the one on display at last year’s World Juniors. Sitting out the first game against Sweden, I was interested to see what Reschny would provide for this Canadian team, but he was excellent tonight. He generated numerous high-quality chances, assisting on both Zhilkin and Verhoeff’s goals as well. His physical presence stood out as well, using strong positioning to separate body from puck and delivering several heavy hits. He had the best game of anyone on Day 4 and will be a must-watch player in Canada’s game against Team USA.

    F Caleb Desnoyers (CAN | Utah Mammoth)

    Desnoyers was a standout in all three periods as a hard-nosed forechecker who forced turnovers all game long. On one sequence, his relentless pressure forced a giveaway that drew a hooking penalty, which he later capitalized on himself. As a returning player, he’ll be relied upon to log heavy minutes and anchor the penalty kill for Team Canada come December. 

    F Dima Zhilkin (CAN | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    One of the most intriguing prospects for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft, Zhilkin showed exactly why he’ll hear his name called early next June. While his speed jumps off the highlight reel, scoring both of his goals on breakaways, his game offers much more. He brought noticeable physicality and a drive to get to the dirty areas of the ice, generating several quality chances in tight. If Zhilkin maintains this level of play, he’ll make a compelling case to be a top five pick.

    G Jester Rossi (FIN | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    Though Finland let the game slip away late, Rossi was the sole reason they stayed ahead early. The 2027 draft-eligible netminder was positionally sound all night, rarely leaving himself out of place. He made a compelling case to push for the backup job despite two strong goalies ahead of him on the depth chart, setting up a key test if he gets the start against Sweden.

  • Sweden Scores Five Unanswered in Comeback Victory Over Team USA

    Team Sweden defeated Team USA 5-2 in comeback fashion on Day 4 of the World Junior Summer Showcase.

    Sweden started red-hot in the opening frame, generating several high-quality chances while outshooting Team USA 10-3, but the game remained scoreless.

    In the second period, the Americans bounced back in a big way. Carter Amico appeared to open the scoring when he found the back of the net on a long-range shot, but the goal was quickly called back due to a crease violation. 

    Undeterred, Team USA kept the pressure on and capitalized on two quick goals shortly after. LJ Mooney put the US on the board with his first goal of the showcase on a play in tight, roofing the puck over the goaltender. Just 38 seconds later, Nick Bogas beat Måns Goos with a wrist shot from the point to give the Americans a 2-0 lead.

    Sweden refused to back down, though. Linus Funck found the back of the net through a heavy screen on the power play, bringing Sweden back within a goal before the end of the second period.

    Early in the third, Team USA earned an extended 5-on-3 power play, but Sweden successfully killed it off. The momentum generated by that kill carried over immediately: Funck scored his second of the game shortly after, rifling one over the shoulder of Ryan Cameron to tie it up. Torkel Jennersjö then won a faceoff draw and capitalized to give Sweden its first lead of the contest.

    Two late empty-net goals from Leo Sundqvist and Jennersjö sealed the 5-2 victory for Sweden.

    Both teams will enjoy a day off tomorrow before the final day of Showcase action on Saturday, where Sweden will face Finland and the Americans will take on Canada.

    Standouts:

    G Ryan Cameron (USA | Edmonton Oilers)

    Not dressed in yesterday’s game, we weren’t sure if Cameron would be on the official US merged roster, but given the start today, we were quickly reminded why he deserved to be. Cameron displayed strong lateral movement and made several A-grade saves throughout the game, helping the US survive the Swedish onslaught, especially during that tough first period. 

    F Torkel Jennersjö (SWE | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    Jennersjö was just about everywhere today. Finding the scoresheet, he jammed one home in the dirty area while also tallying an empty-net goal in which he outskated the American defender the full length of the ice. On the defensive side, he looked strong as well, rarely being caught out of position on the wing and getting into the lanes when needed.

    D Henry Brzustewicz (USA | Los Angeles Kings)

    It was another strong day for Brzustewicz in this one. He hasn’t found his offensive game quite like we’d expect, but his defensive work has more than made up for it. With Chase Reid and Tommy Bleyl likely driving the offensive opportunities for the American blueline, Brzustewicz playing a steady, reliable defensive game could be the exact reason he makes the final roster in December.

    D Linus Funck (SWE | Colorado Avalanche)

    By way of scoring two big goals for Team Sweden, Funck is an obvious standout from today. A guy who isn’t well known for an offensive goal-scoring presence, Funck really stepped up today while also playing a solid defensive game. 

  • Sweden Defeats Canada in First Win At Summer Showcase

    Sweden won their first game of the World Junior Summer Showcase, taking down Canada 5-3 in a back-and-forth game.

    For Canada, it was their first game of the tournament, while Sweden had already played twice, losing to USA Blue 6-1 and then USA White 6-4.

    The game started quickly for both sides, trading chance after chance. Jimmy Lombardi got on the board first for Canada with a nice move in front of the net to make it 1-0 Canada.

    With Canada on the power play and only 3 seconds left on the clock, Milton Gastrin scored shorthanded after Jackson Smith had his stick implode trying to force the puck up the middle.

    The offence continued into the second as 1:15 into the frame, Tynan Lawrence sniped it home on the same power play to give Canada back the lead.

    Filip Ekberg had the response for the Swedes, banking one off of Brek Liske’s skate and into the net.

    In the third, Ethan Belchetz tipped one home in his return to the WFCU Centre, where he played 2 seasons with the Windsor Spitfires.

    Elton Hermansson scored his first of the tournament on the power play, sniping it top shelf over the glove of Samuel Meloche. 

    The Swedes didn’t let up. Theo Stockselius fired one from distance, tipping off of Jackson Smith’s stick and past Meloche in net.

    Stockselius later scored on the empty net to give Sweden their first win of the Showcase.

    Extra Time:

    Both teams agreed to play overtime and a shootout given the Showcase style of this tournament.

    After a back-and-forth frame, Braeden Cootes scored the overtime-winning goal to give Canada some satisfaction.

    In the shootout frame, Sweden won 2-0 with goals from Elton Hermansson and Viktor Klingsell. Isak Sorqvist for Sweden was tremendous in the shootout, stopping all 4 shooters he faced.

    Sweden will play Team USA tomorrow at 3 p.m. EDT/ 9 p.m. CEST, while Canada will take on Finland at 7 p.m. EDT.

    Standouts:

    F Caleb Malhotra (CAN | Vancouver Canucks)

    Malhotra showed exactly why Vancouver selected him third overall. Although he didn’t find the scoresheet tonight, he was a driving force offensively, consistently pushing the pace and overwhelming Swedish defenders. He won countless puck battles along the boards and created second-chance opportunities all night. He will be an important player for this Canadian team come Boxing Day.

    D Jackson Smith (CAN | Columbus Blue Jackets)

    If you followed along with our coverage on X/Twitter, you saw us highlight the flaws in Smith’s game early on. Watching him live at last year’s World Juniors pre-tournament games, his impatience stood out where he frequently forced pucks into high-risk areas. That habit lingered through the first period and a half tonight before he finally settled in. Once comfortable, his elite recovery ability took over; even when caught out of position, his strong skating allows him to recover quickly. Offensively, he uses quick edges to walk the line and create space effortlessly. If Smith finds consistency, he has top-pair potential. But if he plays jumpy, as he did in Kitchener, he can quickly become a liability for this Canadian team.

    D Daxon Rudolph (CAN | Buffalo Sabres)

    When we heard Rudolph’s name be called at pick four on Draft night, it was somewhat of a surprise, but this kid can play. He was heavily involved on the offensive side of the puck tonight for this Canadian team, more so than typical, and looked good doing so. With strong vision and good skating, he will play a big part for this Canadian team in December. 

    F Milton Gästrin (SWE | St Louis Blues)

    A veteran presence for Sweden’s U20 squad, Gästrin put together another complete performance. The former U18 captain scored his second goal of the Showcase on a sharp penalty-kill read and showed noticeable improvements in his defensive detail. He will be a core leader for Sweden on and off the ice.

    F Theo Stockselius (SWE | Calgary Flames)

    It was another strong game for Stockselius in this one, potting two more goals to add to his existing 2 points (1G, 1A) on the Showcase. Responsible and trusted at both ends of the ice, he is rapidly solidifying his place as a core forward on this roster. 

  • Finland Gets Revenge Against USA in World Junior Tune-Up

    Team Finland edged out Team USA 3-2 to begin Day 3 of the World Junior Summer Showcase after a practice day on Tuesday.

    Although Tuesday morning’s official announcement for USA’s merged roster never came, we did see the players who are now left take the ice today. Given that this showcase is a precursor to the World Junior tournament, making this merged roster goes a long way to making the official 25-man roster.

    Coming off a 4-1 win over USA White and a 5-1 loss to USA Blue, today felt like the rubber match between Finland and USA.

    After a back-and-forth start to the game, Vilho Vanhatalo scored on the breakaway after a missed breakaway attempt by Ethan Wyttenbach, putting Finland on the board.

    From that goal onward, the USA was in complete control through the rest of the first period. Ethan Wyttenbach scored on a long-distance shot through traffic to tie the game with 4:54 left in the period.

    The second period was very similar to the end of the first, with the US dominating the pace of play and Finland counterattacking when the opportunity presented itself. 

    Mikey Berchild jammed one home on the power play early into the second period, but the play was reviewed and later overturned due to the US entering the zone offside. 

    Finland was on their back foot most of the period, but a long-distance shot from Jesse Parssinen kicked out a rebound directly onto the stick of Ilari Kapanen, who shot it in, giving Finland the 2-1 lead.

    The bad rebound luck continued for the US with Eetu Orpana finding the loose puck off a Chase Reid blocked shot, making a quick cutback move, and firing it past Harrison Boettiger.

    The third period was much more competitive, with different exchanges of both teams dominating the pace of play and their looks. With Finland on the power play, the puck got rimmed around the boards, and Sammy Nelson outskated the Finnish backchecker to get to the puck first, shooting it past Patrik Kerkola to bring the game within a goal.

    Although the US pushed Finland to the brink, they could not beat Kerkola in the end, and Finland took home the victory 3-2.

    Team USA will play Sweden tomorrow at 3 p.m. EDT, while Finland will take on Canada at 7 p.m. EDT/ 2 a.m. EEST

    Standouts:

    F Ethan Wyttenbach (USA | Calgary Flames)

    Team USA’s entire top line with Wyttenbach, Cullen and Berchild was incredible, but the standout performance again today was Wyttenbach, who continued as the offensive catalyst for Team USA. Scoring a goal and generating numerous high-quality chances throughout the game, it felt like a different team whenever Wyttenbach and his line jumped over the boards.

    F Carter Sanderson (USA | Pittsburgh Penguins)

    After scoring a hat trick in his opening game and adding another goal in his second, Sanderson was one of the most deserving players to make this US merged team, and today he rewarded the decision with another strong game. Creating opportunities with his speed and size, he had a number of high-quality looks while taking care of his responsibilities in his own end. 

    F Sammy Nelson (USA | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    Turning out to be Team USA’s MVP of the game, Nelson put together another strong performance for the US squad, picking up a shorthanded goal in the process. The expected top 5 pick at the 2027 NHL draft will look to continue his strong showcase ahead of the World Junior tournament that could propel him into the top 3.

    G Patrik Kerkola (FIN | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    Strong goaltending will, like always, play a major factor in Team Finland’s success when they embark upon Edmonton and Red Deer. Today we saw a solid all-around performance from Kerkola, who strung together some key saves late in the game to give Finland the victory. If Kerkola can continue to play the way he did at the end of this game, the Finns might just be able to pull off the miracle and return to gold for the first time since 2019.

    F Eetu Orpana (FIN | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    It was another strong game from Orpana tonight on both ends of the ice. On the offensive side, he was all around it, picking up the eventual game-winning goal in the process. On the defensive side, he was lights out, in one instance chasing down Carter Sanderson back the full length of the ice to deny the American the chance.

  • USA White Outslugs Sweden 6-4 at World Junior Showcase

    USA White pulled off a big bounce-back win in an offensive marathon, defeating Sweden 6-4 on Day 2 of the World Junior Summer Showcase. 

    After a tough start for both teams on the opening day of the tournament, all eyes were on this game to see how they’d respond.

    As expected, it was an offensive start to this game with both teams trading chance after chance. It took just over 14 minutes for the first goal to be recorded, but the flurry came quickly after. 

    Carter Amico broke the deadlock, tipping one home off the shot-pass from Landon Nycz, putting USA White up a goal. 

    Sweden came roaring back 2:07 later with Milton Gastrin sniping one home off the rush to tie the game at one. 

    USA White had a quick response, just 15 seconds later, Jacob Kvasnicka used his quick speed to create the chance, firing the puck just past the outstretched glove of Måns Goos and into the back of the net. 

    They weren’t done there, though. After a slashing penalty taken by Alexander Command, Chase Reid blasted one from just above the faceoff dot to complete the 4-goal run in 3:42.

    The second period continued much like the first, both teams trading chances, forcing their goaltenders to make some big saves. Filip Ekberg took a cross-checking penalty halfway through the second, and the US power play was buzzing, eventually scoring with a nice passing play that Sammy Nelson back-doored into the net.

    Filip Ekberg got his first of the tournament off the one-timer to close out the second period 4-2.

    The high-octane pace continued with a 4-goal third period. Jack Murtagh scored with a nifty move on the power play, Jacob Ihs-Wozniak banked one off the mask of Ryder Fetterolf and in, Mason West found the loose puck in a scramble and fired it into the back of the net, and then Viktor Klingsell scored off the rebound in the final minute, which finished USA White’s 6-4 win.

    For Sweden, it has been a tough start to the World Junior Summer Showcase, losing both of their games in ugly fashion, and they will look to bounce back in a big way when they take on Canada on Wednesday.

    USA White will await their merge with USA Blue, with the announcement expected tomorrow morning. The merged USA team will take on Finland on Wednesday.

    Standouts:

    F Jacob Kvasnicka (USA | New York Islanders)

    We had talked about Kvasnicka in our recap video yesterday as a guy who needed to have a big day today if he wanted to be on the merged USA team. From scoring a goal to blocking a number of shots, Kvasnicka had one of the best games we saw the entire day, also picking up game MVP in the process. Looking forward to tomorrow, you can expect to see his name on USA’s merged roster, which looks strong heading into the real tournament starting on Wednesday.

    D Henry Brzustewicz (USA | Los Angeles Kings)

    In a 10-goal game, you’d expect the standouts to be someone who scored a lot of goals or, at the very least, got a point, but for Brzustewicz, he was extremely effective in all three zones tonight. On the defensive side, he got into shot lanes, broke up passes and was clean on his breakouts. On the offensive side, I lost track of the number of high-grade opportunities he generated, and although he didn’t find himself on the final stat sheet, you can expect to see Brzustewicz on the final USA roster come Tuesday morning.

    The USA White Power Play (USA)

    Yeah, that’s right, all of it. One of the hardest, yet most important things to do in international tournaments is to execute an effective power play. Seeing USA White snap around the puck as quickly as they did all night long reminded me of Sweden’s gold medal-winning run last year, which operated at a 43.48% rate throughout the tournament. A sign of good things to come for a US team that was operating on a split squad? Time will tell.

    F Filip Ekberg (SWE | Carolina Hurricanes)

    Can’t say I didn’t warn you of what to expect from Ekberg’s game. A guy who we talked quite extensively about in our preview of this World Junior Summer Showcase as a potential game-breaker if he could get hot after his 18-point performance in 7 games at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships. Now is one goal enough to hang a hat on? No. But expect his success to continue throughout if the Swedes continue with this kamikaze offensive style.

    F Jacob Ihs-Wozniak (SWE | Vegas Golden Knights)

    It was a very strong game from Ihs-Wozniak tonight, getting in the goal column and generating a handful of chances throughout the game. For a Swedish team that has struggled mightily to this point, they will need him to find the back of the net much more often if they want to be successful.

    F Viktor Klingsell (SWE | Winnipeg Jets)

    For a guy who is considered a bubble player for the roster in December, Klingsell made a really good case tonight for his spot on the 25-man roster. Racking up 1 goal and 2 assists, Klingsell found gaps, generated chances, and led the Swedish team’s counterattack throughout the night. Now, one night won’t be enough to earn him a spot on that roster, but it’s a step in the right direction and if he can continue his success, keep an eye out for what could be a sneaky middle-6 option for the Swedes.

  • USA Blue Takes Down Finland at World Junior Summer Showcase

    Day 2 of the World Junior Summer Showcase kicked off with the two best teams from Day 1 facing off, seeing USA Blue take down Finland 5-1.

    As they did in Game 1, Finland came out of the gates hot, controlling much of the play and generating a handful of high-quality chances. 

    Ryan Cameron, who started for USA Blue, was perfect through his opening period and a half, being a key reason why the game remained knotted at zeros through the opening frame.

    It was just past the 30-minute mark when we saw the opening goal of the game, this time coming off the stick of Ethan Wyttenbach, scoring on the breakaway past the glove of Juuso Ainasto.

    After a strong forecheck from Wyatt Cullen, which knocked the puck off of Max Laatikainen’s stick, Wyttenbach picked it up and fired it home for his second of the game.

    From there, Finland had a strong end to the period, collecting their first goal of the game with Eetu Orpana tipping one past Harrison Boettiger.

    A standout player from yesterday, Brooks Rogowski, showed off his skating ability to score off the rush 34 seconds into the third period.

    Later in the third, Jamie Glance sniped one from a low angle over the shoulder of Juuso Ainasto to ice the game, putting USA Blue up by 3 goals.

    Carter Sanderson potted his fourth goal of the tournament into the empty net to secure the 5-1 final for USA Blue over Finland.

    Standouts: 

    F Ethan Wyttenbach (USA | Calgary Flames)

    Wyttenbach put together another great performance today after yesterday’s game, where he tallied 3 assists en route to a 6-1 win for USA Blue. Today we saw the goal-scoring side come out for him, potting 2 goals en route to the win for USA Blue. 

    F Aapo Katavisto (FIN | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    Yesterday, we highlighted Katavisto as a standout performer for what he did with the puck, collecting a goal and an assist on the day. Today we saw a more complete game, getting into lanes, blocking shots, and playing very well defensively throughout the game, a role you can expect him to play on the main roster come December. 

    D Vertti Svensk (FIN | Los Angeles Kings)

    An extremely strong skater, we saw Svensk continue to control the pace of play around him throughout today’s game. If he can use his speed and edges to get around defenders while also continuing to play well defensively, he could emerge as a minute leader for this Finnish team as they continue the showcase.

    G Ryan Cameron (USA | Edmonton Oilers)

    What previously felt like a set goaltending rotation for the United States could become much more interesting after Cameron’s performance today. The 221st overall pick was lights-out today for USA Blue, with strong positioning, the ability to battle through screens, and good lateral movement. Whether Cameron has done enough through 2 separate 30-minute appearances to make the merged US roster, which will be decided tomorrow, still remains to be seen, but there will be plenty of excitement with what he’s been able to do.