DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: Ryan Cameron

  • 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. 

  • 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.