It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2019-12-19

Well since the Blues have nothing happy to sing about at this time of year, getting off to a blistering 0-4-1 start, we might as well have a look at the young talent the organization will be sending to the best tournament in hockey the World Juniors.

 

Dominik Bokk – Germany  - Has be a fairly underwhelming start to his season so far in Rogle but nothing a shot of confidence can’t fix.  The Germans leading scorer from last years tier 2 tournament is looking to help his team avoid relegation.  I fully expect him to have himself a coming out party.  I also fully expect the Germans to play some close tight games and potentially make some noise and maybe even play spoilers to the Czechs in a nasty group B.   

 

Moritz Seider – Germany – Please correct me if I am incorrect but I do believe that Seider has been given the green light by the Wings to play in this years tournament.  He has been a staple on the Griffins blue line this season and will more then likely get a end of the year call up if not sooner. The Germans will be relying on him heavily and could see upwards of 25 to 30 mins a night this team will be fun to watch for me at least!

 

Jared McIsaac – Canada – Was healthy enough in camp to make the Squad after only playing a few games due to an off season for of rehabbing.  Looks as if he will start off with Bernard Docker and will be Canada’s shutdown pair.  Will kill penalties, won’t do anything flashy just play a solid puck moving shutdown game. 

 

Lassi Thomson – Finland –  Holding is own and maybe even exceeding my expectation in Liiga.  Another solid puck moving quick skating defenceman in the Blues system.  Happens to shoot right handed which seems to be a hot commodity around the hockey community.  Will be in finlands top 4 and should anchor their first PP unit.  Big ice is going to do him wonders as he will be able to use his wheels for zone entries and to help his team get out of trouble.

 

Erik Portillo – Sweden – Solid start in Dubuque but room for improvement moving forward, still one of the most reliable goalies in the USHL circuit though. Fully expect him to play 3rd fiddle behind Alnefelt and Eliasson but glad they see the potential in him that I did to bring him along for the experience. 

 

My Bold WJC Predictions

 

Group A

  1. Finland
  2. Sweden
  3. Switzerland
  4. Slovakia
  5. Kazakhstan

Group B

  1. Canada
  2. USA
  3. Russia
  4. Germany
  5. Czech

 

Medals:

 

Gold: Sweden

Silver: Canada

Bronze: USA

4th: Finland

5th: Russia