Team Canada World Juniors Preview

Photo: NATHAN DENETTE/THE CANADIAN PRESS

By: Clare McManus

Like always, team Canada is highly favored to win gold at the World Juniors. After an early and disappointing exit last year, Canada is ready to come out stronger and make the push for a gold medal.

This year, Canada will be in Group B with other powerhouse teams, such as the United States and Russia. Both teams making it to the semifinals last year with Russia taking bronze and USA taking silver. Then Czech Republic and Germany will be competing in the same group as well. 

One of the biggest strengths Canada has this year is the solid depth through the whole lineup. With forwards like Joe Veleno, Alexis Lafreniere, Ty Dellandrea, Quinton Byfield, Dylan Cozens, and Barrett Hayton they are an offensive threat compared to other teams. Canada is also filled with offensive defenseman like Bowen Byram, Kevin Bahl, Jamie Drysdale, Ty Smith and others. Canada’s roster this year includes 10 first round picks and the predicted top two 2020 NHL Draft picks, Alexis Lafrenière and Quinton Byfield.

The only question with Canada’s roster is, will they be ok defensively? With a ton of offensive skill, defense is a question that everyone wonders. Goaltenders for Canada are Nico Daws, Joel Hofer and Olivier Rodrigue. 

In all, it’s up to Canada’s talented young group of offensive players to be the powerhouse.

PROJECTED ROSTER:

Lafreniere-Veleno-Foote

Byfield-Hayton-Cozens

Foudy-Dellandrea-Dudas

McMichael-Thomas-Lavoie

                   Mercer

Smith - Bernard-Docker

Bahl - McIsaac

Byram - Addison

        Drysdale 

Daws - Hofer - Rodrigue