While the NHL stumbles their way over, around and through the various hurdles standing in the way of a new season, there is competitive hockey on the horizon.
The 2021 World Junior Tournament starts on December 25th in Edmonton, Alberta in what figures to be one of the best junior tournaments in recent memory. It won’t quite be the same without fans in the rink but when you consider the talent on display and just how long it has been since we watched meaningful hockey, it should be pretty incredible.
A Christmas miracle for hockey-starved fans.
Cheering on the Junior team over the holiday season is a tradition for Canadian hockey fans only this year, Sens fans will have their attention pulled in a few different directions.
Four Ottawa prospects have been selected to represent their respective countries. Two Americans, one Finn and a German.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s there and what we can expect.
Jake Sanderson
You get the sense that this tournament represents an opportunity for Jake Sanderson to show the World just how good he really is. Sanderson was one of the fastest risers in last year’s draft class and if those early games at UND are any indication, Sanderson has a chance to completely dominate at the World Juniors. And while their playing styles are different, I am expecting a similar presence to what we saw from Thomas Chabot in a Team Canada jersey back in 2017. Sanderson is going to have a chance to play a lot in this tournament and in all situations. The Americans are one of three or four teams with a legitimate chance at a Gold Medal and a lot of it is going to depend on Sanderson. If there is anyone out there still questioning Ottawa’s selection of Sanderson at 5th overall, I suspect that won’t be the case after this tournament.
Tyler Kleven
While Sanderson was considered a lock to make the American Junior team, Tyler Kleven came out of nowhere. The invite alone was unexpected, as his name was added late in the process. He’s managed to go from completely off the radar to on the team in a couple weeks. And while the Team USA brass would likely suggest Kleven was on their radar the whole time, you have to think his strong start at the University of North Dakota is a big reason why he’s there. He’s expected to play more of a third-pairing role for the Americans but with his size and strength and toe-dragging abilities apparently, you get the sense he’s going to find a way to have an impact for Team USA.
Roby Järventie
Much like Kleven, it’s safe to assume Roby Järventie’s hot start is a big reason why he’s here. Järventie’s skill has been on display for Ilves in the Liiga. Through 19 games, he’s racked up an impressive 14 points in a league that can often be tough on 18-year olds. Now Järventie has a chance to see how he matches up in a best on best international tournament. Finland should have a strong team although probably not on the same level as the favourites like Canada, Russia and the United States. He’s not necessarily expected to play a key role for the Finns but if his start in the Liiga is any indication, Roby could certainly force his way up the depth chart.
Tim Stützle
We’ve all seen the YouTube videos but this will be our first chance to get a good look at Tim Stützle since the Senators made him their pick at 3rd overall. It also represents the first competitive hockey Stützle has played since that hand procedure a couple months back. Stützle was one of the most impressive forwards in this tournament last year and we’ll likely see more of the same from him this time around. The German team has lost a couple key players heading into the tournament but should still be competitive and a lot of that will depend on the contributions of Stützle. Last year, Stützle came into this tournament looking to prove he belonged at the top of his draft class but the approach is likely a little different this time around, especially with his first NHL Training Camp and regular season now about a month away. It’s a tune up of sorts. While there will likely be some rust to shake off, he should still be able to dominate at this level. And if it’s anything like his performance last year, you won’t be able to look away.
