05-06 World Junior Favourites

What teams are going to be favoured to medal and win this years World Junior Tourney?

Will the States be picked as number one team going in? Will Canada be picked for a medal ?

Will Canada play over their heads and steal the tourney?

What teams are going to be favoured to medal and win this years World Junior Tourney?

Will the States be picked as number one team going in? Will Canada be picked for a medal ?

Will Canada play over their heads and steal the tourney?

To me the Top 4, will be US, Finland, Canada and Russia in no particular order. the Americans are the favorite but Finland also should have a strong team and as always Canada and Russia will be in contention.

I'm hoping Radulov plays for Russia, would love to see him in action again.

You would have to think that the US would be the favorite comming in, but that really doesn't mean anything. I'd be suprised if Canada doesn't medal..... they always do.

USA should be the favorite going into this tournament. Russia has several returning players. Finland has some top players returning as well. Canada doesn't have an experienced group with only one returnee in Cam Barker and he didn't play that much. That being said, Bourdon, Pouliot & Latendresse almost made their NHL teams. Wolski played 9 games. Brule will probably be made available, especially now that CBJ has Fedorov. Canada's team won't be nearly as weak as some might think. They won't be near as good as last year's team, but has any team ever been that good in the WJC?

I'd rank it prior to the tournament as ...
1. USA
2. Canada
3. Russia
4. Finland

I know I will be flamed by US posters, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a Canada/Russia Gold medal game. After the extremely poor selection/showing last year, I don't have a lot of faith in USA Hockey to field the team they should. How they left Johnson & Ryan off the team last year and how they played Shremp so unwillingly makes me question how far they may be capable of going with that type of direction from the top.

USA, Russia, Canada and Finland all have good shots at winning gold. Canada has a good shot getting gold. I can't see them not getting a medal. Right now I would pick the USA to get the gold. Canada with silver and Finland will get the bronze.

I think that the States will be favoured for gold going in to the tourney, I also think that it will come down to Canada vs States in the gold medal game and wouldnt be surprised to see Canada upset them on Canadian soil.

Canada are still favorites

Canada are still favorites
yes by you maybe but you like David Ruzicka as this years top defenseman in the draft.

yes by you maybe but you like David Ruzicka as this years top defenseman in the draft.
Easy to criticize now bud, come back in 5 years. Canada always blows away competition in terms of depth and this year is no difference. When Someone like McGrath who has tore apart the OHL may not make the team and Mueller who is a PPG player may play 2nd line for USA that just shows the depth.

Canada are still favorites

Ummm....no

I think most educated hockey fans acknowledge that the USA brings the most talent/experience to the tourney this year....enough to make them the favorites. Especially considering that Crosby and Malkin aren't playing. Doesn't mean anything though as the US, Canada, Russia, and Finland all could realistically win it.

Easy to criticize now bud, come back in 5 years. Canada always blows away competition in terms of depth and this year is no difference. When Someone like McGrath who has tore apart the OHL may not make the team and Mueller who is a PPG player may play 2nd line for USA that just shows the depth.

If Canada wins I will not be surprised and won't mind at all as I will be there but the USA is a clear favorite going in.

Canada are still favorites


I agree , Canada has more depth .

What teams are going to be favoured to medal and win this years World Junior Tourney?

Will the States be picked as number one team going in? Will Canada be picked for a medal ?

Will Canada play over their heads and steal the tourney?

Russia has something like 10 or 12 guys returning, Canada was much older and only have 2 returning. Impossible to say who has the advantage, but I'd guess we have a good chance of seeing another Canada /Russia final. (Malkin will most likely not play as he is going to be on the Russian national team for the Olympics in February)

Russia will win, if they can get their few AHL (possibly later on in the season NHL) guys released. Even without them, Russia would have a competitive team. Malkin is almost certainly not going to play :shakehead because of the Olympics .

What's the deal with Malkin? Why can't he play if he will play in the olympics?

What's the deal with Malkin? Why can't he play if he will play in the olympics?

He can, but he would probably get exhaused, he is also playing the regular season in the RSL, so he'd be playing those games, the world junior, and the Olympics.

Finland will do well, they're doing what they did 2 seasons ago before the home tournament, they're playing the u-20 national team against professional/semi-professional men in the division.

Should give another team with a capital T and a readiness to withstand physical play.

Ummm....no

I think most educated hockey fans acknowledge that the USA brings the most talent/experience to the tourney this year....enough to make them the favorites. Especially considering that Crosby and Malkin aren't playing. Doesn't mean anything though as the US, Canada, Russia, and Finland all could realistically win it.

The Russians will be just as experienced as Team USA and for that matter Team Finland will also return a bunch of players, so the Americans don't have much of an advantage in that area. As well, a number of returning players for the Americans barely played last year in the tourney.

The Russians will have just as much talent as the Americans, even without Malkin. Team Canada will also have just as much talent and man for man they will be as good as anyone in the tourney. The Czechs could also make some noise in this tourney, I think they could return 7 players or more, led by Frolik.

It will be interesting once each country names their squad and the comparisons can be made. As you stated though, there are probably 4 teams that could realistically win the gold!

Easy to criticize now bud, come back in 5 years. Canada always blows away competition in terms of depth and this year is no difference. When Someone like McGrath who has tore apart the OHL may not make the team and Mueller who is a PPG player may play 2nd line for USA that just shows the depth.

Mueller will not be a second liner, I'm thinking he's more like the 13th forward on this team. As far as depth, I think you are a little confused when you say Canada "blows away the competition" as far as this year. I would have agreed with that statement last year.

Who does Finland have returning?

Tukonen, Nokelainen, Korpikoski, Seitsonen, Joensu, Rask, Laakso I know of.

Not bad top end players, they could definitely pull an upset.

Mueller will not be a second liner, I'm thinking he's more like the 13th forward on this team. As far as depth, I think you are a little confused when you say Canada "blows away the competition" as far as this year. I would have agreed with that statement last year.


He's no doubt using that most familiar of refrains: We're Canada, we can ice 35,000,000,000 competitive teams! The problem is, that doesn't always mean much when it comes to what amounts to a finalized roster featured in a best-on-best tournament. Canada will of course ice a talented team this year, but the best? I don't think so.

Canada is always a contender to win a gold metal but the other team I think that has a great chance is the States.

Defense:
Barker
Bourdon
Staal
Rogers
Fistric
Parent
Schultz

That defense core is all first rounders

Even on an off year that is still the best defense in the tourney. Tag that with great goaltending and I feel we are the favorite no matter what forwards we ice.

Defense:
Barker
Bourdon
Staal
Rogers
Fistric
Parent
Schultz

That defense core is all first rounders

Even on an off year that is still the best defense in the tourney. Tag that with great goaltending and I feel we are the favorite no matter what forwards we ice.


The same exact thing can be said for the U.S. Johnson, Lee, Lashoff, Niskanen and Thelen were all 1st rounders with guys like Sauer, Chorney, and Hagemo being 2nd rounders. Add to those guys Erik Johnson and Mark Mitera who will be high 1st rounders this year and we have a pretty high-profile defense. I don't anticipate goaltending to be an issue with Schneider and Frazee/Bishop.

The same exact thing can be said for the U.S. Johnson, Lee, Lashoff, Niskanen and Thelen were all 1st rounders with guys like Sauer, Chorney, and Hagemo being 2nd rounders. Add to those guys Erik Johnson and Mark Mitera who will be high 1st rounders this year and we have a pretty high-profile defense. I don't anticipate goaltending to be an issue with Schneider and Frazee/Bishop.
Do you happen to notice how young your defense is compared to Canada's?

Do you happen to notice how young your defense is compared to Canada's?

You mean:

Johnson
Lee
Lashoff
Thelen
Chorney
Brennan
Yandle
Sauer

There's enough experience there to "get by."

You mean:

Johnson
Lee
Lashoff
Thelen
Chorney
Brennan
Yandle
Sauer

There's enough experience there to "get by."
Your say not mine. It will be interesting to see how it plays out though, I like your top two Johnson and Lee but after that you have alot of cough up machines. I think Sauer will surprise though.

Do you happen to notice how young your defense is compared to Canada's?

Probably about the same. Apart from Barker, most likely all of Canada's key d-men will be '87s. Their '86 backliners aren't really that impressive.
Many are 1st rounders (US and Canada) but experience and age difference plays a factor. That's why Russia could be dangerous as they most likely will have a huge number of '86s on the team.

Probably about the same. Apart from Barker, most likely all of Canada's key d-men will be '87s. Their '86 backliners aren't really that impressive.
Many are 1st rounders (US and Canada) but experience and age difference plays a factor. That's why Russia could be dangerous as they most likely will have a huge number of '86s on the team.
Only two will be 87's IMO....Bourdon and Staal. I like our 86 group, mean big and physical. Fistric reminds me alot of Stuart for the USA a couple years ago.

Your say not mine. It will be interesting to see how it plays out though, I like your top two Johnson and Lee but after that you have alot of cough up machines. I think Sauer will surprise though.


Cough up machines? Like who-Thelen?

Cough up machines? Like who-Thelen?


Only cough up machine I can think of is Lashoff. :dunno:

If there is a weakness, it could be an overall lack of physical play.

Only cough up machine I can think of is Lashoff. :dunno:

If there is a weakness, it could be an overall lack of physical play.


Well, to be fair we don't really know who's going to be on the team. The guys I've mentioned are my personal favorites, not necessarily that of the U.S. brass. Besides, the U.S. squad that won gold wasn't an exceptionally phsycal bunch (with the exception of Stuart) but it got the job done. The U.S. squad this year will probably be similar.

The States will be the paper favourite going in no question.They have tons of talent no matter who they pick from lines 1-4 and from what i've read of the players it's a nice mix of player playing styles.They'll get challenged though and we'll have to wait for the first few games to see how they handle the "favourite" tag in a hostile enviroment.They have to get all that talent going in the same team direction and sometimes it's not easy.

U.S,Canada,Finland and Russia all have a good shot i'd say but i think the early money would be on the States.

I'm thinking that it will come down to Canada and the States with Finland and Russia (depending on weather they have Malkin available) also being threats. Canada's defence is unmatched by arguably anyone and their depth is excellent. They also have Brent Sutter behind the bench. However, the Americans have a strong defence themselves and a few star forwards. Should be fun to watch.

I'm thinking that it will come down to Canada and the States with Finland and Russia (depending on weather they have Malkin available) also being threats. Canada's defence is unmatched by arguably anyone and their depth is excellent. They also have Brent Sutter behind the bench. However, the Americans have a strong defence themselves and a few star forwards. Should be fun to watch.
Yep,most likely better then last year as far as competitiveness is concerned.As much as i enjoyed watching Canada pound on everyone last year(and believe me i enjoyed it :) ) there was'nt much drama seeing us basically winning the game before the 2nd period even began.

It won't be that way this year and the games will be better as far as excitement goes.

Who is going to be in Net for the US? Is Schneider back? Is he a lock for the Number 1 job?

Who is going to be in Net for the US? Is Schneider back? Is he a lock for the Number 1 job?


I believe Schneider wil be the starter with either Frazee, Ben Bishop, or Jonathan Quick backing him up. What I want to know is if the U.S. brass is considering Jeremy Duchesne?

i love this time of year.......WJC r my life

Who is going to be in Net for the US? Is Schneider back? Is he a lock for the Number 1 job?
I wouldn't be surprised to see Jeff Frazee get the job, after how good he was at the U18s.

You mean:

Johnson
Lee
Lashoff
Thelen
Chorney
Brennan
Yandle
Sauer

There's enough experience there to "get by."

how many of them played in the wjhc last year?

I wouldn't be surprised to see Jeff Frazee get the job, after how good he was at the U18s.

Ya, I think it depends how much the US brass weigh College/CHL play VS International experience. That said, if I am not mistaken, I think Schneider was just as impressive as Frazee when he played at the U18's. Schneider has played excellent in both years of NCAA too.

The only factor that could stop Schneider from starting was his poor showing at the one game he played last year at the WJC. If they way this a lot, then his chances are less.

Well, to be fair we don't really know who's going to be on the team. The guys I've mentioned are my personal favorites, not necessarily that of the U.S. brass. Besides, the U.S. squad that won gold wasn't an exceptionally phsycal bunch (with the exception of Stuart) but it got the job done. The U.S. squad this year will probably be similar.

what happend to the pens draft pick gogilski or whatever his name was? will he not be on this team? is he to old now, i thought last year was his first junior tourney, didnt he get picked over johnson?

The States will be the paper favourite going in no question.They have tons of talent no matter who they pick from lines 1-4 and from what i've read of the players it's a nice mix of player playing styles.They'll get challenged though and we'll have to wait for the first few games to see how they handle the "favourite" tag in a hostile enviroment.They have to get all that talent going in the same team direction and sometimes it's not easy.

U.S,Canada,Finland and Russia all have a good shot i'd say but i think the early money would be on the States.

It will be nice that Canada will have a home ice advantage for the 2nd year in a row at least that will help us hopefully as well.

From what I've been reading, Frazee put on a good 20 pounds of. . . uhhhh . . . eating muscle over the summer. At times, it seems, it's affecting his game. I, of course, can't vouch for that as the only Minny game that was on the NHL Network up here occurred on a VERY long night shift for me.

From what I've been reading, Frazee put on a good 20 pounds of. . . uhhhh . . . eating muscle over the summer. At times, it seems, it's affecting his game. I, of course, can't vouch for that as the only Minny game that was on the NHL Network up here occurred on a VERY long night shift for me.

I hear that Frazee hasn't looked great this year. I used to think he was a lock, he's probably the best 87 US goalie and I thought they would want him to get the experience. However, it really sounds like Ben Bishop is making a real good case for himself. I wouldn't mind taking two 86's.

I hear that Frazee hasn't looked great this year. I used to think he was a lock, he's probably the best 87 US goalie and I thought they would want him to get the experience. However, it really sounds like Ben Bishop is making a real good case for himself. I wouldn't mind taking two 86's.

I still think Frazee is the most likely to be the back-up, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Bishop, Quick or even Bill Sauer.

No love for the Czech team ??

Many of their big guns are suppose to return ?!? no ?

I'm thinking that it will come down to Canada and the States with Finland and Russia (depending on weather they have Malkin available) also being threats. Canada's defence is unmatched by arguably anyone and their depth is excellent. They also have Brent Sutter behind the bench. However, the Americans have a strong defence themselves and a few star forwards. Should be fun to watch.
From everything I have read Malkin will not be available for this tourney. It looks like his club team will only allow him to be available for the Olympic games. They don't want to overwork him I guess.

I would also like to know which defensemen are returning for the Americans. Last year their defense was pathetic, and when that Schneider kid came in, he let in a couple of terrible goals. I would easily take the Canadian defense over the Americans anyday, with the exception of Johnson. What does the American forward group look like? What about Canada?

In any other year I would say that the US is the favourite, but this year, in Vancouver, Canada will also be in contention for the gold.

as far as forwards go do any of you think that dane byers has an outside chance at cracking team canada as a 4th liner /penalty killer /role player ??? he has had a breakthrough year and is playing extremly disciplined i think he could be a sutter type player (hardworking grinder) who could play a similiar role as clarke mcarther and colin fraser played last year ? thoughts ?

In any other year I would say that the US is the favourite, but this year, in Vancouver, Canada will also be in contention for the gold.

How many World Juniors has the US won in the past 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, ever? If I am not mistaken... the US has only EVER won the tournament ONCE in its entire history, and have only medalled 4 times. Those medals are: Bronze in 1986, Bronze in 1992, Silver in 1997, and Gold in 2004.

Well... I can only assume they are the favourites that choke every other year. Funny how the underdogs of Russia with 30 medals and Canada with 25 medals seem to beat out the favourites "any other year".

I mean HOLY CRAP, Canada will be IN CONTENTION for gold this year... and thats a once in a lifetime occurance :sarcasm: :(

How many World Juniors has the US won in the past 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, ever? If I am not mistaken... the US has only EVER won the tournament ONCE in its entire history, and have only medalled 4 times. Those medals are: Bronze in 1986, Bronze in 1992, Silver in 1997, and Gold in 2004.

Well... I can only assume they are the favourites that choke every other year. Funny how the underdogs of Russia with 30 medals and Canada with 25 medals seem to beat out the favourites "any other year".

I mean HOLY CRAP, Canada will be IN CONTENTION for gold this year... and thats a once in a lifetime occurance :sarcasm: :(
Yes, the Americans have only won a gold once, and they really got lucky(remember Fleury shooting the puck off Coburn's rear end? :cry: ) that year. The reason the Americans could be considered the favourites this year is because this is one of the best young group of American prospects the country has ever seen.

You can easily tell from my name that I am not an American hockey supporter by any means. I shouldn't have said Canada will be in "ontention", rather that they will be strong contenders.

Not exactly, you said you wall call the Americans the favourites any year other than this one.

You also said that Canada will be a contender for gold this year in a way that implied they arent contenders for gold in others years.







The US is one of a few contenders THIS YEAR in my opinion:

Canada
Russia
US
Finland

could all take it.

Not exactly, you said you wall call the Americans the favourites any year other than this one.



You're misinterpreting him. When he says "in any other year", he means that the strength of this year's US team would make them the favourites "in any other year" except this one, because Russia and Canada have particularly strong teams this year.


Which doesn't really make sense, considering Canada has had much stronger teams in the past, ie, last year.

You're misinterpreting him. When he says "in any other year", he means that the strength of this year's US team would make them the favourites "in any other year" except this one, because Russia and Canada have particularly strong teams this year.

:jump:

How many World Juniors has the US won in the past 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, ever? If I am not mistaken... the US has only EVER won the tournament ONCE in its entire history, and have only medalled 4 times. Those medals are: Bronze in 1986, Bronze in 1992, Silver in 1997, and Gold in 2004.

Well... I can only assume they are the favourites that choke every other year. Funny how the underdogs of Russia with 30 medals and Canada with 25 medals seem to beat out the favourites "any other year".

I mean HOLY CRAP, Canada will be IN CONTENTION for gold this year... and thats a once in a lifetime occurance :sarcasm: :(

How many times has Canada been the favorite in the Olympics in the last 50 years or so???? And only one gold medal??? GASP!!!! Do us all a favor and think next time please. :shakehead

How many times has Canada been the favorite in the Olympics in the last 50 years or so???? And only one gold medal??? GASP!!!! Do us all a favor and think next time please. :shakehead

I would say they have been the favs twice and won gold once. Not a bad average!

How many times has Canada been the favorite in the Olympics in the last 50 years or so???? And only one gold medal??? GASP!!!! Do us all a favor and think next time please. :shakehead

Yes... I think I will have to do the thinking for both of us, as you are clearly unacapable of thinking on your own.

A more viable question is how many time has Russia/Soviet Union been the favourite at the Olympics in the past 50 years. The answer to that is that they have been favourites 10 times, and won gold 8 out of those 10 times.


Was Canada a clear cut favourite in 98' BTW? I know everyone was dissapointed that they didnt get a medal, naturally... but would a silver or bronze have been a tradgedy?

Was Canada a clear cut favourite in 98' BTW? I know everyone was dissapointed that they didnt get a medal, naturally... but would a silver or bronze have been a tradgedy?

You lose any credibility with that statement in regards to Canadian hockey....

You lose any credibility with that statement in regards to Canadian hockey....


Sorry that I have to respond to this nonesense everyone :shakehead

Now dear Mobey, do I really need to point out where you lost your credibility, even in making assertations that I have made my credibility? I gather you're not the brightest crayon in the box, but c'mon little buddy, I believe in you, with a little effort and a dilligent night over a pot of coffee... and Im sure you can figure it out just like the rest of us.

As for me asking a question, yeah, I would likely to know Canadian people's opinions on whether they would have been upset if they won the silver or bronze as opposed to nothing. If being interested means I lose my credibility, so be it. :dunno:

:jump:

My bad, misunderstanding on my part.

Is there any reason you dont include Russia or Finland in your list of contenders?

How many times has Canada been the favorite in the Olympics in the last 50 years or so???? And only one gold medal??? GASP!!!! Do us all a favor and think next time please. :shakehead

Talk about not thinking. :shakehead

yeah, I would likely to know Canadian people's opinions on whether they would have been upset if they won the silver or bronze as opposed to nothing. If being interested means I lose my credibility, so be it. :dunno:


as a huge fan of Canadian hockey.... silver, bronze and nothing mean about the same to me in the end.

That's just for best on best championships though, so things like the under 18 world championships, I don't take a silver medal there too personally. Even for the World Junior Championships, Canada usually doesn't usually have the best available players.

But for things like the Olympics or World/Canada Cup, silver doesn't mean much.