Ville Isopaa
Registered User
Czech Republic:
Vaclav Meidl
As the biggest player on the team, Meidl is expected to use his size to an advantage for his team. Known as a solid 2-way player in OHL, he will most likely center the 3rd line and be a leader for the younger players.
Vladimir Sobotka
Small offensively skilled forward will have to produce to get a shot at the top 2 lines. Might end up being used as a 13th forward against the more physical teams.
Ondrej Pavelec
2nd round pick in the last draft should battle Marek Schwarz for the starter position if Schwarz. However, the 2 time WJC star goalie Schwarz is the obvious starter and Pavelec can't be expected to play more than 2 games unless anything out of the ordinary happens.
Russia:
Sergei Shirokov
Still undrafted in the NHL, Shirokov is looking to definetly make the teams feel stupid for passing him over in two drafts. Last year he was a success and this year he's seen as one of the leaders on the team. Should see top line minutes in all situations and be one of the scoring leaders for Russia.
Sweden:
Mattias Ritola
While Ritola might not be a contender for the scoring title for the swedish team, strong 2-way game is expected.
Slovakia:
Ladislav Scurko
Look for Scurko to be one of the leaders for the team. Previous years he has been expected to mostly play a defensive game, but he should step up and take a more offensive role in this years edition. Look for him to center the 2nd line.
Juraj Mikus
Might still be a year too early for a real breakthrough, but the team hopes Mikus can provide some much needed scoring from the wing. If he can show that he can produce, look for a spot on the top 2 lines. If he struggles, 13th forward might be where he ends up.
Stanislav Lascek
One of the top offensive players in CHL for the 2nd year straight, Lascek has dominated the QMJHL this season. He is ready for the AHL and is expected to lead Slovakia in scoring. Depending on team success he could have an outside chance for the scoring title or make the allstar team.
USA:
Brian Lee
One of the top defensemen on the USA team, Lee will log a lot of minutes and is expected to be a leader on the team. Look for him to have a shot at the all star team and top defenseman prize.
Bobby Ryan
One of the strongest candidates for winning the scoring race. Bobby Ryan is expected to lead team USA to the finals. The sky is the limit for this kid.
Nathan Gerbe
Pint-sized forward will most likely skate on the 4th line and provide lots of aggressive play and hits. While points might not be the main thing he will bring to the table, he is a valuable team player.
Canada:
Kris Russell
Skilled offensive defenseman should see lots of time on the point. While not a leader for Canada, he should provide good offense and log decent ice time.
Ryan Parent
Considered a lock for the Canadian team for a long time, Parent will be an important defensive defenseman for the team. Capable of playing huge amounts of time if needed and will be the no.1 defenseman on the PK and when defending a lead.
Blake Comeau
2-way forward will likely play the 3rd line and provide a solid defensive game while chipping in a little on offense as well. Should log good time on the PK.
Even with the two star prospects Olesz and Crosby stuck with their NHL-teams, Colorado still can boost an impressive set of kids participating in the WJC. The future looks very bright for the Denver franchise.
Vaclav Meidl
As the biggest player on the team, Meidl is expected to use his size to an advantage for his team. Known as a solid 2-way player in OHL, he will most likely center the 3rd line and be a leader for the younger players.
Vladimir Sobotka
Small offensively skilled forward will have to produce to get a shot at the top 2 lines. Might end up being used as a 13th forward against the more physical teams.
Ondrej Pavelec
2nd round pick in the last draft should battle Marek Schwarz for the starter position if Schwarz. However, the 2 time WJC star goalie Schwarz is the obvious starter and Pavelec can't be expected to play more than 2 games unless anything out of the ordinary happens.
Russia:
Sergei Shirokov
Still undrafted in the NHL, Shirokov is looking to definetly make the teams feel stupid for passing him over in two drafts. Last year he was a success and this year he's seen as one of the leaders on the team. Should see top line minutes in all situations and be one of the scoring leaders for Russia.
Sweden:
Mattias Ritola
While Ritola might not be a contender for the scoring title for the swedish team, strong 2-way game is expected.
Slovakia:
Ladislav Scurko
Look for Scurko to be one of the leaders for the team. Previous years he has been expected to mostly play a defensive game, but he should step up and take a more offensive role in this years edition. Look for him to center the 2nd line.
Juraj Mikus
Might still be a year too early for a real breakthrough, but the team hopes Mikus can provide some much needed scoring from the wing. If he can show that he can produce, look for a spot on the top 2 lines. If he struggles, 13th forward might be where he ends up.
Stanislav Lascek
One of the top offensive players in CHL for the 2nd year straight, Lascek has dominated the QMJHL this season. He is ready for the AHL and is expected to lead Slovakia in scoring. Depending on team success he could have an outside chance for the scoring title or make the allstar team.
USA:
Brian Lee
One of the top defensemen on the USA team, Lee will log a lot of minutes and is expected to be a leader on the team. Look for him to have a shot at the all star team and top defenseman prize.
Bobby Ryan
One of the strongest candidates for winning the scoring race. Bobby Ryan is expected to lead team USA to the finals. The sky is the limit for this kid.
Nathan Gerbe
Pint-sized forward will most likely skate on the 4th line and provide lots of aggressive play and hits. While points might not be the main thing he will bring to the table, he is a valuable team player.
Canada:
Kris Russell
Skilled offensive defenseman should see lots of time on the point. While not a leader for Canada, he should provide good offense and log decent ice time.
Ryan Parent
Considered a lock for the Canadian team for a long time, Parent will be an important defensive defenseman for the team. Capable of playing huge amounts of time if needed and will be the no.1 defenseman on the PK and when defending a lead.
Blake Comeau
2-way forward will likely play the 3rd line and provide a solid defensive game while chipping in a little on offense as well. Should log good time on the PK.
Even with the two star prospects Olesz and Crosby stuck with their NHL-teams, Colorado still can boost an impressive set of kids participating in the WJC. The future looks very bright for the Denver franchise.
