S66 VJC Preview

[DMaximus 1,046]

 

Europe – last year finish: 1^st place – returning players: 6

The defending champions look ready to win the whole thing again. They return 6 players from their gold medal winning team including their leading scorer, Maximilian Kirbsson. The main question for Europe will be, can goalie Owen May step up and match the MVP performance of JB Rift?  Europe rode Rift’s incredible performance to victory last year. If they expect to win again this year, they’ll need a similar performance from May because, with 3 VHLM players, Europe’s defense is their biggest liability.

 

Canada – last year finish: 2^nd place – returning players: 2

Canada’s loss in last year’s final sent shockwaves throughout the hockey community. Canada had been so dominant in the World Juniors some thought it would be impossible for them to ever lose. With Canada only returning 2 players from their silver medal squad, this may be their toughest tournament yet. Word on the street is that some of Canada’s defenders might not even want to play hockey anymore. Canadians are hoping their selection to the national team will re-ignite their love of the sport.

 

World – last year finish: 3^rd place – returning players: unknown

Global tensions are at an all-time high and this is evident in the fact the World team hasn’t even announced their roster. Will the people of the World set aside their differences, come together, and form a medal winning junior hockey team? It seems very unlikely.

 

USA – last year finish: 4^th place – returning players: 7

Outside of the locker room, expectations for team USA are muted. Last year’s overwhelming favorites underperformed and missed the podium. People are afraid to back a team the perennially underperforms. Inside the locker room, the team sounds confidant and ready to win it all. USA features 7 returning players including 2 from the all-tournament team, Kyson Blake and Dallas Jones. USA’s offense welcomes the addition of VHL rookie sensation Tegan Glover. Their defense features 4 VHL players and should make things easy on returning goalie Joe Nixon.

 

Asia – last year finish: 5^th place – returning players: 7

Asia had a tough tournament last year. Things don’t look too much better this year. Asia hopes the experience learned by their 7 returning players can bolster them to a podium finish. Top players Matthew Kai and Bald Guy will need to be at the top of the game for Asia to have a chance at getting a medal.