Post by avalanchegm on Dec 29, 2023 22:44:09 GMT -5
DENVER, CO. -- Despite some rather lean years at the draft table, the Colorado Avalanche are represented by three prospects in the annual under-20 world junior championship - one at each position.
Leading the way for the American squad is the sensational Lane Hutson. The pint sized dman is an assistant captain in his second go round at this tournament and big things are anticipated for his future.
"All Lane has done is smash the glass ceilings people keep putting above him," said Colorado GM Patrick King. "At some point, talent speaks for itself and quiets the size concerns. We look forward to his final months of college hockey before turning pro in the spring, where we expect him to be a quick study."
Size being a little more crucial between the pipes, Colorado is well represented with Czechia starter Michael Hrabal. At 6-foot-6 and 209 pounds, Hrabal covers a lot of net and is just getting started turning heads at UMass.
"The pedigree is there with Michael," King began. "He has succeeded throughout his young career and projections by our staff are that he will emerge as a starting caliber NsHL goalie in time. This tournament will be a tremendous opportunity for his continued growth and development."
Representing the home team in Sweden is hulking centre Filip Bystedt. The 6-foot-4, 200 pound pivot is back for his second tournament after finishing tied for first in team scoring at last year's tourney with 10 points in 7 games.
"His 200 foot game has been a source of optimism amongst our staff," King said. "But his offensive production appears to be improving. He could be joining our team quicker than we anticipated."
Not represented at this tournament are a couple of Russians. Due to sanctions imposed by the IIHF which it deemed appropriate in punishing teenaged hockey players for political reasons that have no direct involvement with the players, Russian players are robbed of the opportunity of partaking in the tournament. However, if Russia were permitted to send a team, Colorado would surely have two more in winger Ivan Miroshnichenko and goaltender Sergei Murashov.
Miroshnichenko is off to an excellent start in the AHL with a couple NHL games under his belt while Murashov, the MHL goaltender if the year, sports an identical .932 save percentage through 21 MHL games and 3 KHL games this season.
Leading the way for the American squad is the sensational Lane Hutson. The pint sized dman is an assistant captain in his second go round at this tournament and big things are anticipated for his future.
"All Lane has done is smash the glass ceilings people keep putting above him," said Colorado GM Patrick King. "At some point, talent speaks for itself and quiets the size concerns. We look forward to his final months of college hockey before turning pro in the spring, where we expect him to be a quick study."
Size being a little more crucial between the pipes, Colorado is well represented with Czechia starter Michael Hrabal. At 6-foot-6 and 209 pounds, Hrabal covers a lot of net and is just getting started turning heads at UMass.
"The pedigree is there with Michael," King began. "He has succeeded throughout his young career and projections by our staff are that he will emerge as a starting caliber NsHL goalie in time. This tournament will be a tremendous opportunity for his continued growth and development."
Representing the home team in Sweden is hulking centre Filip Bystedt. The 6-foot-4, 200 pound pivot is back for his second tournament after finishing tied for first in team scoring at last year's tourney with 10 points in 7 games.
"His 200 foot game has been a source of optimism amongst our staff," King said. "But his offensive production appears to be improving. He could be joining our team quicker than we anticipated."
Not represented at this tournament are a couple of Russians. Due to sanctions imposed by the IIHF which it deemed appropriate in punishing teenaged hockey players for political reasons that have no direct involvement with the players, Russian players are robbed of the opportunity of partaking in the tournament. However, if Russia were permitted to send a team, Colorado would surely have two more in winger Ivan Miroshnichenko and goaltender Sergei Murashov.
Miroshnichenko is off to an excellent start in the AHL with a couple NHL games under his belt while Murashov, the MHL goaltender if the year, sports an identical .932 save percentage through 21 MHL games and 3 KHL games this season.