World Junior Preliminary Rosters

[Anaheim GM]

Group A in Calgary

Russia (as of 16 Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Sergei Kostenko, Kuznetskie Medvedi (RUS/MHL)
Andrei Makarov, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Andrei Vasilevski, Tolpar Ufa (RUS/MHL)

Defencemen:
Viktor Antipin, Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (RUS/MHL)
Zakhar Arzamastsev, Metallurg Novokuznetsk (RUS/KHL)
Ildar Isangulov, Tolpar Ufa (RUS/MHL)
Roman Kudinov, Vityaz Chekhov (RUS/KHL)
Mikhail Naumenkov, Krasnaya Armia Moscow (RUS/MHL)
Nikita Nesterov, Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (RUS/MHL)
Igor Ozhiganov, Krasnaya Armia Moscow (RUS/MHL)
Andrei Pedan, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Artyom Sergeyev, Val d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL)
Grigori Zheldakov, Spartak Moscow (RUS/MHL)

Forwards:
Danil Apalkov, Loko Yaroslavl (RUS/MHL)
Sergei Barbashev, CSKA Moscow (RUS/KHL)
Emil Galimov, Loko Yaroslavl (RUS/MHL)
Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Nikita Gusev, Krasnaya Armia Moscow (RUS/MHL)
Alexander Khokhlachev, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Yaroslav Kosov, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (RUS/KHL)
Nikita Kucherov, CSKA Moscow (RUS/KHL)
Pavel Kulikov, Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (RUS/MHL)
Yevgeni Kuznetsov, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS/KHL)
Vladislav Namestnikov, London Knights (OHL)
Ivan Telegin, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Ignat Zemchenko, Severstal Cherepovets (RUS/KHL)
Anton Zlobin, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

Head Coach: Valeri Bragin




Sweden (as of 5th Dec.)


Goakeepers:
Anton Forsberg, MODO Örnsköldsvik (SWE)
Johan Gustafsson, Luleå HF (SWE)
Johan Mattsson, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Defencemen:
Mattias Bäckman, Linköpings HC (SWE)
Jonas Brodin, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)
Fredrik Claesson, Djurgården Stockholm (SWE)
Petter Granberg, Skellefteå AIK (SWE)
Oscar Klefbom, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)
John Klingberg, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Patrik Nemeth, AIK Stockholm (SWE)

Forwards:
Pontus Åberg, Djurgården Stockholm (SWE)
Sebastian Collberg, Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE)
Filip Forsberg, Leksands IF (SWE-2)
Max Friberg, Timrå IK (SWE)
William Karlsson, VIK Västerås (SWE-2)
Johan Larsson, Brynäs Gävle (SWE)
Joakim Nordström, AIK Stockholm (SWE)
Rickard Rakell, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Victor Rask, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Ludvig Rensfelt, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Johan Sundström, Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE)
Erik Thorell, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)
Mika Zibanejad, Djurgården Stockholm (SWE)

Head Coach: Roger Rönnberg




Switzerland (as of 15th Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Luca Boltshauser, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE U20)
Lukas Meili, GCK Lions Zurich (SUI-2)
Tim Wolf, GCK Lions Zurich (SUI-2)

Defencemen:
Eliot Antonietti, Genève-Servette (SUI U20)
Phil Baltisberger, GCK Lions Zurich (SUI-2)
Cédric Hächler, Malmö Redhawks (SWE U20)
Dean Kukan, Luleå Hockey (SWE U20)
Christian Marti, Kloten Flyers (SUI)
Kewin Orellana, SC Bern (SUI U20)
Dave Sutter, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Dario Trutmann, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Mike Vermeille, Genève-Servette (SUI U20)

Forwards:
Reto Amstutz, SC Bern (SUI U20)
Sven Andrighetto, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Sven Bärtschi, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Alessio Bertaggia, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Christoph Bertschy, SC Bern (SUI)
Daniele Grassi, HC Ambrì-Piotta (SUI U20)
Gaëtan Haas, EHC Biel (SUI)
Gregory Hofmann, HC Ambrì-Piotta (SUI)
Lino Martschini, Petersborough Petes (OHL)
Devin Muller, Salmon Arm SilverBacks (BCHL)
Alban Rexha, SCL Tigers (SUI)
Tanner Richard, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Cédric Schneuwly, EV Zug (SUI U20)
Dario Simion, HC Lugano (SUI)
Joël Vermin, SC Bern (SUI)
Samuel Walser, Kloten Flyers (SUI)

Head Coach: Manuele Celio




Slovakia (as of 15th Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Dominik Riecicky, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Richard Sabol, HC 05 Banska Bystrica (SVK)
Juraj Simboch, HC Nitra (SVK)

Defencemen:
Michal Cajkovsky, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Peter Ceresnak, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Martin Gernat, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Adam Janosik, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Mario Kurali, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Martin Marincin, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Peter Trska, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)

Forwards:
Matej Bene, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Milos Bubela, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Matus Chovan, HC Kosice (SVK)
Lukas Cingel, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Martin Daloga, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Marko Dano, Dukla Trencin (SVK)
Vladimir Dolnik, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Matej Hindos, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Tomas Jurco, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Tomas Matousek, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Richard Mraz, Tatranski Vlci Spisska Nova Ves (SVK/MHL)
Michal Toman, Traverse City North Stars (NAHL)
Marek Tvrdon, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Filip Vasko, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Head Coach: Ernest Bokros




Latvia (as of 7th Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Rihards Cimermanis, Juniors Riga (LAT/MHL-B)
Kristers Gudlevskis, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Elviss Merzlikins, HC Lugano (SUI U20)

Defencemen:
Vladislavs Dudins, Olimpia Kirovo-Chepetsk (RUS/MHL)
Kristers Freibergs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Krists Kalnins, AIK Härnösand (SWE-3)
Nikita Kolesnikovs, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Kriss Lipsbergs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Martins Mezulis, Rapperswil-Jona Lakers (SUI U20)
Kristaps Nimanis, Red Ducks Vaasa (FIN-3)
Arturs Salija, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Edgars Siksna, Liepajas Metalurgs (LAT/BLR)
Sandis Sostaks, Liepajas Metalurgs (LAT)
Pauls Zvirbulis, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)

Forwards:
Toms Andersons, SC Bern (SUI U20)
Arturs Birstins, HC Most (CZE U20)
Teodors Blugers, Shattuck-St. Mary's School (USHS)
Maris Dilevka, Liepajas Metalurgs (LAT/BLR)
Zemgus Girgensons, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Pauls Hodzko, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Vitalijs Hvorostinins, Vaasan Sport (FIN U20)
Nikolajs Jelisejevs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Nikita Jevpalovs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Edgars Klavins, AIK Stockholm (SWE U20)
Arturs Kuzmenkovs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Kristaps Legzdins, Syrianska/Armeniska Västerås (SWE-4)
Roberts Lipsbergs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Kristians Pelss, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Davis Straupe, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Kirils Tambijevs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Juris Ziemins, Juniors Riga (LAT/MHL-B)

Head Coach: Eriks Miluns

Group B in Edmonton



Canada (as of 14th Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Mark Visentin, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Scott Wedgewood, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

Defencemen:
Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Brandon Gormley, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Scott Harrington, London Knights (OHL)
Ryan Murray, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Jamie Oleksiak, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Mark Pysyk, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Forwards:
Michaël Bournival, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Brett Connolly, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Freddie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Boone Jenner, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Tanner Pearson, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Mark Scheifele, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College (WCHA)
Devante Smith-Pelly, Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Mark Stone, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Ryan Strome, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Head Coach: Don Hay




USA (as of 5th Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Jack Campbell, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
John Gibson, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Andy Iles, Cornell Univ. (ECACH)

Defencemen:
Adam Clendening, Boston Univ. (HEA)
Justin Faulk, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
Derek Forbort, Univ. of North Dakota (WCHA)
Kevin Gravel, St. Cloud State Univ. (WCHA)
Stephen Johns, Univ. of Notre Dame (CCHA)
Seth Jones, U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL)
Austin Levi, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Jon Merrill, Univ. of Michigan (CCHA)
Jarred Tinordi, London Knights (OHL)
Jake Trouba, U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL)

Forwards:
Kenny Agostino, Yale Univ. (ECACH)
Josh Archibald, Univ. of Nebraska Omaha (WCHA)
Bill Arnold, Boston College (HEA)
Nick Bjugstad, Univ. of Minnesota (WCHA)
Connor Brickley, Univ. of Vermont (HEA)
Charlie Coyle, Boston Univ. (HEA)
Austin Czarnik, Miami Univ. (CCHA)
Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Brian Ferlin, Cornell Univ. (ECACH)
John Gaudreau, Boston College (HEA)
J.T. Miller, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Shane Prince, Ottawa 67's (OHL)
Kyle Rau, Univ. of Minnesota (WCHA)
Brandon Saad, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
T.J. Tynan, Univ. of Notre Dame (CCHA)
Austin Watson, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Jason Zucker, Univ. of Denver (WCHA)

Head Coach: Dean Blais




Finland (as of 15th Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Sami Aittokallio, Ilves Tampere (FIN)
Christopher Gibson, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Richard Ullberg, SaiPa Lappeenranta (FIN)

Defencemen:
Jani Hakanpää, Espoo Blues (FIN)
Miro Hovinen, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN U20) / Kiekko Vantaa (FIN-2)
Olli Määttä, London Knights (OHL)
Konsta Mäkinen, LeKi Lempäälä (FIN-2)
Julius Nyqvist, Kiekko Vantaa (FIN-2)
Ville Pokka, Kärpät Oulu (FIN)
Simo-Pekka Riikola, KalPa Kuopio (FIN)
Rasmus Ristolainen, TPS Turku (FIN)

Forwards:
Miro Aaltonen, Espoo Blues (FIN)
Joel Armia, Ässät Pori (FIN)
Aleksander Barkov, Tappara Tampere (FIN)
Joonas Donskoi, Kärpät Oulu (FIN)
Markus Granlund, HIFK Helsinki (FIN)
Mikael Granlund, HIFK Helsinki (FIN)
Petteri Halinen, JYP Jyväskylä (FIN-2)
Roope Hämäläinen, Jukurit Mikkeli (FIN-2)
Markus Hännikäinen, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Mikael Kuronen, Ilves Tampere (FIN)
Otto Paajanen, HPK Hämeenlinna (FIN)
Teemu Pulkkinen, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Alexander Ruuttu, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Miikka Salomäki, Kärpät Oulu (FIN)

Head Coach: Raimo Helminen




Czech Republic (as of 6th Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Libor Kasik, HC Olomouc (CZE-2)
Tomas Kral, Kärpät Oulu (FIN U20)
Petr Mrazek, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Defencemen:
Tomas Bartejs, Pirati Chomutov (CZE-2)
Marek Hrbas, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Bohumil Jank, Lev Poprad (SVK/KHL)
Daniel Krejci, HC Most (CZE-2)
Vojtech Mozik, BK Mlada Boleslav (CZE)
David Musil, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Filip Pavlik, HC Slovan Ustecti Lvi (CZE-2)
Jiri Riha, HC Benatky nad Jizerou (CZE-2)
Petr Zamorsky, HC Zlin (CZE)

Forwards:
Jakub Culek, Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
Tomas Faksa, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Tomas Filippi, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Martin Frk, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Tomas Hertl, Slavia Prague (CZE)
Petr Holik, HC Zlin (CZE)
Tomas Hyka, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Dmitrij Jaskin, Slavia Prague (CZE)
Tomas Nosek, HC Pardubice (CZE)
Daniel Pribyl, Sparta Prague (CZE)
Lukas Sedlak, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
Jiri Sekac, Lev Poprad (SVK/KHL)
Petr Straka, Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
Michal Svihalek, HC Ceske Budejovice (CZE U20)
Dominik Uher, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Head Coach: Miroslav Prerost




Denmark (as of 7th Dec.)


Goalkeepers:
Sebastian Feuk, Herlev Eagles
Dennis Jensen, EfB Esbjerg
Christian Larsen, Malmö Redhawks (SWE)

Defencemen:
Jannik Christensen, EfB Esbjerg
Tobias Hansen, Rødovre Mighty Bulls
Emil Kristensen, EfB Esbjerg
Patrick Madsen, Herning Blue Fox
Mark Müller Larsen, Frederikshavn White Hawks
Martin Rahbek, Herlev Eagles
Anders Thode, Frederikshavn White Hawks

Forwards:
Mathias Bau Hansen, Rødovre Mighty Bulls
Rasmus Bjerrum, Frederikshavn White Hawks
Oliver Bjorkstrand, Herning Blue Fox
Patrick Bjorkstrand, Herning Blue Fox
Mads Eller, Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE)
Nicklas Jensen, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Nicki Kisum, Copenhagen Hockey
Joachim Linnet, Herning Blue Fox
Nicolai Meyer, Malmö Redhawks (SWE)
Jonas Sass, Herlev Eagles
Anders Schultz, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
Thomas Søndergaard, Frederikshavn White Hawks
Thomas Spelling, Herning Blue Fox

Head Coach: Todd Bjorkstrand

[NYRangersGM]

Mark,

Thanks for the rosters, the rangers have been bashed for not having any prospects, and the bashing is well deserved. but my friends the rangers have drafted the past two years and the talent is starting to show as the rangers have 4 players in the world juniors.
Russian- Yeugeni Kuznetsov
swedish- William Karlsson
americans- JT Miller and Jason Zucker
a couple more good drafts and you can stick the bashing...lol

[Anaheim GM]

Four players is a very solid number, Rich. It ain't 6, though..... ;D

[NYRangersGM]

Mark so true, but if you add 4 players and 2 cups together I think that equals 6....hahahaha I just had too

[BuffaloGM]

Although I don't have any prospects in the tournament this year, it is always exciting to watch the World Junior Championships. Every year provides great hockey and entertainment. I expect nothing less from the best IIHF tournament on the calendar.

I'll throw out my who gives a crap prediction for this thing...

GROUP A

1. Russia
2. Sweden
3. Switzerland
4. Slovakia
5. Latvia

GROUP B

1. United States
2. Canada
3. Finland
4. Czech Republic
5. Denmark

Tough break for the Czech Republic this year as I think they would avoid the relegation round if they switched spots with anyone in Group A. I don't think they are better than Russia or Sweden, but they are certainly better in my mind than Switzerland or Slovakia.

As for Group A, I think Russia runs the table. To me, they have the best group of forwards in the tournament, led by the best player in the event this season in Evgeny Kuznetsov, and they have a solid if unspectacular group on the back end. I was looking forward to seeing Alexei Marchenko this year, but unfortunately his health prevents this. Sweden is a very solid team but I don't think they have enough to beat the Russians this year. To me they are where Russia was two years ago. You can see the talent, but it is a year away. Switzerland and Slovakia will battle it out for a playoff spot, and I like the Swiss to win that matchup. I do like the Slovaks defense, I just don't think they can create enough up front consistently. Latvia will get hammered, but Girgensons will be fun to watch.

Group B is a little more clear cut in my mind. I don't see any chance that the Americans, Canada and Finland aren't moving on. The United States boasts a HUGE group of defensemen (sucks not to have Faulk, but what can you do) and a good mix up front. Jack Campbell hasn't exactly been stellar in the OHL, but he tends to show in the WJC. This being his 17th year of eligibility, I expect that trend to continue. I get the feeling Nick Bjugstad and Brandon Saad are going to have great tournaments. Canada is missing a ton of eligible talent and I think the Americans will get the better of them on New Year's Eve. Canada is still quite talented though, and if Huberdeau proves to be healthy and in form, I expect big things. Also expecting big things from Jaden Schwartz. This might be the best team Finland has sent to this event. They can never seem to get the forwards and defensemen to marry up, and it looks like that may be the case again this year. They have serious talent up front and Mikael Granlund might challenge Kuznetsov as the best player in the event. The Czechs are skilled, as usual, but I don't think they are at the level of the top three in this group. Denmark, much like Latvia, will get hammered but have a few players to keep an eye and Nicklas Jensen will be fun to watch.

With the new IIHF format, only one team will be relegated...and I see that team being Denmark. Germany has earned promotion for next year.

Now onto the sexy stuff...playoffs! Russia and the United States earn a bye with their group victories. Russia would get the winner of Canada vs Switzerland and the United States would draw the winner of Sweden vs Finland.

Canada vs Switzerland is pretty simple...Canada wins. Sweden vs Finland is not so simple, nor is it easy to figure out. While I think Sweden has an edge in terms of overall talent, I am taking Finland to win this game.

Russia vs Canada in the semi-finals isn't much fun. It was a great game a year ago and will be again this year. I do expect Russia to win and I don't see the game playing out like last year. I think Russia will be better suited to handle the Canadian forwards and they will not have to have an amazing third period rally. I see something along the lines of a 4-2 or 5-3 game.

United States vs Finland in the semi-finals is fun! Not a matchup people will be expecting, but a very exciting one none-the-less. This is where Jack Campbell will need to be at his best. I see a typical game involving Finland where they out-work and out-shoot their opponent but ultimately the Americans will win by a pair as well.

Bronze Medal game between Canada and Finland will be fun to watch. Canada will be stinging from missing out on their chance to beat the Americans and claim gold on home ice while the Fins will want to finish off a strong showing this year. I don't think Finland out-shoots Canada and I see Canada winning by a comfortable margin and taking home the bronze. Not what they came for, but still a good result for the Canadians.

Gold Medal game will be a game which features a lot of goals, and that will not be good for the Americans. Simply too much skill on the Russian side to keep, but the Americans will keep it close for two periods. Russia will turn it on in the third period and they will earn their second straight gold medal by at least three goals.

Will any of this happen? Who the eff knows. Can't wait to see the lads hit the ice on Monday and get things going!

[Anaheim GM]

These educated guesses look plausible enough for me. Nice read, Gorbsy.

[Detroit Cherni]

Too bad he got Canada wrong twice. GO CANADA GO!!!!

[CalgaryGM]

Well Roger, you got this one wrong, doesn't look like the US is advancing at all. Too bad, I thought they had a better team.

BTW, your email is not working, tried to email you yesterday but it came back undeliverable.

[BuffaloGM]

I sure as hell did get this one wrong. Can't really fault the lads for trying the last couple nights...Aittokallio and Mrazek were quite awesome. Sucks when you think a team that should at least be playing for a medal is playing in the relegation round, but they aren't the first team this has happened to.

No excuses for this though, the boys from the US of A lost to a couple quality opponents in Finland and the Czechs. They just simply don't have enough finish up front. Canada and Russia do. I'm looking forward to those two playing for the gold again.

Andrew...which email did you use? Hopefully it was my yahoo email as my hotmail has been shut down for some time now. If it is my yahoo...well that is just another issue with them to deal with, haha.

I guess since I picked Russia to win the gold I have to cheer for them...yikes. I definitely will be cheering for Finland though. Impressive team, but not one I think can beat Canada or Russia. They are much better than they showed against Canada in the opening game, but they aren't good enough to beat those two powers in the medal round.

[Anaheim GM]

Pitiful showing by Team USA, in my opinion. They looked slow, lazy, and appeared to be outplayed in both the Finland game as well as the Czech game (from what I saw).

I just hope they make a game of it tonight. However, if they play like they have been playing I look for very large goal differential in favor of Canada.

I had EXTREMELY high hopes with Team USA's defense and goaltending, however, the team just looks very ordinary. You have to play extraordinary if you are going to have a chance to win in Canada. I'm calling them out right now and say that they simply do not have the talent or the heart to get it done tonight.

Canada rolls on....

[NYRangersGM]

Mark so true USA looked bad but the rangers #1 prospect looked like the next crosby. drum roll please my boy evgeny kuznetsov showed he is the number one player at the world juniors. team canada had no answer for the russian flash. soon to be wearing ranger blue