After a round of emotional cuts, Team Canada’s roster is set for the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Two goaltenders, seven defencemen, and 13 forwards were selected throughout the country for a total of 22 players. Seven players will return from the 2017 tournament, including goaltender Carter Hart, defenceman Jake Bean, Kale Clague and Dante Fabbro, and forwards Dillon Dube, Michael McLeod and Taylor Raddysh.
Following the selection, TSN’s Mark Masters provided a breakdown of the roster by NHL team affiliation. Of the 22 skaters, Masters concluded that the Canadiens, Canucks, Flames and Senators are the only teams with prospects representing Canada. In total, there are prospects from 15 organizations.
As if the Lightning weren’t good enough, they now have four players on arguably the strongest roster heading into the tournament. They include forwards Taylor Raddysh Boris Katchouk and Brett Howden, and defenceman Cal Foote.
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Masters also provided a breakdown of the current league each players is currently playing in. Of the five, the OHL and WHL are tied with eight, while only three are coming from the NCAA.
Canada is looking to bounce back after suffering a devastating shootout loss to the Americans last year. Buckle up hockey fans, because the action is just around the corner.
(H/T Mark Masters)
