If you’re a hockey fan and aren’t familiar with the name Alexis Lafreniere then you’ve probably been living under a rock for the past year. Don’t worry, though, because the World Junior Championships is sure to put him on the map for spectators worldwide.
Canada entered the tournament with a stacked selection camp, however, a series of injuries have knocked players such as Alex Formenton (lower-body) and Gabe Vilardi (back) out of the tournament. Spots have consequently opened one is expected to be occupied by Lafreniere, according to TSN’s Mark Masters. The 17-year-old was reportedly told he would be released if everyone was healthy enough to play but now he’s being thrusted into Junior Hockey’s ultimate stage. And with that, he’ll make history.
Masters revealed on Twitter that the forward will become the 9th youngest player to ever participate in the tournament. Jay Boumeester was the youngest while Crosby was the second.
Lafreniere is the consensus number-one prospect for the 2020 draft and has been on an absolute tear while playing for the QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic. As a rookie last season he scored 42 goals and 38 assists in just 60 games. This year has been no different, as the St-Eustache, Quebec native has recorded 17 and 37 respectively in 31. At the 2018 U-18 World Championships he led Team Canada to gold with 4 goals and 2 assists.
It’s pretty remarkable that Lafreniere would theoretically be available to play in at least the next three tournaments. All eyes will be on him as he likely embarks on his biggest tournament to date.
(H/T Mark Masters)
