Batherson's two-goal effort leads Senators past Maple Leafs - TSN

TORONTO — The Ottawa Senators powered through a slow start to get the better of their rivals on Wednesday.

Drake Batherson scored two goals in leading the Senators to a 4-2 come-from-behind win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Battle of Ontario. Ottawa improved to 2-2-0 with a two-game winning streak under interim head coach Jacques Martin.

"I think we had a slow start, I don't think we were ready to play at the pace that the Leafs came out (with) and they got a 2-0 lead," said Martin, who took over the job on Dec. 18. "But what I like is our resiliency, how we battled back, how we stuck with it, how we adjusted.

"I thought the big difference in the second period, we started to get some pucks behind their D, putting some pressure, creating some turnovers, creating some scoring chances. (We were) able to tie the game and went on."

Parker Kelly and Brady Tkachuk added the other goals for Ottawa (13-17-0), which improved to 2-1-0 against the Maple Leafs this season.

Joonas Korpisalo stopped 34 shots.

"Those are our rivals over there … we want to be the better team in Ontario so tonight was a good job for that," Kelly said.

Matthew Knies and Tyler Bertuzzi scored for Toronto (17-9-6), which fell to 5-3-3 this month.

Martin Jones made 26 saves.

"We didn't score the third goal, just let them hang around," Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said. "I thought they were better than us in the second period, for sure. Our period looks worse because our power play gives them the freebie, gives them life and energy.

"Some of our details just slipped on really each of the goals against, but I thought Ottawa got better and harder as the game went on and we didn't respond to that."

Knies opened the scoring 5:41 into the first period. He tipped in a low point shot from Auston Matthews.

Bertuzzi doubled down just 23 seconds later, tipping in a cross-ice pass from Morgan Rielly.

The Senators shifted the momentum in the second period, outshooting the Leafs 14-8. Toronto had outshot Ottawa 12-6 in the opening frame.

Kelly cut into the Leafs' lead 10:17 into the second with a short-handed marker. After a Josh Norris high-sticking penalty 41 seconds earlier gave Toronto the power play, Kelly blasted home a one-timer from Claude Giroux on a 2-on-1 break.

Batherson knotted the contest, firing in a rebound off a Tim Stutzle miss with 5:35 left in the middle frame.

Batherson scored again 3:44 into the third period to put the Senators ahead. The right-winger beat Jones from behind the goal line with a shot that bounced off the netminder's left shoulder and dropped into the net as he tried to catch it.

"I mess around with that a little bit," Batherson said of practising the shot. "Obviously, got it a few times before. Just kind of the angle of the shot, … the goalie was kind of off position so I figured I'd try and bank it.

"Lucky goal but I'll take it for sure."

Bertuzzi had an opportunity to tie the game eight minutes into the frame. Tavares flicked the puck past Korpisalo, who was off to the side of the net, and the puck landed about a couple of centimetres in front of the goal line.

However, Bertuzzi was tied up with a defender and failed to put the puck into the gaping net.

Tkachuk sealed it with an empty-netter with 2:27 remaining.

GOAL RUN

Matthews hasn't had much trouble finding the back of the net in 2023-24. The 26-year-old's two-goal game against Columbus last Saturday gave him a league-leading 28 goals in 30 games.

He became the first player to score 27-plus goals in his first 30 games of a season since Jaromir Jagr (30 goals) in 1996-97. Matthews is also the second Toronto player in the modern era (since 1943-44) to do so alongside Frank Mahovlich in 1960-61 (27 goals in 30 games).

UP NEXT

The Leafs are off to Columbus for a Friday night game against the Blue Jackets.

The Senators will be home to the New Jersey Devils on Friday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2023.

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World junior players, coaches on post-game handshakes after NL ban: 'Tough to hear' - CP24

Joshua Clipperton, The Associated Press
Published Tuesday, December 26, 2023 8:23PM EST
Last Updated Tuesday, December 26, 2023 8:23PM EST

Alan Letang was taken aback when told of the move.

Solely focused on preparing Canada for the world junior hockey championship an ocean away, the country's head coach hadn't heard one of its provinces had banned post-game handshakes in minor hockey due to a string of altercations.

"Disappointing," said Letang, who played 19 professional seasons in both Europe and North America. "There's a respect and camaraderie in sports. You can go out and compete hard against someone, but at the end of the game it's, 'Great game, great job.' Respect goes both ways.

"If I was coaching a team and stuff like that happened, you wouldn't put up with it."

Hockey NL, the sport's amateur governing body in Newfoundland and Labrador, announced last week it is ending the post-game handshake tradition.

Gonzo Bennett, chair of Hockey NL's minor council executive committee, wrote in the memo the organization has had "issues" following games that led to suspensions of both players and coaches.

Instead of handshakes, officials will now direct teams off the ice at the final buzzer. The visiting squad will instead skate by the home team's bench and offer a glove tap or handshake before games.

"It's a level of respect," Canada forward Matthew Poitras, who's played 27 times with the NHL's Boston Bruins this season, said of post-game handshakes. "You don't cause any shenanigans. You take your glove off, you shake hands.

"People get riled up. There's a lot of emotion on the ice, but you should be able to contain yourself in a handshake line."

Sweden head coach Magnus Havelid was also surprised by the move in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Tough to hear ... it's sad," he said. "It's important for coaches of young players to say, 'What happens when you play those 60 minutes, that's one thing. But after, it's finished.'"

Teams at the world juniors, which features players 19 years of age and younger, shake hands after every game.

Canada got into a handshake argument at the 2020 tournament when captain Barrett Hayton failed to remove his helmet during Russia's national anthem following a disastrous 6-0 loss.

Hayton later apologized, adding he was "lost in the moment" and meant no disrespect.

NHL teams shake hands at the conclusion of playoff series — even after the most bitter encounters between heated rivals.

Canada captain Fraser Minten called post-game handshakes a "cool, classy" part of hockey.

"At a younger age, it's good to promote sportsmanship," said the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect.

The move by Hockey NL came as coach, parent and player conduct in amateur hockey is under increasing scrutiny. RCMP in Nova Scotia last month charged a coach for allegedly assaulting a referee during a game involving players as young as nine years old.

Amateur hockey associations across Canada, meanwhile, have elected to put green armbands on teenage referees in hopes parents and coaches think twice before hurling verbal abuse.

Canada forward Owen Allard said he remembers seeing disagreements in minor hockey handshake lines.

"Especially tournaments — finals — the losing team, they're kind of moping and some guys don't take off their gloves," he said. "It's kind of sad. Once the whistle blows, you've got to show that respect to the opposition."

Tobias Abstreiter, head coach of Germany's world juniors, said he wishes hockey followed rugby's lead when it comes to post-match respect.

"During the game, it's a big battle," he said. "And this is a hard battle, if you watch rugby games. It should be in hockey like this, too. A hard-fought battle in those 60 minutes.

"Afterwards there should be respect."

Sweden defenceman Tom Willander called the Hockey NL move "a bit crazy."

"I haven't had too many handshake fights in my day," he said. "Players should be able to put aside what happened on the ice and shake hands after. We're all playing the same game."

Canada blueliner Oliver Bonk, whose father Radek played 14 NHL seasons with the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators, said the message to him growing when it came to the opposition was always clear.

"You battle all game," he said. "And you respect them afterwards."

Letang said it's "100 per cent" on adults to set the tone.

"As coaches we want to be intense, and as coaches it's about winning," he said. "But it's also about developing kids and teaching them those little life lessons. You can compete hard, but at the end of the day, respect your opponent and be humble."

Letang lamented the fact Hockey NL felt the need to take such a drastic step.

"Something's changed or something's turned," he added. "We've got to find a way to get it back."

-With files from Sarah Smellie in St. John's, N.L.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 26, 2023.

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Canada opens bid at 3rd straight world juniors title with victory over Finland - CBC Sports

Mathis Rousseau was passed over in consecutive NHL drafts.

Owen Allard didn't hear his name last June.

Macklin Celebrini, meanwhile, is expected to go No. 1 in 2024.

Three players with very different career trajectories were key in Canada's victory to open the world junior hockey championship Tuesday.

Rousseau made 24 saves, including an outrageous glove stop in the first period, while Allard and Celebrini both found the back of the net in the country's 5-2 victory over Finland.

"Unbelievable," said Rousseau, a native of Boisbriand, Que. "Growing up you see world juniors, it's something big. And now I'm here. Make a great save for the team and then we won.

"Makes the moment even more special."

Allard puts it home. 🏠<br><br>Allard trouve le fond du filet. 🥅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MondialJunior?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MondialJunior</a><a href="https://t.co/Njv8HUY7AX">pic.twitter.com/Njv8HUY7AX</a>

&mdash;@HockeyCanada

Nate Danielson added a goal and an assist before Matthew Poitras and Maveric Lamoureux scored into the empty net. Lamoureux also had an assist for a two-point performance at the annual under-20 tournament.

"Surreal experience," Allard said. "Seeing the Canadian fans is just something special, something I've never experienced before."

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki and Jere Lassila replied for Finland. Niklas Kokko made 26 stops.

Canada, the two-time defending gold medallist looking for its first three-peat since 2009, has just one returning player from the 2023 event in Halifax.

The United States and hosts Sweden are viewed as favourites ahead of the Canadians by many observers — with the primary reason being the boatload of absent talent.

Canada is minus five players currently in the professional ranks, including Connor Bedard, while defenceman Tristan Luneau, who played six games with the Anaheim Ducks this season, made the roster before having to be hospitalized with a viral infection.

"Some nerves ... I mean, how could there not?" Canada head coach Alan Letang said. "It was pretty quiet before the game."

'Kind of blacked out'

The North Americans opened the scoring with 3:36 left in the first when Lamoureux fired a shot that went in off Danielson.

Passed over in 14 draft rounds the last two years, Rousseau had Canadian fans out of their seats moments before the icebreaker when he robbed Lenni Hameenaho with that terrific stop on a 3-on-1 that became a 2-on-0.

"You just feel the play coming," he explained. "Felt great."

Canadian goalie Rousseau makes a save against Finland's Lenni Hämeenaho. (Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via The Associated Press)

Jordan Dumais hit the post on a breakaway chance that would have made it 2-0 in the second.

Allard eventually pushed Canada in front by two with 6:19 left in the period when his shot also found iron before ricocheting in off Kokko's skate.

The six-foot-two, 200-pound Ottawa native leapt into Scadinavium arena's flimsy glass in celebration.

"Some of the boys thought the glass was going down," he said. "Kind of blacked out."

Allard was limited by injury last season, which no doubt played a part in him not getting drafted in June. It seems unlikely that will be the case again in six months time.

"Wins an opportunity to play here," Letang said. "He's going to enjoy every moment."

Video review goes Canada's way

Finland finally got one past Rousseau on a power play 2:15 later when Kaskimaki tipped a shot.

Celebrini hit the crossbar in the third, but wouldn't be denied seconds later at 6:38 when he pushed the puck over the line on a scramble that required video review.

The 17-year-old Vancouver native and presumptive top pick at the 2024 draft wasn't available to reporters post-game after being whisked away by doping control.

"Pretty confident in our video guy," Letang said of the review. "When he calls down there's usually a reason."

Poitras scored into an empty net with 2:26 left in regulation before Lassila got a consolation goal with 64 seconds remaining. Lamoureux then added his empty netter.

Canada is in Group A with the Finns, Swedes, Latvia and Germany. Group B consists of the U.S., the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland and Norway.

Thousands of Canadians have descended on this city of roughly 600,000 on Sweden's west coast for the tournament. The stands were painted red on Boxing Day.

"Incredible seeing the amount of fans," Rousseau said. "Cheering for us on this ice, in this rink. It means a lot."

Along with Allard and Celebrini, he meant a lot to Canada in a solid curtain-raising performance.

Goal song

Canada's management settled on "Ordinary Day" by Great Big Sea as the country's goal song to succeed last year's "Heave Away" pick by The Fables.

Allard said the players weren't sure when it was first played at a team meeting Monday.

"A bit skeptical," he explained. "But as we heard it with the fans and everything, it was really good."

Part of the reason for the skepticism might be the tune was released in 1997 — long before any of them were born.

"To be honest, no," Allard said when asked if he'd heard the song prior to Monday. "But we're hearing it lots now, and hopefully we'll hear it lots throughout the tournament.

"It's got a good ring."

Canada faces Latvia on Wednesday, while Finland takes on Germany.

Slovakia beat Czechia 6-2, Sweden beat Latvia 6-0 and the United States beat Norway 4-1 in the other games. Gavin Brindley scored twice in a 2:33 span of the second period for the Americans, who got 22 saves from Trey Augustine.

"I thought we got better as the game went on," U.S. coach David Carle said. "And our goaltending was excellent. We have some things to work on, but it's nice to get a win to start the tournament."

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Canada Opens World Juniors Against Finland This Morning - VOCM

The World Junior Hockey Championship kicks off this morning but the start times may take some getting used to.

The first game is at 7:30 NST this morning while Canada and Finland square off at 10:00 NST. Canada plays Latvia tomorrow afternoon.

There is nobody from Newfoundland and Labrador on the team this time around.

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Raiders stun sloppy Chiefs with two defensive TDs in victory on Christmas Day - TSN

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The smell of the victory cigars wafted down the tunnel beneath Arrowhead Stadium, straight from the Las Vegas Raiders in the celebratory visiting locker room to the despondent home locker room of the Kansas City Chiefs.

For one, the scent of success. For the other, the stench of a sloppy mess.

Taking advantage of two defensive touchdowns for the second straight week, and riding an aggressive mindset that shut down Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Kansas City offense, the Raiders held off the Chiefs 20-14 on Monday to not only deny their longtime AFC West rival another division crown but keep their postseason hopes alive.

“That was one of our mantras," Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce said afterward, “by any means necessary."

That meant big defensive tackle Bilal Nichols returning a fumble 8 yards for a touchdown, and Jack Jones taking an interception 33 yards for another score 7 seconds later. It meant Aidan O'Connell never completing a pass after the first quarter, yet also never making the same mistakes that Mahomes made for Kansas City on a soggy Christmas Day.

The Raiders (7-8) became the first NFL team since 2000 to win without completing a pass after the first quarter, and only the fifth team to beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium without scoring an offensive touchdown.

“Obviously this was a huge game. It's a rivalry game,” O'Connell said. “We play them twice a year, every year, so to come into Arrowhead Stadium and win a game like this, it's pretty awesome. It's pretty special for our guys.”

Kansas City (9-6) hardly helped its cause: Along with allowing the two defensive TDs, Harrison Butker missed a chip-shot field goal, penalties and dropped passes were again a problem, and twice they failed to convert on fourth down in the second half.

“They played a better game than we did today,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team has lost three of four. “On offense we struggled. That’s my responsibility to make sure we put the guys in the right position to make plays, and that didn’t happen the way we wanted it to. I take full responsibility for the way we played offensively there."

The Chiefs still had a chance in the closing minutes Monday to clinch their eighth straight AFC West title and keep their hopes alive for the No. 1 seed.

But after Mahomes hit Justin Watson for a touchdown with 2:42 to go, the Raiders' Zamir White broke loose for a 43-yard gain, picking up a first down that allowed them to run out the clock.

Mahomes finished 27 of 44 for 235 yards and the interception; he nearly threw a second but it was overturned upon review.

The Raiders, playing without injured running back Josh Jacobs, won despite a dismal day from their offense. White ran for 145 yards, but much of that came on the final possession. O'Connell was just 9 of 21 for 62 yards, the Raiders were 0 for 3 in the red zone and 3 for 12 on third down, and they had seven fewer first downs than Kansas City.

All that mattered was the score, though.

“That's why it's a team sport,” O'Connell said. “It was a team win.”

Reid had spent the past few weeks lamenting the mental mistakes that kept costing the defending Super Bowl champs, and they made more of them Monday than they had in any game this season.

They went three-and-out on consecutive series to start a game for only the second time with Mahomes at quarterback. They were held to minus-18 yards in the first quarter, the second-worst total for the club since at least 1991. And the reigning league MVP was sacked twice in those two series, while more offensive penalties only made matters worse.

The Chiefs took the lead early when Isiah Pacheco took a direct snap 12 yards for a touchdown, and Las Vegas gave the ball right back after a punt. But when Pacheco again took a direct snap and tried to hand to Mahomes, they bobbled the exchange and the 315-pound Nichols was there to scoop it up and run for the touchdown.

On the next offensive play for Kansas City, Mahomes was picked off by Jones, whose 33-yard return gave Las Vegas its fourth defensive TD in the past two weeks, along with a 17-7 lead over its longtime divisional nemesis.

Then, Jones appeared to play the Grinch when he faked giving the ball to a kid wearing Chiefs clothes in the crowd.

The defensive scores made it 17-7, and it was still that way when Butker missed his field goal before halftime. The Raiders added one in the third quarter, and that was all the scoring they needed to end a six-game skid against Kansas City.

STATS AND STREAKS

The Raiders have five defensive TDs this season, their most since 2005. ... The first quarter was the best by the Raiders defense since holding the Chargers to minus-21 yards on Dec. 1, 1991. ... Rashee Rice had six catches to reach 74 for the season, breaking the Chiefs rookie record of 70 set by Dwayne Bowe in 2007. ... Malcolm Koonce had three sacks for the Raiders.

INJURIES

Chiefs: Pacheco went into the concussion protocol in the third quarter when his helmet popped off and he was kicked in the head. ... RG Trey Smith hurt his leg in the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT

The Raiders visit Indianapolis on Sunday.

The Chiefs play Cincinnati on Sunday.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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Manchester United announces deal to sell up to 25% of EPL club to UK billionaire Jim Ratcliffe - Sports - Castanet.net

Photo: The Canadian Press

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — After failing to win the Premier League in the last 10 years, Manchester United announced Sunday that it had agreed to sell a minority stake in the storied club to Jim Ratcliffe in a deal that would also see the British billionaire and boyhood fan take control of its soccer operations.

“We all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football,” Ratcliffe said Sunday.

The record 20-time league champions have not won the title since former manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, prompting increased anger toward the Glazer family, United's American owners.

The announcement of a deal came more than a year after the club was put up for sale.

Ratcliffe, who owns petrochemicals giant INEOS and is one of Britain’s richest people, has secured a stake of “up to 25%” in United and will invest $300 million in its Old Trafford stadium.

Ratcliffe will provide $200 million upon completion of the deal and a further $100 million by the end of 2024, United said. In total the deal will be worth around $1.6 billion, including the $300 million of funding.

The deal is subject to approval by the Premier League.

United is currently eighth in the league and has already been eliminated from European competition. Under-fire manager Eric ten Hag watched his team lose 2-0 at West Ham on Saturday, United's 13th defeat in 26 games in all competitions this season.

Ratcliffe, who was born in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, had originally bid to buy the entire majority share of around 69% held by the Glazers.

“As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the club,” Ratcliffe said.

“Whilst the commercial success of the club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times. We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford."

The transaction will be funded by Trawlers Limited — a company wholly owned by Ratcliffe — without any debt, United said. United fans have been critical of the leveraged nature of the Glazers’ buyout that loaded debt onto the club, as well as a perceived lack of investment and the dividends taken out by the owners.

Trawlers was named after a famous quote by former United great Eric Cantona. The Frenchman said at a news conference in 1995: “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”

Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer, United executive co-chairmen and directors, said in the statement: “Sir Jim and INEOS bring a wealth of commercial experience as well as significant financial commitment into the club. ... Manchester United has talented people right across the club and our desire is to always improve at every level to help bring our great fans more success in the future.”

In November last year, the Glazers announced plans to seek new investment and instructed US merchant bank Raine to oversee the process, which included the potential of a full sale.

Ratcliffe had been in competition with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to buy out the Glazers, who also own the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But after months of protracted negotiations Sheikh Jassim withdrew his bid in October to leave Ratcliffe in position to take a minority share in the club.

Sheikh Jassim always maintained he was interested in a complete takeover.

United said Ratcliffe had paid $33 per share.

‘MIXED FEELINGS’

Uncertainty over the ownership had led to fan protests outside the club’s Old Trafford stadium, while chants of “Glazers out” have been regularly heard during games.

While Ratcliffe was long seen by fans as a popular potential owner, his minority investment means the Glazers remain in place, despite years of fan campaigns to drive them out.

Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) felt fans would be left with “mixed feelings” after Ratcliffe’s investment left the Glazers still in overall charge.

“We welcome the investment from a boyhood red, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS company, but many will wish his ownership stake was greater than the initially rumored 25%," MUST said. "We note the statements that he and his team will control sporting activities, yet puzzle how any organization can put its very core business in the hands of a minority shareholder, and how that meaningfully works in practice."

MUST added: “Today might — just might — be a step forward for Manchester United after some very difficult years."

The late tycoon Malcolm Glazer bought United in 2005 for 790 million pounds (then about $1.4 billion) amid a backlash from supporters.

Ratcliffe is said to be worth around $15 billion and tried to buy Premier League club Chelsea last year.

He already owns French soccer club Nice, cycling team INEOS Grenadiers, and is a one-third shareholder of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team. INEOS Britannia competes in the America’s Cup.

WHAT'S NEXT?

INEOS' responsibility for the management of United's soccer operations is set to include “all aspects” of both the men’s and women’s teams as well as the academies.

Just how Ratcliffe and INEOS will implement those on a day-to-day basis remains to be seen.

United’s statement noted the deal was still “subject to customary regulatory approvals” which is expected to take some time. The process must be ratified by the Premier League and also an official announcement made via the New York Stock Exchange.

There have been suggestions it could take up to six weeks for changes to the club’s ownership to be established with all the relevant parties.

BAD TIMING?

Former United captain Gary Neville attacked the timing of the announcement, which came at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

“Manchester United 2023 has been a disgrace to the end," the soccer pundit wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The timing of this is truly awful and no functioning organization would even think about it."

Neville added: "Anyway all the very best to Jim Ratcliffe and I hope he can somehow work out a way to get the club right again and back to being something respectable on and off the pitch.”

___

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Seven Canadian NHL team prospects to watch at World Juniors - TSN

For fans of Canada’s NHL teams, this year’s World Juniors is a big opportunity to watch their team’s best prospects playing on one of the biggest stages the game has to offer.

Coverage of the 2024 World Juniors begins on Boxing Day with Slovakia vs. Czechia at 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT on TSN3 and streaming on TSN.ca and the TSN App. 

The United States and Sweden are gold-medal favourites with a rematch of the 2022 U18 championship game a distinct possibility with many players from those teams returning from that tournament.

Here are seven Canadian NHL team prospects to watch in Gothenburg.

Lane Hutson – United States (Canadiens)

Since being drafted 62nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2022, Hutson has done everything to prove the organization was right to take a chance on the undersized defenceman.

Now 5-foot-10, Hutson has eight goals and 20 points in 15 games with Boston University this season. This comes after a dominant rookie season in 2022-23, where he scored 15 goals with 48 points in 39 games.

He was named an associate captain for Team USA.

“He could end up being the best defenceman in the tournament,” said TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button. “There is no stage too big for Lane Hutson. He’s brilliant; emanates from his head to his hands into his feet.”

As an 18-year-old in last year’s tournament, Hutson had one goal and three assists to help the Americans win bronze. He has skated in nine games for the United States at the World Championships in the spring, scoring twice with four assists.

Samuel Honzek – Slovakia (Flames)

Honzek’s World Junior tournament was cut short last year after sustaining a skate cut to his left calf that caused him to be out of action for two months.

It didn’t prevent the Calgary Flames from drafting the Trencin, Slovakia native 16th overall in June‘s draft after he scored 23 goals with 56 points in 43 games with the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants in 2022-23.

However, injury struck again during training camp, as Honzek suffered a lower-body injury in an NHL preseason game on Oct. 4 that caused him to miss the first two months of the season. He made his season debut for the Giants on Dec. 1 and had three goals and eight points in five games.

Now in his third World Junior tournament, he was chosen as an associate captain for Slovakia.

“Samuel is big, strong,” said Button. “He’s an equal playmaker and goal scorer. His abilities to push inside the dots to push to the net not only gives him, if he sees the opening, he’s going to drive the puck to the net.

“But if the opening isn’t there, it’s going to create openings elsewhere. So his playmaking skills and goal scoring work hand in hand. He can exploit those opportunities either way.”

Filip Mesar – Slovakia (Canadiens)

Like Honzek, Mesar is returning for his third World Juniors for Slovakia and will wear an ‘A’.

Mesar, who was drafted 26th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2022, is off to a hot start in his second Ontario Hockey League season with the Kitchener Rangers. In 20 games this season, he has 13 goals and 32 points.

“One of their most skilled players,” said Button of Mesar. “Filip is going to be counted upon to provide offence and he’s capable. This is his third World Junior tournament. To be able to get in there and be a leader and be able to provide offence, it’s really, really significant.”

Mesar also skated in two games with the AHL’s Laval Rocket earlier this season, recording one assist.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki – Sweden (Canucks)

After a down season offensively in 2022-23, Lekkerimaki has rebounded this season.

Drafted 15th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2022, the 19-year-old has 10 goals and 16 points in 24 games with Orebro in the Swedish Hockey League.

At last year’s World Juniors, he had one goal and four points in seven games as Sweden finished fourth. At the 2022 tournament, he helped Sweden win bronze.

“Offensively gifted, he’s got a really strong, deceptive shot,” said Button of Lekkerimaki. “He’s quick, he’s fast. If you take away the shot, he can make plays. He led the U18 tournament in 2022, when Sweden won the gold medal, in scoring. He’s a frontline player for Sweden.”

At the 2022 U18s, Lekkerimaki had five goals and 15 points in six games as he helped Sweden win its second title at the tournament.

Tom Willander – Sweden (Canucks)

Another Canucks first-rounder, Vancouver snagged the defenceman 11th overall in June’s draft after a strong 2022-23 season with Rogle BK J20 in Sweden.

As a rookie this season with Boston University, Willander has three goals and eight points in 15 games this season.

“He’s like Charlie McAvoy in my view,” said Button. “He’s robust. He’s going to be a factor in some many different areas. Big minutes, hard defensively, good offensively, in transition. Him and Axel Sandin-Pellikka are going to be linchpins on that blueline.”

At the 2023 U18s, he had three goals and eight points in seven games as Sweden earned silver.

Tomas Hamara – Czechia (Senators)

A third-round pick (87th overall) by the Ottawa Senators in 2022, Hamara is skating in his second OHL season.

On Nov. 11, he was traded from the Kitchener Rangers to the Brantford Bulldogs. In 32 games split between the two teams, he has one goal and 11 points.

The Prague native is skating in his World Juniors for Czechia after helping the team earn silver in last year’s tournament.

“He’s more to the offensive side of the game with respect to jumping into the attack. He’s a real good skater,” said Button of Hamara. “He’s bold.”

Rutger McGroarty – United States (Jets)

A punctured lung and fractured rib suffered in mid-November put McGroarty’s tournament in jeopardy, but he has healed enough to play and was named captain for the United States.

Taken 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets at the 2022 NHL Draft, McGroarty has six goals and 18 points in 13 games with the University of Michigan this season.

At the 2022 U18s, he helped the Americans earn silver and took home bronze at last year’s World Juniors after notching seven points in seven games.

“Rutger simply put, is the heartbeat of the team,” said Button. “He is the model of ‘I’m here for one reason: to win. I’m here to show you how to win. I’m here to lead the way in winning.’

“He’s a dyed-in-the-wool competitor. There’s players that compete and there’s players who love competing. Rutger is that player.”

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