The Sports Corner

Canadian Content: WJHC selection camp named

It’s about time.

With three weeks until the start of the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships - opening on boxing day -, Team Canada has finally named the selection camp roster that will take part at the December 11-15 camp in Ottawa.

From that camp, 38 players will be cut down to the 22-man roster that will defend the four-year gold medal reign for Canada in the winter classic tournament. And judging from the personnel selected to this camp, the chances of another championship is strong.

This team might not be experienced in terms of World Junior appearances, as only four players are returning from last year’s team, but the talent is still there.

When it comes to breaking down the squad, 18 players are from the WHL, 11 from the OHL, 5 from the QMJHL, and 4 from NCAA. 31 of the players have already been drafted by an NHL team in the past two years, while six are eligible for this upcoming draft, and one (Taylor Hall) will be made available for the 2010 draft.

In addition to the list below, eight others are still eligible with the option of being added to the selection camp if their NHL team agrees to release them. This includes Kyle Turris (Phoenix Coyotes), Colton Gillies (Minnesota Wild), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning), Brandon Sutter (Carolina Hurricanes), Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings), Luke Schenn (Toronto Maple Leafs), Josh Bailey (NY Islanders), and Sam Gagner (Edmonton Oilers).

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, of those NHL players, the best possibility of being released would be Colton Gillies of Minnesota, but that would still be a long shot.

Now it’ll be up to coach Pat Quinn and his staff to determine who makes the final cut onto the main roster, as there are not too many sure-spots as of yet. The decision will be tough, that’s for sure.

Here are TSC’s picks for a guarantee roster spot - barring injuries:

Goaltenders

This will be an interesting battle to watch as none of the four goalies truly stand out ahead of the others. The best chance though will probably be given to Tri-City’s Chet Pickard - the CHL goaltender of the year last season - who at 6′3″ just might find himself being the number one stopper for Canada come December 26. Look for either Allen or Sexsmith to back him up.

Defense

Although the absence of Toronto’s Luke Schenn and L.A.’s Drew Doughty puts a damper on a possible destructive defensive unit, the pickings are still strong for Canada.

Thomas Hickey - Being one of the four returning players, the Seattle Thunderbirds blueliner might still have to fight for a roster spot as the defensive corp this time around will be hard to select. Hickey have been considered overrated at times, especially due to his high draft position (4th overall by L.A. in 2007).

Alex Pietrangelo - Having started the season with St. Louis before suffering an injury and then being sent back to junior, most would think the fourth overall pick in 2008 will be a sure choice for the team. However, it’ll be up to him to fight for a spot, but with his offensive talent, Canada would have to come up with a good reason to overlook this 6′3″ machine.

P.K. Subban - Another returning player, the Montreal prospect looks like he’ll take a leadership role on this team, along with the toughness aspect. This tournament will be a good opportunity for the scoring Subban to showcase any improvement of his own game when it comes to playing in his own zone - something that needs more work on.

Colten Teubert - The Luke Schenn of this tournament. Teubert is the shut-down defensemen (most likely paired with Hickey, both L.A. prospects) that will hope to contain the onslaught of the Russians, Swedes and Americans. His toughness will also not go unnoticed, as fans should “start getting excited about this kid” since he’ll be making several “Pierre McGuire’s Monster” appearances throughout the championships.

Ryan Ellis - Although he is the only undrafted defensemen on this TSC list and the only one at the selection camp, it’s hard to overlook such offensive talent. Currently, Ellis is second in OHL scoring with 45 points, two ahead of Tavares and four behind teammate Hall. The Windsor blueliner will be looking to boost his ratings even higher if he can put forth a strong international performance.

Tangible: Tyler Cuma - A 67’s defensemen playing in host city Ottawa? Don’t be surprised if he fills one of the seven defensive spots.

Forwards

John Tavares - He’s a no brainer. The centre will be looking to take an even bigger role this time around at the tournament and will be the main offensive force. All eyes will be on the number one ranked prospects at the 2009 NHL entry draft.

Zach Boychuk - He’s a name Canadian fans are familiar with as Boychuk played on the team last season. The Lethbridge prospect probably already has his name written down on the final roster card, and it is really his to lose. Unless he has a terrible selection camp, look for Boychuk to be in the lineup come the start of the tournament.

Angelo Esposito - Already having set a record for four straight camp selections, Esposito will look to finally crack the lineup after being rejected in the past three. The skilled Montreal native will be a tough pick to cut, as his offensive talents and speed will be needed. But also, just let this poor kid finally make the team.

Taylor Hall - The next NHL sensation will no doubt be given a good long look at the selection camp. Already leading the OHL in scoring, Hall is the only 2010 draft eligible player at this camp and has a great chance at making the main squad. However, due to his age, if he does land a spot, look for Hall to probably be given third or fourth line roles, much like how Stamkos and Tavares were in those position at times last year.

Cody Hodgson - A possible candidate for captain, Hodgson will most likely be given top-two line duties, playing as the set-up man. The Vancouver prospect has past international leadership experience, while his maturity level will be a major asset in the locker room.

Matt Duchene - His downfall might be due to the separated shoulder he has only just recovered from, as Duchene will need to find his game back and quick. If he does in fact make the team, a good Brampton Battalion combination will be something to watch for as he would probably be lining up beside teammate Hodgson.

Dana Tyrell - A possible checking line firecracker for Team Canada, Tyrell was part of the Superseries last year but failed to make the Junior team. This time around, he just might be providing the energy night in and night out for this Canadian squad.

Jordan Eberle - If Canada needs goals, look for Eberle to be called upon. His game is offense, but his downfall will be size, grit, and toughness. He might not be the kind of player that Quinn will look for in his team but 42 goals last season in Regina should not be overlooked.

Tangible: Tyler Ennis - He is the only player at this camp whose junior coach is part of the coaching staff as Team Canada assistant Willie Desjardins heads the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. That might get him a leg up in terms of decision time, but Ennis has enough skill-wise to earn himself a roster spot.

Complete roster list from TSN:

Goaltenders

Defence

Forwards

* Returning player
Head Coach: Pat Quinn (Hockey Canada)
Assistant Coach: Guy Boucher (Drummondville, QMJHL)
Assistant Coach: Dave Cameron (Mississauga St. Michael’s, QMJHL)
Assistant Coach: Willie Desjardins (Medicine Hat, WHL)