2014 World Junior Hockey Championship – Group A Preview

U.S.A

Last Year:  After a bold pre-tournament statement from 18 year old defenseman Seth Jones, team USA went out and backed it up, winning the Gold Medal for the second time in 4 years.  They beat Sweden in the final.

Returning Players:  F Riley Barber, F Ryan Hartman, G John Gillies

Key Missing NHL players:  Seth Jones, Jacob Trouba, Alex Galchenyuk

Ottawa Interests:  F Quentin Shore was Ottawa’s 6th round pick in the 2013 NHL draft

Key Players:  F – Captain Riley Barber had 3 goals and 6 points in last year’s tournament.    D – Ian McCoshen was the first pick of the second round of the 2013 Draft (Florida Panthers)  G- Gillies played one period last year, while Thatcher Demko is the top ranked goalie for next summer’s draft.

Draft Watch:  Jack Eichel is considered Connor McDavid’s top competition for the #1 pick in 2015.  Demko is the only 2014 draft eligible player.

Key To Victory:  This is an older team, with 22 of the 24 players having already been drafted by NHL clubs.  They lack the star power of last year’s version but the USA Hockey program has begun to develop a system where they will compete at the top level every year.

Projected Round Robin Finish:  The New Year’s eve battle with Canada will mean the difference between first and second in the group and likely the difference between playing the Swiss in the quarterfinal if they finish 1st or having to face the pesky Finns or talented Russians if they finish 2nd

Potential Finish:  The USA should be in the top 4, and play for a medal.  I don’t think they are in the same league as the Swedes or the Canadians, but if they can win that New Year’s Eve game it could pave an easier road for them to slip into the gold medal game.  They will likely finish3rd or 4th.