WJC selection camp game two

Game two at the World Junior team selection camp answered nearly all of the questions game one produced.

Team red dominated the up-tempo game, and scored a decisive 4-0 win for their efforts. They were led offensively by Zach Boychuck, and got stellar goaltending from Tyson Sexsmith and Steve Mason.

And at that, let’s start in goal. I have it on good authority that Hockey Canada considers Steve Mason the next Roberto Luongo, and the starting job is his. Jonathan Bernier will back him up, and incumbent Leland Irving will be sent back to Everett of the Western League. As expected, Sexsmith will be sent back to Vancouver (WHL), but he played well and will likely be invited back next year.

On to the defense. And from here on in, it’s speculation. Either Drew Doughty or PK Subban will take the sixth blue line spot, and the other be sent back to their junior team, as will Andrew Bodnarchuk, Josh Godfrey, Brendan Smith, Ty Wishart and Kevin Marshall, who could still be in the mix for the seventh spot.

Karl Alzner was absolutely dominant Wednesday night. He took a giant step forward, and is undoubtedly the leader of the defense corps.
Keaton Ellerby looked a whole lot more interested Wednesday night than he did Tuesday night. He played a very strong game and cemented his spot on the roster.
Thomas Hickey was as good for Team Red as Alzner was for Team White Wednesday night. It’s hard to describe just how good the left side of Canada’s defense will be.
Logan Pyett’s best moment came during a Team White penalty kill. He was killing with John Tavares, and helping Tavares with his positioning the whole time they were on the ice together. Pyett is a natural leader, and versatile defender that can be effective in all three zones.
Luke Schenn was a rock. Again. He will lead the Canadian defense physically. Teamed with Hickey in both games, the pair looked like they’ve played together for 15 years.

After seeing some surprises up front Tuesday night, the cream rose to the top Wednesday night. Surprisingly, Kyle Turris never seemed to find a rhythm in either game. He headlines the list of bubble players, and should have an inside track thanks to his exceptional vision and playmaking ability. Among fellow offensive bubblers Angelo Esposito and Ryan White, Turris is the best penalty killer, which should also give him an edge in the battle for the 12th forward spot.

Esposito and White played in the first period like they were trying to make up for lackluster efforts Tuesday night. It only lasted 20 minutes though. Esposito was being knocked off the puck with stick checks by the midway point of the game, and White pulled his now-familiar second period disappearing act. At least one of these two guys will return to their junior team Friday.

Brett MacLean or Shawn Matthias will likely be the 13th forward. Matthias showed great chemistry playing on a line with Steven Stamkos and Matt Halischuk, which may give him the inside track. Riley Holzapfel and Mathieu Perreault were good Tuesday and Wednesday night respectively, but it’s doubtful either of them will make the team.

Zach Boychuk has surprising good hands. He will excel in an energy role, and pot the odd big goal. Great shootout move.
Colton Gillies was not as dominant Wednesday night as he was Tuesday night, but was still among the best forwards on the ice. He hustles every shift, and never makes a bad play.
Matt Halischuk flew under the radar Tuesday night, but after reading a Sportsnet.com column about him Wednesday, I paid a little extra attention to him. Even without the column, I would have. His line with Matthias and Stamkos was the best line from either team Wednesday night.
Zach Hamill is a coach’s dream. He will be an instrumental part of Canada’s penalty killing unit.
Stefan Legein came very close to fighting with Brad Marchand. Both guys compete at all times and play the same kind of game. Teamed with Boychuk and Marchand, this trio would wreak enough havoc to tear all of Prague down.
Brad Marchand jerseys were available at the concession stand… I guess he’ll make the team.
Wayne Simmonds is my favourite player from either night. He brought even more physical play Wednesday night, and showed he can work effectively in the corners. There is no reason whatsoever to send him back to the Soo (OHL).
Steven Stamkos is going to be the first overall pick in June. He’s not the most talented player on this team, but he is a catalyst and has a knack for making things happen.
Brandon Sutter played well enough Wednesday night to warrant a spot on the team. He may be used solely as a defensive specialist, which would be a good thing.
John Tavares showed commitment to the defensive game Wednesday night, and showed he belongs on this team.
Dana Tyrell is too smart to send back to Prince George (WHL), and deserves a letter.

All in all, things look very good heading into the tournament. Word is the final roster will be announced Thursday afternoon, and Thursday night’s intra-squad game will be cancelled. So let’s see how close I came.