[News] IIHF U-18 Tournament

[Sandman]

Apr.21:

-Canada starts tourney on a down note, getting shellacked by Sweden, 8-0. Looked like Canada was in awe of the bigger ice surface in Switzerland, although Sweden did a good job taking away the middle of the ice. D Axel Sandin-Pelikka was the star for Sweden, with 1 goal, and 4 assists, and he looked spectacular. D Cam Allen, who is wearing the C, was Team Canada MVP. C Otto Stenberg had 4 points, forwards Zeb Fjorsfall and Anton Wahlberg had 3 apiece, and D Theo Lindstein had 2 points. Two Canadians were ejected from the game- Porter Martone in the 2nd for Boarding, and Andrew Gibson for Elbowing.

-US beats Latvia,7-1. Cole Hutson and Ryan Leonard led the way with 3 points apiece, while Will Smith, Gabe Perrault, Carey Terrance, Oliver Moore, and Cole Eiserman each had 2 points.

-Slovakia beat the Czechs, 3-2 in a SO. Eduard Sale had a goal for the Czechs, while Dalibor Dvorsky was held off the scoresheet for Slovakia.

-Finland beats the Swiss, 4-2. F Jesse Nurmi had 2 points for the Finns.

[Sandman]

A few takeaways:

-Dragicevic was a team worst -5. His skating isn't bad, but he needs to work on it, as his deficiencies were exploited on the big ice, by a very fast Swedish squad. Good with the puck on his stick, not so good without it- but there's more games to play.

-Colby Barlow has an NHL-calibre shot, and a non-stop motor. Looking for more from him. He played in all situations, including PK.

-Andrew Cristall is a sparkplug-full of energy, good vision, good shot. Excellent puck-protection, which is good for a player with diminutive stature.

-Don't sleep on D Tristan Bertucci, he has everything you want in a top-4 defenseman- size, skating, smarts. It was hard, though, to be enamored with anyone on Team Canada tonight, especially the D.

-Despite both being -2, Defensemen Cam Allen and Caden Price are both excellent two-way players, and they take pride in their own-zone play. Both are modern-day defensemen, with great backwards skating, gap control, and are excellent in transition.

-D Quinton Burns is a throwback D- physical, blocks shots, punishing in front of the net, relentless motor. He had an excellent game.

-I'm not as concerned about Matthew Wood's skating as I was before-don't get me wrong, he needs to work on it, but he keeps his legs pumping and works hard.

-I can see why scouts love RW/C Alex Pharand- he's a human wrecking ball. Fast, big, physical, makes life miserable for opponents.

-D Axel Sandin Pelikka has better stats in the J20 Liiga than Erik Karlsson did in his draft year, and Karlsson only had 7 points in 6 games at the U-18's. ASP already has 5 points after 1 U-18 game. This kid should be the first D taken in this year's draft, I think he'll be a superstar. Good game from his d-partner, Theo Lindstein- who, last year, was projected to be a top-10 pick in this year's draft, but has tumbled all the way down to second-round consideration. Definitely not as explosive as ASP, but smart and skilled in his own right.

-I can see why C Otto Stenberg is getting first-round attention. He sees seams for passes that few players can pick up. Supreme vision and IQ.

-I liked what I saw from winger Noel Nordh. He's big, skates well, and uses his body in puck battles. Not sure if he'll ever be a top-6 player in the NHL, though. Not intimidated by his Canadian counterparts, has a little chip on his shoulder.

-C Anton Wahlberg was impressive, putting up a goal and 3 points. 6'3" Center who skates well (yes, please), and has skill, and a great shot. They say he's more of a goal-scorer, and could use his teammates better, but he had no trouble being creative tonight. I really like this kid.

-I like C Noah Dower-Nilsson for the same reasons I liked his brother, Liam- both are average-sized, but both are skilled, fast, well-rounded players. NDN is a pass-first player, but will drive the net like a power forward. Non-stop motor.

[Sandman]

Apr.21:

-Team Canada rebounds, albeit against a more inferior team than Sweden, to defeat Germany, 8-0. Team Canada Goalie Carson Bjarnason barely broke a sweat, facing only 11 shots, while his counterpart, Leon Willerscheid, stopped 42 of 50. Lukas Dragicevic rebounded in a big way, being named Canada's star of the game, even though he only showed up on the scoresheet with 1 goal. He was everywhere on the ice today. Nick Lardis had a hattrick, Calum Ritchie had a goal and 4 points, Matthew Wood potted 2, Porter Martone had 3 points, and 16 yo phenom Macklin Celebrini had 3 assists.

-Finland beats Latvia,5-2. F Rasmus Kumpulainen was Finland's player of the game with 2 goals.

-Sweden beats Slovakia, 5-3. It was a good game, with the Slovaks tying it up at 3 late in the game (with help from the officials), before Sweden scored again, and added an empty-netter. Sweden's David Edstrom was player of the game, while Latvia Goalie, Samuel Urban, was Latvia's MVP. Sweden plays a fast, aggressive style with pace. Sandin-Pelikka was great again today, but his partner Theo Lindstein was awesome, with a goal and 2 assists.

-Swiss beat Norway, 5-0.

[Sandman]

Double post

[Sandman]

Thoughts from today:

-16 year-old F Macklin Celebrini doesn't get the same press as Shane Wright did at the same age, and I have to wonder why? He led the USHL this year in goals and points, and he's not draft-eligible until 2024! His ppg of 1.72 is way ahead of the next best ppg of 1.35. Today, in the U-18's, he had 3 assists, and could've had more, if not for the stellar play of the German goalie. This kid is fast, and his brain is even faster. Sees the ice incredibly well, good shooter, supreme IQ.

-Calum Ritchie was invisible yesterday, but looked great today. His skating is excellent, he uses his size well, and is equally a shooter as he is a playmaker. His stat line took a hit this year in the OHL, because of the team he played on, but make no mistake- this kid is up there with Barlow. Plays a well-rounded, two-way game.

-Barlow had no points today, but he was again counted on in all situations, including PK duty. He skates well, but has room for improvement. His best attribute is his wide array of shots, and deceptive release- he even had a between-the-legs shot that just went off the goalie's shoulder today. He sometimes tries to do too much, and force plays. He reminds me a lot of Mason McTavish. Very good motor.

-Captain Cam Allen is a beauty, potting 2 assists today in 19:07 TOI. Plays the right way, taking care of his own end first. He's great in transition, and is one those facilitators that will get a ton of "third assists". Great skater, great thinker. D Caden Price only played just over 10 minutes- can't recall him getting injured...

-I like LW Andrew Cristall because he doesn't need to be flashy, like a Bedard. He's fast, skilled, and always around the puck. Like I said yesterday- I like his puck-protection, it will serve him well. Uses a ton of deception, too- little head fakes, and stick manouvres to shake off defenders, and fool goalies.

-Dragicevic was the player of the game today. His goal was basically an end-to-end goal off the rush, high corner stick side. Obviously, nobody told him he has skating issues- in other terms, he moves just fine, and will only get better. Manned the point well today, walking the line, and keeping the puck in the zone. I still think he's worthy of first-round consideration. Showed plenty of skill in transition today.

-RW Nick Lardis was first pick in the OHL Priority Draft a few years back by Peterborough, but was traded this season to Hamilton after putting up only 19 points in 36 games for the Petes. The move paid off in a big way, as Lardis put up 25 goals, and 46 points in 33 games for the Bulldogs, and reall opened eyes in the scouting world. His stellar play has continued in the U-18's, being very creative and dangerous yesterday, in addition to putting up 3 goals today. Lardis has the kind of speed that intimidates, and has as good a wrist shot as anyone in this draft class. He also topped fitness testing at the CHL Top Prospects Game. High IQ, high motor-he'll go early in the second round, if he doesn't sneak into the first.

-David Edstrom is a 6'3" Center who moves well, and likes to go to the net. He plays a simple game, but an effective one, with 2-way acumen (+6 in 2 games), and skill. He put up a ppg in the J20 Liiga, and from all accounts, he aquitted himself well in 11 SHL games, playing with men. He was Sweden's Player of the Game today, leading all forwards in ice-time.

-C Zeb Forsfjall is small, but his contributions to his team in this tournament are huge. He has 5 points in 2 games, and has been a real offensive facilitator for Sweden. Despite his diminutive stature (5'9"), he plays with no fear, competing in the hard areas, playing a solid 2-way game, hassling puck-carriers, and hounding the puck. Good skater, with nice edges-changes speed and direction in no time.

-I've really liked what I've seen from D Theo Lindstein. Sandin-Pelikka is definitely more flashy, and will certainly be one of the first D-men taken in the draft this year, while Lindstein has seen his stock drop from being a potential top-10 pick, to being seen as a mid-second rounder. This is a similar situation to that of Caden Price, and Cam Allen, in that all 3 have dedicated their efforts into being good defensively. Lindstein is the first player coming back defensively when he's on the ice, and he's often the one transitioning the other way. He's a bit of a TJ Brodie-type, which ain't bad at all. His goal today was a seeing-eye shot through traffic, nice wrister top corner.

-D Tom Willander is big (6'1"), and has a very smooth stride. Very mobile, and a great 2-way player with puck skill and smarts. Look for him in the second round.

-I Liked C Anton Wahlberg again today. He scored the game-winner by intercepting a pass near the top of the circle, skating to the middle, and unleashing a hard wrister high glove corner. He skates and stickhandles well, 6'3", plays a well-rounded game, and of course- he has a great shot. Shows creativity, but is a bit more goalscorer than playmaker perhaps. Uses his size well in battles, and has no problem carrying the puck in transition.

-C Dalibor Dvorsky is having a disappointing tourney so far, only 1 assist in 2 games. He has the size, but his skating is a little rough- he needs work on his agility, and acceleration, but it's not too bad. I think he's trying to do too much himself, so he's hard to track. One thing that has been on display is his wide array of shots, and his quick, deceptive release. He almost scored today on a backhand from 20 feet out. The good thing is that he pays attention to his defensive responsibilities, and comes hard on the backcheck. He's big and quite strong, and uses it well in battles, and in front of the net.

[kobasew19]

Sandman thanks for the insight! This is great!

[Jiri Hrdina]

I am very intrigued by Sandin Pelikka
Could be a home run pick

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

I am very intrigued by Sandin Pelikka
Could be a home run pick

That team flows through their D, in particular Sandin-Pelikka and Lindstein. ASP might just be the best player in the tournament so far.

[Sandman]

Apr.22:

-Czechs beat Germany, 7-1. D Jakub Dvorak had 3 points, while forwards Eduard Sale,and Vojtek Hradek had 2 points apiece.

-USA beat Norway, 12-1. Gabe Perreault set a new single-season USNTDP points record (121), with 3 goals and 2 assists, surpassing Auston Matthews (117), and Jack Hughes (116). GP piled up 116 points for the USNTDP U18 Squad, added to the 5 points from today. Forwards Will Smith and 2024 Draft-eligible Cole Eiserman had 4 points each, while Ryan Leonard and Will Vote had 3 apiece. Other 2023 Draft-eligibles: Carey Terrance had 1 point, Oliver Moore had 2 points, and Danny Nelson had 2 points.

[DeluxeMoustache]

4 points. Will Smith slaps

[Sandman]

Thoughts:

-There's no doubt in my mind that Will Smith is firmly entrenched as the first pick outside the big 4, in this year's draft. He doesn't really have any weaknesses. He's an excellent skater who plays with elite pace, but his stickhandling is sublime- he could do it in a broom closet, all of which combine to make him an intimidating force to defenders. His brain is always a step ahead, which allows him to outpace opponents, and create space for himself and his teammates, and he makes high-end plays in transition and off the rush. I've heard him called a goal-scorer, but I think he's kind of equal parts scorer and playmaker. Moves seemingly effortlessly through traffic. Scouts rave about his small-area game, and he uses all kinds of deception (head fakes, jukes, eye fakes, etc) to stay unpredictable. As good as he is on the attack, he's just as good in the defensive zone.

-Gabe Perrault is not the biggest, or fastest, but his skill, vision, and IQ are all elite. His stats in this, his draft year, are pretty comparable to those of Jack Hughes'. The main difference between the 2 players, other than Hughes playing the more important C position, is the skating- Hughes has always been elite, while GP has room for improvement in that area. GP is also not as good a defensive player as he could be. He's another guy who's equally goal-scorer as he is playmaker IMO, as he shoots a lot, but he's an amazing passer-he finds the seams just as good as anybody. His shooting arsenal is vast, and he can beat goalies in a number of ways. I think he might be a riser on Draft day.

-Ryan Leonard is a player I like very much. His passing ability, vision, and IQ were on display today. I'm very impressed with his playmaking. Button said on the play-by-play that the Smith/ Perrault/ Leonard line from the USDP is the best line by far in Junior hockey anywhere in the world, and I believe him. Leonard is not huge, but he plays a power-forward style- fights hard along the boards, plays heavy, and muscles opponents off the puck. Already plays a very well-rounded, mature two-way game, with speed, and good motor. He's more of a goal-scorer, but he's no slouch in the playmaking department.

-Oliver Moore had a goal, and an assist today. This is the guy I wanted to see, as he's the USDP Player I'm least sure about. He's interesting, because he put up good numbers on the USDP Juniors squad, while playing on the second line. He's wearing an "A" for USA today. He's listed at 5'11", plays C, and might be the fastest player in this year's draft. Best part might be that he looks to have a very well-rounded game, and uses his speed to disrupt plays, and frustrate puck-carriers. Blistering speed, blistering shot, won't be outworked. Maybe a little Matt Barzal there? Excellent in transition, and zone entry.

-Danny Nelson looks like he will make a good 3rd line C. He moves fairly well, especially for a big man, has good hands, and a wicked shot with a nice release. He does a lot of the dirty work for his team, winning battles along the boards, and playing a solid two-way game. Bit of a meat-and-potatoes guy.

-D Cole Hutson is pretty much a clone of his brother, Lane Hutson. He's still only 16 years old.

-Cole Eiserman reminds me of Joe Sakic. His shot is overwhelmingly hard, fast, and accurate. He's still only 16, and they describe him as the best goal-scorer of his age group in the WORLD. 4 goals today.

[Rick M.]

Great writeup Sandman.

[metroneck]

The Nephew pots the game winner!

https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/statu...29245996453889

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by metroneck

The Nephew pots the game winner!

https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/statu...29245996453889

May god will your nephew to the Flames in a couple years!

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by metroneck

The Nephew pots the game winner!

https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/statu...29245996453889

Macklin Celebrini is your nephew?

[metroneck]

Yes.

Unless he gets drafted by Edmonton. Then I never met the kid.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by metroneck

Yes.

Unless he gets drafted by Edmonton. Then I never met the kid.

Congratulations! Like I said earlier, that kid is a phenom- he's flying a bit under the radar right now, but he'll be a household name soon enough.

[Sandman]

Apr.23:

-Canada beats Slovakia, 4-3. Potential top-10 pick Dalibor Dvorsky led the way for the Slovaks, with a goal and an assist. Celebrini and Wood each had 2 points, while Price, Allen, Dragicevic, Ritchie, Barlow, MacDonell, and Martone (not draft-eligible until 2025) each had 1 point.

-Swiss beat Latvia, 5-1.

-Sweden beat the Czechs, 2-0. Stenberg had 2 points, while Edstrom, Unger-Sorum, and Willander each had 1. By all accounts, Sweden hasn't looked as good as they did when they beat Canada, despite their perfect record. Today, the Czechs dragged them into battle with a stifling, frustrating defensive style.

-USA beats Finland, 8-4. Will Smith had 5 points, Perreault had 4 points, Leonard and Hagen had 2 points, and Moore, Minnetian, Terrance, Fine, Buium, Hutson, Vote, and Eiserman each had 1. Eiserman leads the tourney with 6 goals in 3 games.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Seems like the US is putting out a lot of talents players lately?

If we draft one we can have him and Coronato break our hearts in 8 years....kidding.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

Seems like the US is putting out a lot of talents players lately?

If we draft one we can have him and Coronato break our hearts in 8 years....kidding.

Yup the USNTDP and the USHL are vastly underrated. The US program will continue to increasingly supply the NHL with talent, they aren't going away.