Welcome back to The Journey, where we track the development of prospects as they excel in junior, make the NHL, and push towards stardom.

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The 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship is just around the corner on December 26, and this year it's happening on home ice in Ottawa. Always a must-watch for hockey fans. NHL scouts and pro leagues will be keeping a close eye on these future stars, and with Canada's camp roster announced on December 2, there's plenty excitement mounting as the days get closer to the tournament. The final roster was released yesterday.  Today's Journey article will go over some of the names selected for the roster camp and the final cuts.

Team Canada invited a total of 32 players to camp and only 22 made the final cut. Though the camp roster was set, there is always room for last-minute tweaks before the final roster gets locked in closer to Christmas. A few omissions from the initial camp invite list include Carter Yakemchuk and Michael Misa, the top eligible draft pick for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Tij Iginla was also left off the list, but would inevitably be excluded due to a season-ending hip surgery. On the flip side, prospects like Gavin McKenna, who's expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, received an invite, as well as Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan and Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager, both of whom have turned heads lately.

Forwards: Offense Taking Shape

Looking at the forward group, Easton Cowan is one to watch. After playing a depth role in last year's World Juniors, he's expected to step into a top-six spot this time around. Last year, Cowan lit up the OHL las year earning the OHL MVP with an impressive 34 goals and 62 assists in 54 games. This season, his point production has slowed, but he still has a solid 28 points in 20 games. It's a strong total, just not at the same pace as last year, but his blend of offensive creativity and strong two-way play makes him a key piece for Team Canada.

Joining him are Porter Matone, Cole Nadeau, Ritchie, and Yager—all of whom made the final roster. Bradly Nadeau has seen valuable time in the AHL. He’s a solid player with an ability for finding open ice in the offensive zone, which makes him a threat. He is a good addition to the roster.  Players like Calum Ritchie and Jett Luchanko, who had a brief stint with their respective professional clubs earlier this season, although not a ton of experience at the NHL level, bring that pro-level seasoning to the table. Players with NHL experience, whether it's from training camps, preseason, or actual regular-season games, can bring an edge that can definitely help tip the scales in their favor.

There were a couple of notable players left off the initial invite list back on December 2, including Beckett Sennecke and reigning OHL Defenseman of the Year Zayne Parekh. Parekh, in particular, came as a surprise omission to many. However, with the injury to Harrison Burnicke, Parekh has since received an invitation to the selection camp, giving him a shot at cracking the final roster along with Sennecke. Both Sennecke and Parekh did not make the cut. I was a bit surprised to see Andrew Cristall and Reilly Heidt left off the final roster. Both could have added valuable depth and versatility to the team.

Defense: A Balanced Blend

Canada's blue line is shaping up to be both dynamic and dependable. Oliver Bonk, a Philadelphia Flyers prospect, is back for redemption after last year's heartbreak (thanks to an unlucky bounce off his stick). Bonk will likely be relied upon for heavy minutes and will be joined by his teammate, Sam Dickinson. Throw in Nashville's Tanner Molendyk, and you've got the core of what looks to be a strong defensive unit.

Speaking of Molendyk, he's one of the most agile and mobile skaters in the 2023 draft class. Injuries kept him out of last year's tournament.  His offensive numbers took a big leap last season in Saskatoon, posting 56 points (10 goals, 46 assists) in 50 games. He's a steady presence who complements Canada's forward firepower, though don't expect big fantasy numbers from him, he's more of a "better in real life" player. Caden Price (Seattle) is another intriguing name. He's had a strong season and will be joined by Kraken draft picks Carson Rehkopf and Berkly Catton. Meanwhile, Matthew Schaefer, top defensive prospect for the 2025 Draft, made the short list. Schaefer's elite skating and high hockey IQ make him an exciting addition, even if he's a bit younger than most of the competition.

Goalies: Up for Grabs

In goal, there is no clear-cut starter yet, but Carson Bjarnason looks to potentially have the upper hand. However, Carter George has impressed with his steady play, even though his stats don't necessarily reflect that. The Owen Sound Attack are struggling and George has very little defensive support but has shown the work ethic and consistency that Team Canada values. With stronger defensive play and offensive support, it's possible that George could elevate his game even further. It's likely not the scenario to pan out but you never know.

The selection of Jack Ivankovic as one of the additional goalies was a surprise and some argue Joshua Ravensbergen (a top 2025 goalie prospect) deserved the spot instead. Ivankovic's selection feels more like a test run and seeing how he handles the pressure in comparison to his counterparts. I can see the logic; doesn't mean I think it's the right choice but just trying to provide some added context to the decision making. If given the chance, Ivankovic could prove himself as a reliable option.  

The forward group has plenty of depth and skill, with players like Cowan, Ritchie, McKenna, and Yager expected to shine. The defense corps boasts a solid mix of experience and high-potential prospects like Schaefer, while the goaltending battle remains up in the air. You are now officially allowed to get excited!

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, or if there’s a prospect, you’d like me to cover, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.