Tkachuk leading United States in Summer Showcase

KAMLOOPS, British Columbia -- Brady Tkachuk was designated captain for the United States against Sweden at the World Junior Summer Showcase at Sandman Centre on Thursday.

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But Tkachuk, who was selected by the Ottawa Senators with the No. 4 pick of the 2018 NHL Draft, said he doesn't need any formal titles to be a leader.
"I'm not the guy who's looking for it," Tkachuk said after a 5-4 overtime win. "I'm just the guy who tries to do everything right when people aren't watching and aren't looking and do the right thing 24/7, take care of my body, try to keep the boys loose and keep the boys dialed in. That's just who I am. I don't try to look for it."
Tkachuk didn't know he would be the captain until right before the game, the first for the United States since the roster was trimmed Wednesday.
"I want to be a leader on this team," he said. "I try to be a leader wherever I go and try to lead by example on and off the ice. It was pretty special to be the designated captain today."

United States coach Mike Hastings said the leadership group still is being formed and won't depend on just one player. However, in just the few days the players have been together, he can tell Tkachuk is someone the other players gravitate toward.
"He's got experience," Hastings said. "He's got a book of work that in my opinion they should respect. I know we do as a staff."
Tkachuk was captain for the United States at the 2017 IIHF World Under-18 Championship but hasn't allowed himself to think about what it would be like to wear it for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.
"It's special to wear the 'C' wherever you're at, whatever team you're on," Tkachuk said. "To wear the 'C' to represent your country would be pretty cool and an honor if it happened."
Tkachuk will have a chance to play in the 2019 WJC if he returns to Boston University for his sophomore season. He said he'll like make a decision on returning to college or signing with the Senators by Aug. 12. Tkachuk still could play if he signs, but would have to be
loaned to the United States by the Senators
.

Frost getting up to speed

Morgan Frost (Philadelphia Flyers) had never worn a Canada jersey until Tuesday, when he had an assist for Canada Red in its 7-5 loss to United States White.
"It was a fun game," said Frost, who didn't play against Finland on Thurday, Canada's first game with a merged roster. "It's a quicker pace than I've played in a little while. Took a little bit to get used to, but once I got going it was fun."
Frost had 112 points (42 goals, 70 assists) in 67 games for Sault Ste. Marie last season, second in the Ontario Hockey League behind Aaron Luchuk of Barrie and Windsor.
"I thought I did some good things," Frost said. "As the week goes on and I get more comfortable, I'll show what I think I can do. I showed some shades and hopefully I can build on that."
Frost was whistled for three minor penalties, something that happened once last season. Despite that, Canada coach Tim Hunter said he's been happy with what he's seen from him.
"Frost is a real smart hockey player," Hunter said. "Cerebral guy that plays a good two-way game. He's got the kind of speed we like as well."

Eriksson Ek better prepared for World Junior Championship

Olle Eriksson Ek (Anaheim Ducks) won a silver medal with Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and despite not playing in a game as the third goaltender, he feels that experience has him better prepared to be the starter for the 2019 WJC.
"It's early in the year but I feel comfortable in myself," Eriksson Ek said.
Though watching won't cure all the nerves he'll feel if he's playing in the tournament, Eriksson Ek said he has a better idea of what to expect on and off the ice.
"How everything works around the games, how high the pressure is from back home and everything," he said. "It's a lot of media and stuff like that. The tournament is really big back home in Sweden."
While Sweden coach Tomas Monten isn't ready to name Eriksson Ek the starter, he said his experience at the 2018 WJC certainly helps.
"Olle didn't get to play any games last year but I think he saw what it takes to be able to compete at the highest level," Monten said. "For sure if he uses that to his advantage I think he can benefit from it."

Talvitie a Finland captain candidate

Aarne Talvitie (New Jersey Devils) was captain for Finland in its first game at the World Junior Summer Showcase and would be honored to wear it at the 2019 World Junior Championship.
"For the U-20 team it's a big deal for me," Talvitie said. "I've been a captain of a few teams but never at this level."
Talvitie, who will be a freshman at Penn State University this season, was the captain for Finland at the 2017 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and for Blues in Finland's junior league last season, where he led the league with 34 goals in 41 games.
He attended last year's WJSS but was not part of Finland's team at the 2018 WJC.
"I think last year I played pretty well but tournaments after that I didn't do so well," Talvitie said. "I didn't like my puck-handling skills and puck-moving skills. I think those were the areas I was struggling. Last year, I really concentrated on those things and I think I have improved."
Talvitie has a goal in each of his first two games of the WJSS, playing left wing on the top line with center Rasmus Kupari (Los Angeles Kings) and right wing Kaapo Kakko, a top prospect for the 2019 NHL Draft.
"I think he's taken the step ahead in his game and he has really great leadership qualities," Finland coach Jussi Ahokas said. "He plays a really great two-way game, plays hard and he can score."