Hagens impressing as youngest U.S. player at World Junior Summer Showcase

PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- James Hagens is the youngest player for the United States at the 2023 World Junior Summer Showcase, but the 16-year-old forward has fit in just fine.

Hagens (5-foot-9, 155 pounds), a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, has one assist in three games and feels he's adjusted well to the step up in competition.

"Coming in I wanted to see how the pace would be and knowing that I'm going to have to give my best effort," he said after playing for USA Blue in its 7-3 loss to USA White at USA Hockey Arena on Wednesday. "It's nice to be able to get the first couple of games under your belt. I'm trying to compete out there. I'm trying to do everything that I can to make this (U.S.) team (for the 2024 World Junior Championship). The first shift you have your [first] game, you kind of get used to the pace and that's when your talent and skill just takes over."

Hagens earned his spot at the WJSS after a strong season with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-17 team, finishing second with 66 points (26 goals, 40 assists) in 43 games. He also had 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in 17 games with the NTDP Under-18 team and five points (one goal, four assists) in seven games for the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

"He's an excellent playmaker who sees the ice well in any situation," NHL Central Scouting director David Gregory said. "He can hang on to the puck until an opportunity arises and he can move it quickly. Very deceiving when he's going to shoot or pass. His skating is top end, which allows him to play at any level. He's an excellent complement to someone who would be a shooting winger."

Hagens said his reaction was more excitement than surprise when he got the invitation to attend the WJSS, the first step in selecting the roster for the 2024 WJC.

"I grew up wanting to play for this team, and every second I step on the ice, my goal is to be able to play for this team one day," he said. "When I saw my name come out on the roster sheet, I just wanted to come here and put everything that I had on the line.

"It's a true honor to be able to come here and hopefully make this team one day."

Hagens already has impressed his teammates and the coaching staff.

"The best way to describe him is he's a hockey player," U.S. coach David Carle said. "It's impressive what he's doing. Age does not look to be a factor.

"He's got a great sense for the rink and can find people, can shoot, can play with some pace. Doesn't seem overwhelmed by the moment. That's kind of what you're looking to see."

Knuble comfortable, confident at any spot

A year ago, Cole Knuble was trying to cope with being passed over in the 2022 NHL Draft. Now he's a Philadelphia Flyers forward prospect after being selected in the fourth round (No. 103) of the 2023 NHL Draft, and is taking part in the WJSS while looking toward the possibility of playing for the U.S. at the 2024 WJC.

"It's been really cool," the 19-year-old said. "These are the top U-20 players in the country, so to be with everyone is an honor and it's a really cool experience. It feels good and it is a confidence-booster. Playing the games, you realize it's a fast speed, but I've realized I can handle it and I can play in it and make a difference."

Knuble (5-10, 184) was drafted as a right wing but in three games at the WJSS has played two at center and one on the wing. He said he expects to start his college career at the University of Notre Dame this season as a center.

Where he plays, though, isn't as important as just getting on the ice.

"I like to be the guy that can play anywhere," he said. "That's the best way to get in the lineup, be able to play any role, any position. That's what I like to do and I think I can play anywhere."

He scored two goals for USA White on Wednesday on deflections at the net.

"He's steady, reliable," Carle said. "Good on draws but is versatile too, doesn't need to play in the middle. We've obviously given him some looks on the power play and the penalty kill. ... I've liked his game and what he brings with his reliability and predictability."

Finland players growing with padel

When Aron Kiviharju wants to get away from hockey, the Finland defenseman turns to padel, a sport that blends squash and racquetball and is played in either a singles or doubles format.

Kiviharju (5-9, 170), a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft, says playing padel helps with his speed and reflexes.

"I think the quickness, and because the ball bounces from the field then to the glass, so you have to read the ball," the 17-year-old said.

Several of the Finland players at the WJSS have mentioned padel growing in popularity at home.

"I love it," forward Kasper Halttunen (San Jose Sharks) said. "It's a pretty quick game. You have to be alert all the time and on your toes, and you have to be ready to move everywhere."

Halttunen said he's the top padel player among his WJSS teammates, with Kiviharju a distant second.

"No chance," Kiviharju said. "He's always losing to me. We've bet some lunches on games, and he's always losing. That's a huge lie."

Second Pettersson closer to Vancouver

The Vancouver Canucks are close to having a second Elias Pettersson in their lineup.

Pettersson the forward led the Canucks with 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists) in 80 games last season. Pettersson the defenseman, a third-round pick (No. 80) by Vancouver in the 2022 draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract April 19.

They never have met, but Pettersson the defenseman said he's already looking forward to assisting on a goal by Pettersson the forward. Or vice versa.

"Yes, that will happen," he said. "It will be great."

The 19-year-old is one of eight defensemen taking part in the WJSS for Sweden, including four who played at the 2023 WJC. He had three assists in seven games at that tournament, and seven points (one goal, six assists) in 43 games for Orebro in the Swedish Hockey League last season.

The defenseman (6-2, 185) said he plans to play this season in Sweden and then come to North America in 2024-25.

"I'm focused on building on my two-way play," he said, "trying to be active in the offensive zone and play hard in defensive zone."

Photo: Rena Laverty/USA Hockey