U.S. seeking defensemen with size, mobility at World Junior camp

Sunday was the second day of USA Hockey selection camp to help determine the final 23-player roster for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship to be held in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, from Dec. 26-Jan. 5

EVERETT, Wash. -- It isn't by accident U.S. National Junior Team general manager John Vanbiesbrouck has opted for a more imposing and mobile group of defensemen.
Six of the 10 defensemen invited to USA Hockey selection camp at Angel of the Winds Arena to help determine the roster for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship are at least 6-foot-2 and weigh at least 190 pounds.
"You're going to face some speed and heaviness, so you've got to have long sticks, so reach is a big factor," Vanbiesbrouck said. "Our guys can all play fast. But when you get big, strong guys who can play fast, you can win a lot of puck battles, win a lot of races and you can come out of your end quite easily.
"The other part of that is we're going to have to play heavy and have to defend well. Everyone is looking at the offense that comes from defense, but in tournament play you have to defend first. If you're just thinking offense all the time, you're going to have a problem; bigger, stronger guys help you defend better."
Despite that philosophy, the smallest defenseman in camp is probably the best of the bunch -- Vancouver Canucks prospect Quinn Hughes of the University of Michigan, who's 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds.
"If you can be big, fast and skilled, that's a good combination and I do like our group because there's a mix," U.S. coach Mike Hastings said. "You've got Quinn who is pretty dynamic back there; he's not 6-foot-2, but he plays a big game because he can move so well with and without [the puck]. I really feel Mattias Samuelsson (6-4, 221) has gotten stronger since we last saw him at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Kamloops (British Columbia) in August.
"We've got length back there, so I'm hoping we can make that a strength of ours as well being able to defend and create from the blue line."
The select camp runs through Monday at Angel of the Winds Arena before moving to Sandman Centre in Kamloops from Dec. 18-20. The U.S. will compete in exhibition games against Russia at Sandman Centre on Dec. 20 (10 p.m. ET), and the Czech Republic at George Preston Recreation Centre in Langley, British Columbia, on Dec. 22 (10 p.m. ET). Hastings will have his 23-player roster in place after the exhibition against Czech Republic.

Scrimmage set for Monday

Hastings said the team will have a scrimmage Monday to conclude the three-day training camp. It will be a chance for players to showcase what they have learned during the first two days.
"We're still trying to lay in some of our structure and you have to be able to make mistakes before you can get better, so we're trying to get that foundation in place and [Monday] will be an opportunity to see how much of it stuck," Hastings said. "Can they go, be free and play the game? It's an important day because we'll do some things that will enable guys to show themselves. We're going to put them in a situation where they can just play and show us what they can do."

Norris' fondest WJC memory

Josh Norris (Ottawa Senators) of the University of Michigan said his most memorable World Junior Championship moment was watching video clips of his father, Dwayne Norris, score the winning goal to help Canada defeat Czechoslovakia and win the gold medal at the 1990 WJC. Dwayne Norris also won a silver medal with Canada at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.
"I guess it's not my memory but his memory, but it's definitely something I look back on and say, 'Wow, what a great moment for him,' " the 19-year-old center said. "We don't talk about it much. He doesn't really bring up stuff like that too often, but if I ask him something he'll start talking and sharing stories."

Wahlstrom has unfinished business

As one of the first players released from the 2018 U.S. National Junior Team roster, right wing Oliver Wahlstrom (New York Islanders) of Boston College said he's waited long enough for the chance to prove he belongs this year.
Wahlstrom (6-1, 207) has five points (four goals, one assist) and is second on the Eagles with 45 shots on goal in 14 games as a freshman. He appears to be in good shape entering camp.
"I think it's going to be good; you have to prove yourself and have to work hard and have fun," Wahlstrom said. "You have to enjoy the moment and can't put too much pressure on yourself. I just need to go out every day and work hard."
Wahlstrom was asked how being at Boston College this season has helped in his development.
"I've been in the gym three times a week, doing extra work and getting my body ready for this tournament," he said. "I've been working out hard while taking classes. I'm a Boston College Eagle, but right now not really worried about anything else other than playing hard and making this team."

Quote of the day

"Going up against Jack and Quinn Hughes is such a chore. They have good hockey IQ, but to me the biggest thing is their skating ability. The way they can turn and gain speed and how explosive they are in every part of the ice. Whoever taught them how to skate ... I want to go to that person. They are unreal players, and every part of their game is pretty special." -- U.S. defenseman Mattias Samuelsson