And as excited as we all are to leave 2020 in the past, many of the team's prospects were busy as December was another packed month especially at the World Juniors and NCAA level.
Let's dive in for the latest:
2021 World Juniors
Tim Stuetzle (Germany)
Simply put, Stuetzle has been incredible thus far at the World Juniors. In four games, he's tallied 10 points (five goals) to lead Germany to the quarterfinals for the time in its history. All three of his statistical outputs (points, goals assists) are all tied for the third most at the tournament. Germany will play Russia Saturday in the first quarterfinal.
Roby Jarventie (Finland)
Jarventie has played in all four games for Finland thus far but somewhat surprisingly, has been held off of the scoresheet as he's currently pointless. Finland will battle Sweden in their quarterfinal.
Tyler Kleven, Jake Sanderson (USA)
Both Kleven and Sanderson have helped the USA reach the quarterfinals where they'll face Slovakia Saturday night. Both players have one assist through the round-robin although Kleven has only appeared in two games while Sanderson has played in all four.
NCAA
Shane Pinto (University of North Dakota, NCHC)
Simply put, Pinto has dominated so far this season. In 10 games in the NCHC Pod, he tallied 13 points and sits tied for first in NCHC scoring. His eight assists are the third most in the conference. Pinto was also rewarded for his strong opening week where a two goal, three assist output earned him the Bauer Forward of the Week award.
Jacob Bernard-Docker (University of North Dakota, NCHC)
Bernard-Docker has had a solid start to his campaign for the Fighting Hawks with a goal and four assists in 10 contests. His +/- of eight leads his team too.
Tyler Kleven (University of North Dakota, NCHC)
Kleven only played three games for UND before receiving a last minute callup to the USA World Juniors squad but he made an impression scoring a highlight reel first NCAA goal before jetting off to Edmonton.
Jake Sanderson (University of North Dakota, NCHC)
Like Kleven, Sanderson only played three games with North Dakota before heading to the World Juniors but was playing at a point-per-game pace as a freshman with a goal and two assists.
Luke Loheit (Minnesota-Duluth, NCHC)
In his second year with the Bulldogs, Loheit tallied two goals in nine games during the NCHC Pod. His 23 penalty minutes are the most on his team and are tied for the fifth most in the entire NCAA.
Jonny Tychonick (Nebraska-Omaha, NCHC)
After transferring from UND over the summer, Tychonick played 10 games with his new team (in his new home rink too) scoring once and adding an assist.
Angus Crookshank (New Hampshire, Hockey East)
Postponements have decimated New Hampshire's schedule thus far as the team's only played three of its scheduled 11 games. However, Crookshank has a pair of goals so far.
Jakov Novak (Bentley, Atlantic Hockey)
Novak has enjoyed a good start to the year with three goals and four points in his opening five contests.
Todd Burgess (Minnesota State, Mankato, WCHA)
After spending the last three years with R.P.I, Burgess is now playing with the Mavericks and is enjoying a nice start with a goal and three points in five games.
Europe
