Wild at Worlds

EDMONTON, Alberta -If you want a peek into the Minnesota Wild's (and NHL's) future superstars, look no further than Edmonton, Canada. Normally reserved for the winter holidays, this year's 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships will take place from August 9-20 after COVID-19 cancelled the regularly-scheduled tournament.
A daily update of prospect performance at the tournament can be found here.

The Wild boasts eight prospects proving their skills for their respective countries, showcasing one of the top prospect pools across the NHL.

"It's different to have this tournament in the summer, after a draft," said Director of Amateur Scouting Judd Brackett. "But you're going to still be able to see some of these top prospects shine on the international stage -- some for the first time ever.   

"It's exciting to see so many Minnesota Wild prospects take part."   

The top four teams in each group will play the quarterfinals Aug. 17, with the semifinals taking place on Aug. 19, and the championship and third-place match-ups happening on Aug. 20.  

<strong>FULL SCHEDULE</strong>  

Here's a look at what to expect and who to keep an eye on when the tournament starts on Tuesday.   

<strong>United States (Group B)</strong>  
<strong>Brock Faber, defenseman:</strong> Named a captain of the December squad, Faber will hold tight to the 'C' on his sweater as his veteran Team USA status will be heavily relied upon at this summer's competition. With four Olympic games and two years at the U.S. National Team Development program, Faber is no stranger to putting on the USA crest and performing to his highest ability.   

"I take a lot of pride in being able to put on a USA jersey and never take it for granted," said Faber. "And you know, I've been thankful enough to play at NTDP for two years with USA Hockey and World Juniors two years, the Olympics. You know, it's pretty special, and I'm very thankful. Looking back on it, it's you know, it gives me chills thinking about winning that gold medal and going to the Olympics. It's definitely shaped me into the player I am and I am going to be."   

<strong>Jack Peart, defenseman:</strong> It's an IIHF debut for the Grand Rapids native. Peart had 17 points through 32 games during his freshman year at St. Cloud State University. Earlier this summer at development camp, Peart was not expecting to attend World Juniors. You can bet he will have a great showing.  

<strong>Team outlook:</strong> Team USA is the defending champions, clinching gold with Faber as a member in 2021. Canada is the last team to go back-to-back in World Junior gold -- Team USA looks to be the next. Seventeen of the 25 rostered players were on the previous 2022 squad, which will bode well for Team USA, who is expected to finish top of Group B.  

<strong>Canada (Group A)</strong>  
<strong>Carson Lambos, defenseman</strong>: Lambos continues to grow his 200-foot game and hone his skills. With a lack of depth on the blue line, expect Lambos to play a large role for Canada's d-corps, and one who will be an important part for Canada to go far.  

"It's definitely a bit different. A bit of a curveball, but I'm really excited for it," Lambos said of the summer tournament. "I think any chance I get to put on the Maple Leaf and represent my country, it's, you know, it's a huge honor. And it's just truly a privilege. So, getting to do that, you know, even though it's going to be a little bit, a little bit different in the summertime, it's still going to be you know, I'm still really looking forward to it."  

<strong>Ryan O'Rourke, defenseman:</strong> With fellow Wild prospect Daemon Hunt injured blocking a shot at practice, O'Rourke is a prime candidate to eat up some of the minutes let from Hunt's inability to play. O'Rourke likes to use his 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame on the ice, which is the skillset he will likely lean into through group play.  

<strong>Team outlook:</strong> Canada is this year's favored team to win it all. A strong roster even without some key names (who are missing in order to prepare for the upcoming season), Canada has unmatched depth at center and without question is the team to beat this year.  

<strong>Sweden (Group B)</strong>  
<strong>Jesper Wallstedt, goaltender:</strong> Arguably the best goaltender in the tournament, Wallstedt will be Sweden's go-to guy after playing just two games at the 2021 World Juniors.   

"It's a little bit different but still I'm really looking forward to it. We have a great team. Sweden is really on the upfront right now and we're starting to have a good chance for the medals. I think we have a great opportunity there with that team and I really want to be a part of that run we can make."  

<strong>Liam Ohgren, forward:</strong> The Wild's first-round pick (no. 19) at this year's draft, Ohgren had a reserved spot with Sweden but was unsure if that would turn into a full-on roster position.   

"You never know."   

Ohgren earned the roster spot in Edmonton and will use the opportunity to better improve on his strengths, which include his natural ability to generate offense. A former captain of the Under-18 Swedish team that won gold at the Under-18 Worlds, expect Ohgren to be a prime part of Sweden's top attackers.   

<strong>Team outlook:</strong> Sweden has shown itself to be a top contender. Expect them to battle out for a top spot in Group B with Team USA and I see them as the second-best team in the tournament behind Canada.   

<strong>Slovakia (Group A)</strong>  
<strong>Servac Petrovsky, forward:</strong> At just 17 (18 on Aug. 10), Petrovsky has a high ceiling to really show himself with Slovakia. He has a sneaky ability to be a backdoor threat and casually finds his way into the slot which can boost Slovakia's offensive presence. Expect Slovakia to lean on Petrovsky in order to push their way into the top three.   

Here's what general manager Bill Guerin said of Petrovsky after selecting him in the sixth round (no. 185) -- "Took on a lot of responsibilities in Owen Sound, often times matching up with other teams' top line. So, you see the production, which is almost a point a game, but it's also the two-way play and the responsibility and I mentioned the age. He's still got a long runway in front of him and someone who will expected to be with the national team and playing more international games, too."  

<strong>Team outlook:</strong> I see a battle for third place in Group A between Slovakia and Czechia. Slovakia is without some key top prospects, but if Petrovsky can stand out, Slovakia will have its best chance at success.  

<strong>Czechia (Group A)</strong>  
<strong>David Spacek, defenseman:</strong>The 19-year-old right-handed defenseman will be serviceable for Czechia. His ability to battle and win along the boards is one of his strongest points that will help him shine in addition to his top-of-the-circles shot.  

Guerin on Spacek after taking him in the fifth round (no. 153) "He was passed over last year. Came over to North America and played at Sherbrooke, a team that had a great run. Right-shot defenseman. Thicker body. Strong, sturdy skater, almost a point-a-game defenseman and then better than a point-a-game throughout the playoffs. Someone who likes to get to pucks on net and is competitive, too. We love the way he plays and the spirit."  

<strong>Team outlook:</strong> Very similar to Slovakia, Czechia is missing some top prospects that would have bettered their chances in Group A which not only includes Canada, but Finland as well. Czechia will need to have a stout blue line to withstand the offensive prowess of those in their group.<br>\<em>\</em>Prospects <strong>Daemon Hunt</strong> (defenseman, Canada) and<strong>Pavel Novak</strong> (forward, Czechia) will not play in the tournament<br>Watch: Youtube Video