Hurricanes Prospects: WJC Preliminary Results

With the preliminary round of the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championships in the books, let’s take a quick look at how the Carolina Hurricanes prospects have performed thus far.

The 2020 IIHF World Junior Championships kicked off boxing day, December 26th, in the Czech Republic. This time around five Carolina Hurricanes prospect got the call to represent their respected countries. With the four game round robin set in the books, let’s take a quick look at how the Canes prospects are performing.

The Finnish-Carolina connection continued into this chapter of the WJC, with three Hurricanes suiting up for Finland. 2018 fourth rounder Lenni Killinen and 2019 third round draft selections Patrik Puistola and Anttoni Honka are looking to help the Fins win back to back World Junior gold medals.

Through their first four games the Fins host a respectable 2-0-1-1 record. Suffering an overtime loss to Sweden, a team whose won a record 52nd consecutive round robin games, and a stunning upset loss at the hand of a Swiss team sees them finish third in Group A.

Honka and Killinen both finished the prelims with two points a piece. Being a staple on the Finish power play, Honka’s shot was on full display in the brief four game set. Considered a true “boom or bust” prospect, if he works on being a more consistent player, his offensive zone instincts could see him become one of the NHL’s dynamic blue-liners in a few years.

Puistola appeared to be one of the best players on the ice each and every game. His seven points, four of them goals, sees him currently tied for the points lead only behind USA’s Trevor Zegras (9). Suffering a scary injury shortly before the tournament, his performance thus far has to have fans hopeful for his future potential as a draft steal for the Hurricanes.

Their third place finish means they’ll face off against fellow Canes prospect Jack Drury when the knock out rounds begin January 2nd. Serving mainly as the go to faceoff, shut down man for the Americans, Drury finished his four game set with a goal and an assist to help led USA to a 2-1-0-1 record.

Unfortunately for Dominik Bokk and the Germans, they were in a difficult group and are heading to the relegation round rather than advancing to the quarter finals. With big names like Canada, Russia and USA in a stacked Group B, they performed a lot better than their 1-0-0-3 record suggests.

With three goals and two assists, Bokk was easily the MVP for Germany, giving them a chance to compete in each and every game. Facing off against Kazakhstan in a best of three series, look for Bokk to once again be a key piece as they look to stay in the highest tier of competition next year. As one of the few right shot forwards in Carolina’s system, his showing has been nothing but a positive for the Canes fans.

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• The Southeast Rookie Showcase Will Be a Good Look at Carolina’s Future
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While Bokk isn’t advancing to the knock out rounds, and either Drury or the Finish Trio will see their run at a medal get cut short Thursday afternoon, the Hurricanes organization has to be pleased with how each of their players are performing. No matter how things end up shaping out, each player will look to build off of their individual performances as they finish out the rest of their respected seasons upon the tournament’s conclusion.

Quarter Finals: USA vs. Finland

• January 2nd at 11:30am est on NHL Network

Relegation Mini Series: Germany vs. Kazakhstan

• Game 1- January 2nd at 4am est
• Game 2- January 4th at 5am est
• Game 3- January 5th at 5am est *if necessary

Question for CC readers: Who do you think win the goal medal in this chapter of the IIHF World Junior Championships?