10 stars to watch.
26.12.2003. MacKinnon, John. The Ottawa Citizen
Here is a 10-pack of talented youngsters to keep an eye on during the 2004 World Junior Hockey Championship.
Alexander Ovechkin, Russia
Playing left wing on the top line for Dynamo Moscow in the Russian
Elite League, Ovechkin has been very good and can dominate at times in
that league. He is the certain first pick overall in the 2004 NHL
draft, based on his size (6-2, 200 pounds) and his outstanding skill.
Less widely known is that Ovechkin is a tireless worker and a leader,
as well. Always a dangerous presence.
Alexander Steen, Sweden
Sweden's success depends on this son of longtime Winnipeg Jets star
Thomas Steen. He is a high-profile star forward with Vastra Frolunda of
the Swedish Elite league, capable of winning a game by himself. Steen,
a 2002 first-round draft choice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has eight
goals and 11 assists in 28 games this season for Frolunda.
Sean Bergenheim, Finland
A New York Islanders draft pick, Bergenheim is a tenacious and
hard-working forward with good skill and the ability to make things
happen on offence. He is making his third consecutive trip to the world
championships.
Zach Parise, U.S.A.
Son of Jean-Paul Parise, who played for Canada in the 1972 Summit
Series against the Soviet Union, he's another junior star with
pedigree. This University of North Dakota star and New Jersey Devils
draft pick will be the guts and glory of the U.S. team. He had a strong
tournament last year and racked up 61 points in 39 games with North
Dakota in 2002-03. A feisty, skilled all-around forward.
Tomas Fleischmann,
Czech Republic
One of the top scorers in the Western Hockey League with the Moose Jaw
Warriors, where he forms a duo with Edmonton Oilers draft pick Kyle
Brodziak, a late cut of the Canadian team. Fleischmann is returning
from last year's Czech team and will be expected to lead the club,
along with Detroit Red Wings prospect Jiri Hudler.
Evgeny Malkin, Russia
Expected to be the second pick overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft.
Centred a line with Ovechkin at last year's Under-18 tournament in
Russia. He is a sleek, skilled player with good speed and excellent
hockey sense. Malkin is exceptionally creative and should have a
breakout tournament.
Tomas Vanek, Austria
The only significant player on a weak Austrian team, Vanek is a star
for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, whom he has led to two
consecutive NCAA championships. He was drafted fifth overall by the
Buffalo Sabres, by far the highest-ever drafted player out of Austria.
Robert Nilsson, Sweden
The son of gifted ex-NHL forward Kent Nilsson, Robert struggled early
for his Leksand team in the Swedish Elite League, but has picked up his
play recently. His offensive skills will be a key for Sweden.
Sidney Crosby, Canada
The leading scorer in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League as a
16-year-old. Crosby might not be Canada's best player, but is probably
the most interesting one to watch. A compact 5-9, 185- pound centre,
Crosby is strong on his skates, deceptively fast and wonderfully
creative. He's a quick study who adapts well to better competition and
might surprise some people with his play in this tournament. Crosby is
an extremely competitive player who displays more of a feisty edge than
some might expect.
Patrick O'Sullivan, U.S.A.
This 19-year-old forward enters the world junior tournament on a roll
as the leading goal scorer in the Ontario Hockey League with 28. He
also has 23 assists for 51 points, third-best in the league. On Dec.
17, O'Sullivan scored four goals in the Mississauga IceDogs 8-3 victory
over the Oshawa Generals. O'Sullivan, a second-round pick of the
Minnesota Wild, is a Marc Savard clone: skilled, opportunistic and
possessed of a swashbuckling attitude that irritates opponents.
Первая страничка молодежных чемпионатов мира 2004 года
|
|
Подгруппа А - подробнее
Россия, Словакия, США, Швеция. Австрия |
Подгруппа В - подробнее
Канада, Финляндия, Чехия, Швейцария, Украина |
За 7-10 места - подробнее
Швейцария, Швеция, Австрия, Украина |
1/4 финала - подробнее
Финляндия - Россия
Словакия - Чехия
|
1/2 финала - подробнее
Канада - Чехия
США - Финляндия |
Финал - подробнее
За 5 место. Россия - Словакия
За 3 место. Финляндия - Чехия
За 1 место. Канада - США |
| Страничка статистики |
Молодежные чемпионаты мира (до 20 лет) 2004 года.
|
|
|
