World Juniors 2024-25

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You're doing something right when you lead the NHL in prospects at the WJC. As much as we joke about them always drafting Swedes since Steen came on, we're actually heavy on the Czech's.

Blues Prospects at 2024 IIHF World Junior Championships
Dalibor Dvorsky, Slovakia
2023 NHL Draft - First Round - 10th overall

Adam Jiricek, Czechia
2024 NHL Draft - First Round - 16th overall

Otto Stenberg, Sweden
2023 NHL Draft - First Round - 25th overall

Theo Lindstein, Sweden
2023 NHL Draft - First Round - 29th overall

Colin Ralph, United States
2024 NHL Draft - Second Round - 48th overall

Juraj Pekarcik, Slovakia
2023 NHL Draft - Third Round - 76th overall

Ondrej Kos, Czechia
2024 NHL Draft - Third Round - 81st overall

Adam Jecho, Czechia
2024 NHL Draft - Third Round - 95th overall

Jakub Stancl, Czechia
2023 NHL Draft - Fourth Round - 106th overall
Last edited by Dread_Pirate_Westley on Thu Dec 26, 2024 12:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Just a Russian propaganda account

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we've got so many players in the tournament, and it's certainly a great sign, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to have some 'alternates' from the Canadian or US teams rather than depth guys actually playing for Czechia or Slovakia.

Is there anyone more familiar with the youth that can shed some light on that?

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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RAFritchey wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2024 9:55 pm Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we've got so many players in the tournament, and it's certainly a great sign, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to have some 'alternates' from the Canadian or US teams rather than depth guys actually playing for Czechia or Slovakia.

Is there anyone more familiar with the youth that can shed some light on that?
You have to factor in this is under 20 year olds so basically the last two drafts which the Blues haven’t exactly gone North American Heavy on much to NHLTim’s dismay. Especially with their higher picks. Guys like Snuggerud are not eligible
Just a Russian propaganda account

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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Jecho scores a PPG from the Ovechkin spot with under a minute left in regulation to break a tie and knock out Canada. He might not turn into a star, but a 6-4 center that can shoot is a very intriguing prospect. A potential really nice value pick in the third round.
...but whatever, the Blues won the Cup!!!!!

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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Dave's a mess wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2025 10:15 am Jecho scores a PPG from the Ovechkin spot with under a minute left in regulation to break a tie and knock out Canada. He might not turn into a star, but a 6-4 center that can shoot is a very intriguing prospect. A potential really nice value pick in the third round.
He also seems to know he's big too which is always nice. Has spent a lot of time around the crease.
Just a Russian propaganda account

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2025 10:28 am
Dave's a mess wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2025 10:15 am Jecho scores a PPG from the Ovechkin spot with under a minute left in regulation to break a tie and knock out Canada. He might not turn into a star, but a 6-4 center that can shoot is a very intriguing prospect. A potential really nice value pick in the third round.
He also seems to know he's big too which is always nice. Has spent a lot of time around the crease.
So, like a Patrik Berglund who actually USES his size? (And doesn't fall on his face while taking a slap shot)

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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RAFritchey wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2024 9:55 pm Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we've got so many players in the tournament, and it's certainly a great sign, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to have some 'alternates' from the Canadian or US teams rather than depth guys actually playing for Czechia or Slovakia.

Is there anyone more familiar with the youth that can shed some light on that?
Well, the on-ice performance certainly assuages some of my concerns above.

How good/bad was the Canada game? I saw some whining on-line about the refs, and some about how they Canadians didn't have their best players, were playing sloppy, poorly coached, etc. You know, the USUAL excuses Canadian fans seem to make.

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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RAFritchey wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2025 2:22 pm
RAFritchey wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2024 9:55 pm Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we've got so many players in the tournament, and it's certainly a great sign, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to have some 'alternates' from the Canadian or US teams rather than depth guys actually playing for Czechia or Slovakia.

Is there anyone more familiar with the youth that can shed some light on that?
Well, the on-ice performance certainly assuages some of my concerns above.

How good/bad was the Canada game? I saw some whining on-line about the refs, and some about how they Canadians didn't have their best players, were playing sloppy, poorly coached, etc. You know, the USUAL excuses Canadian fans seem to make.
Other than the goaltender the Canadian team was really sub par. I don't know what the executive of Team Canada was thinking. Not enough scorers.

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2025 10:28 am
Dave's a mess wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2025 10:15 am Jecho scores a PPG from the Ovechkin spot with under a minute left in regulation to break a tie and knock out Canada. He might not turn into a star, but a 6-4 center that can shoot is a very intriguing prospect. A potential really nice value pick in the third round.
He also seems to know he's big too which is always nice. Has spent a lot of time around the crease.
If my memory is correct he had an impressive training camp. He's playing pretty well in the WHL too.

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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BluesSK wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2025 5:05 pm
RAFritchey wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2025 2:22 pm
RAFritchey wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2024 9:55 pm Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we've got so many players in the tournament, and it's certainly a great sign, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to have some 'alternates' from the Canadian or US teams rather than depth guys actually playing for Czechia or Slovakia.

Is there anyone more familiar with the youth that can shed some light on that?
Well, the on-ice performance certainly assuages some of my concerns above.

How good/bad was the Canada game? I saw some whining on-line about the refs, and some about how they Canadians didn't have their best players, were playing sloppy, poorly coached, etc. You know, the USUAL excuses Canadian fans seem to make.
Other than the goaltender the Canadian team was really sub par. I don't know what the executive of Team Canada was thinking. Not enough scorers.
Exactly this. The Canadian team is far less skilled, this year, than usual, and they made several questionable hits agains opponents' players. And The TSN broadcasters were being way too "homerish" in trying to cover that up when assessing penalty calls. It was embarrassing.

Re: World Juniors 2024-25

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Stancl tied for second in points.

Dvorsky tied for 7th with less games played.

Stancl 7 goals to lead the tourney.

Dvorsky with 5 and tied for fourth.

Jecho tied for 6th in assists. Jiricek also tied for 6th in assists.

Stenberg had a very solid tournament. Lots of pundits are quite sold on Lindstein too. Pekarcik also played well.

Hopefully these kids can turn it into pro success.

Can't forget that Ralph brought home a gold medal too!