Category archive: Phoenix Coyotes
The International Ice Hockey Federation's Under-20 World Championship, known commonly as the World Juniors Championship, will take place this season in Ufa, Russia and may have a larger surplus of talent than usual due to the NHL lockout. Players who may have otherwise been in the NHL, such as Montreal's Alex Galchenyuk, may now take part in the tournament.
Team USA doesn't possess the most talented roster heading into the tournament, but they're in the second tier and have a good chance to compete and medal. In case you're interested in catching the action, Team USA's start times in the round robin are: 9 a.m. (EST), 9 a.m., 4:30 a.m. (vs. Canada), and 5 a.m. Set your alarm clocks!
The following are notes on every player USA Hockey invited to its selection camp being held this week at the New York Rangers' practice facility in Westchester County. The breakdowns are based on my own observations and from conversations with NHL scouts and executives. The final roster for Team USA will be named December 23rd.
Riley Barber, RW, Washington Capitals (Miami-CCHA): Barber fell to the 6th round in the 2012 draft, which was a little farther than I thought he'd go. Barber is a skilled power forward, who was inconsistent with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) last season, but he has been on fire for Miami as he sits near the top of the scoring leader board for college rookies and drafted prospects. He wasn't invited to the Lake Placid summer camp but he's earned a shot now.
Cole Bardreau, C/W, 2013 draft eligible (Cornell-ECAC): Bardreau stood out for a few games in the summer camp, showing speed, energy and defensive value. However I've heard from NHL scouts who question what exactly Bardreau will bring to the team due to his size (5-foot-10).
Tyler Biggs, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (Oshawa-OHL): Biggs is a high-end physical player with a strong frame and an edge to his game. While I wouldn't classify him as a pure goon, as he has some skill, he's below-average in that area. Biggs should be an effective fourth-line winger for the US.
To read more about the top prospects on Team USA and get access to all of Insider's NHL draft coverage, sign up today.
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Grant Sonier
Grant Sonier has scouted for six NHL organizations over the past 13 years, most recently for the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2010-11 season. He is a special contributor to ESPN Insider.
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Victoria Matiash
Victoria Matiash has served as a Fantasy Hockey columnist for ESPN.com since 2007, and contributor to NHL Rumor Central since 2010. She lives in Toronto.
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