A few days before the start of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, some observers believe that the American team has all the tools necessary to leave Sweden with the gold medal at the end of the final scheduled for January 5th.
In fact, at first glance, the United States is not lacking in talent. The group, led by University of Denver men's head coach David Carle, will count on Montreal Canadian Lane Hutson on defense, while another Habs hopeful, Jacob Fowler, is one of three goaltenders on the roster. At the top, the representatives from Uncle Sam's country are likely to be threatening, especially thanks to a trio that comes exclusively from Boston College: Gabriel Perreault, Will Smith and Ryan Leonard. The three men were selected in the first round of the 2023 National Hockey League Draft and should prove themselves in this tournament, which begins for the Americans with a duel against Norway on Tuesday.
Judging by comments from the team's general manager, former goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck, we should expect the combination to remain intact.
“I love everything about them. Of course, I think this is one of the best sentences in the history of the National Development Program and Boston College. I've seen them at work and they can lead a team to a championship. “That’s why they’re so good,” he told NHL.com. Look, we'll see what happens, but there hasn't been a trio like this with this kind of chemistry in a long time.
The hidden map
If U.S. opponents need to keep an eye on the three affected players, other hockey players could take advantage of this to hinder their task. Vanbiesbrouck also identifies Gavin Brindley, the Columbus Blue Jackets' second-round pick this year, as an element who can lend a more than acceptable helping hand.
“People will be watching our line of Perreault, Smith and Leonard. “I think Gavin Brindley is a guy who always shows up to work and his energy is inexhaustible,” the GM said. It's an Energizer Bunny! He tries hard and this type of player becomes your best weapon. He is a Swiss army knife, a bit like John Farinacci in 2021 when he scored five goals at the Junior World Championships. You don’t know if you can expect him to score, but you want him to play well on both ends of the ice.”
Canada will also play a friendly against the USA on Saturday.