It’s that time of year again. Well, now that the hockey schedule is back to normal.
Christmas time means World Juniors and this year’s tournament features plenty of intrigue for Golden Knights fans. Four VGK prospects are set to represent their countries in the 2023 edition of the IIHF World Junior Championships, and all four should play a big role for their respective teams.
Zach Dean
Canada
Vegas’ most recent 1st round pick has had a bit of a rocky road since being selected 30th overall in 2021. He took an injury early in Development Camp this summer which left us once again not getting to see much of him in a setting amongst his peers.
However, since he’s returned back to Gatineau he’s doing what you’d hope any 1st round pick would do. Dean has tallied 17 goals and racked up 18 assists in 27 games in the QMJHL and is certainly one of the best players on a pretty good team.
Dean was on the extended roster ahead of the last edition of this tournament but did not make the final roster. Now, he’s expected to play a fairly significant role as a bottom-six forward and penalty killer.
Jakub Brabenec
Czechia
One of the standouts from Development Camp this summer, the 19-year-old crafty winger will be an important offensive option for the Czechs. Brabenec has a knack for the net but is also a stellar passer of the puck. His numbers have slipped a bit this season in Charlottetown but a lot of that likely has to do with the overall strength of the team more so than his play.
Brabenec should play high up the Czech lineup and will be a key piece to the power play.
Matyas Sapovaliv
Czechia
Also playing for the Czechs is the Golden Knights’ highest pick in the most recent draft. Sapovaliv was excellent in the summer edition of World Juniors and he’s continued that strong play posting a point per game in the OHL this season.
Sapovaliv’s game is much more defensive-minded so points are not always going to come the way he plays. Expect the same in this tournament on a Czech team that has quite a bit of offensive talent. However, Matyas will likely find himself playing many of the tough minutes and taking on some of the hardest matchups. Plus, he’ll likely be a key penalty killer.
Team Czechia takes on Canada in the first game for each team, on December 26th.
Carl Lindbom
Sweden
Lindbom made Team Sweden’s roster at the last edition of the tournament but didn’t see a second of action. That’s not expected to be the case this time as he heads into the tournament as the presumptive starter. Lindbom has posted excellent numbers this season in Sweden’s 2nd league, HockeyAllsvenskan.
He’s touting a 15-6-0 record with four shutouts, a 1.76 goals against average, and a .936 save percentage. He’s on pace to have one of the best seasons as a U20 in that league’s history.
This will be a new experience for Golden Knights fans as VGK have never had a goalie prospect actually play consistently at World Juniors. A few Golden Knights goalie prospects have made their respective teams but never has one been handed the reigns as the starter to begin the tournament. Lindbom is expected to be between the pipes as Team Sweden open the tournament on December 26th against Austria.
Knights fan in minnie
I just love those young boys
Jinxy
I’m surprised someone hasn’t brought this up yet. The biggest indicator that Ken has no experience in any sport is how he talks about the jinx. Anyone who was an athlete growing up knows you never talk about a shutout or no hitter before it’s complete. Everyone knows it means nothing but anyone who was an athlete just has that in them to keep their mouth shut. Spoken like a true nerd who was always picked last in PE…
Alex
Dumbest fans in the league
knights fan in minny
alex biggest dumb fuck nog in vegas with shit for brains the malt liquor drinking loser pussy boy
Tim
I find it interesting your handle is jinxy and your talking about Ken and the jinx he supposedly doesn’t know anything about. Young people sometimes don’t have a clue on many things. I’ll give you an example which happened to me the other day. A younger guy maybe in his 40’s comes over to fix our dishwasher and sees my picture on the wall of me in my uniform after basic training and his reply was were you in World War 2 and I said to my self are you shitting me. To be in WW 2 I’d need to be in my mid 90’s and although I’m older at 77 not near old enough to be in WW 2. The bottom line is people that are younger have no clue on history and I guess that could be the same way in sports. Not knowing the pitchier sitting alone and no one talking to him is a given there are generations that really don’t know that along with history. When I told him Vietnam he went oh with a blank look on his face it do get a little scary. By the way he was a white guy born and bread in America so no excuses.
Jailbird
Let’s go tonight boys. Tuff opponent , but we can beat them!
knights fan in minny
right on jailbird keep barzal under wraps
Knights fan in minnie
I used to keep the granny panties I wear under wraps, but its 2022! I’m out!
knights fan in minny
so fake poster alex who pretends to be me your quote proves your a nig nog fag good job loser
Alex
It’s “you’re” you ignorant red neck
knights fan in minny
fuck off nig nog malt liquor drinking piece of shit spook
Obvious
Spook? You trailer trash red necks are being replaced
knights fan in minny
by who lazy nig nogs like you fucking piece of shit i own my own house something you will never own you lazy malt liquor drinking lazy nigger get out there and rob some people tonight loser
knights fan in minny
you said that last year ass hole and we are still here