A STRONG JUNIOR GENERATION FOR THE 2019 WORLD JUNIORS

The 2019 World Junior Championship is approaching quickly and will be hosted in Vancouver, Canada. Judging by the preliminary roster, the Czech team could be very strong. Coach Varaďa has announced a wider squad featuring major names including Martin Nečas (AHL), Filip Zadina (AHL), Filip Chytil (AHL), Martin Kaut (AHL), Jakub Lauko (AHL), Jakub Galvas (Olomouc) and others – all born in 1999. Let us hope their clubs release them and that most can attend the tournament. As of today, Filip Zadina is confirmed.

As is well known, the IIHF World Junior Championship is considered far more prestigious in North America than the senior World Championship. The preliminary roster includes many players who took part in last year’s U20 World Championship in Buffalo, where the Czech team reached the final four. The experience and quality are there. Established chemistry should help as well, including between long-time friends Martin Nečas and Martin Kaut. We should not forget the very skilful Karel Plášek from Kometa Brno – a very interesting  “prospect”, as the Canadians would say. In goal, the calm and almost laid-back Jakub Škarek, currently with Finland’s Lahti Pelicans, should provide stability. There is plenty to look forward to – and we will need a little luck too.

From a collector’s perspective, the Christmas tournament is an ideal opportunity to enjoy excellent hockey and decide which players to follow, support and collect.

Players We Recommend Watching:

Karel Plášek (HC Kometa Brno) – a technically gifted player, excellent on the puck, who inherited his hockey genes from his father, a veteran of more than 700 Czech Extraliga games.

Jakub Lauko (Rouyn Noranda, QMJHL) – a small, quick and energetic forward every team can use. He played in the Extraliga at just 16 and impressed Boston so much at their NHL training camp that they signed him to a contract.

Jakub Galvas (Olomouc) – a Chicago Blackhawks draft pick from the previous year who has already experienced senior international hockey. A skilful defenceman expected to be one of the creators and leaders on the blue line. He has even worn the captain’s “C” for Olomouc.