For the first time in over a decade, the two Canadian teams faced off in the final of the World Junior A Challenge recently. The last time it happened was 2011 when, ironically, Canada West (led by Alex Kerfoot, Colton Parayko, and Troy Stecher) defeated Canada East (led by Devin Shore and Mackenzie Weegar), the same result of this year’s event. The gold medal victory is a huge coup for Canada West after last year’s disappointment, when they entered the medal round as the top seed before losing in both the semi finals and the bronze medal game.
For those unfamiliar with the tournament, the WJAC is an annual U20 event hosted by the CJHL (Canadian Junior Hockey League), in which Canada enters two teams of the country’s best tier two players; Canada West and Canada East. Canada West incorporates players from the AJHL, MJHL, and other Western junior leagues. Canada East incorporates players from the OJHL, GOJHL, CCHL, and other Maritime and Quebec leagues. Previously BCHL players participated as part of Canada West, but that has not been the case the last two inclinations after the BCHL left the CJHL to separate from Hockey Canada. The United States also sends a team composed of USHL stars, while the remaining teams are filled out by other countries, most recently Sweden and Slovakia (or Latvia in 2022).
The event is one of the most underrated scouting events on the calendar with many former NHL players taking part. In recent years, Cale Makar and Devon Levi rose to fame with their performances in the WJAC. Just last year, Tom Willander began his ascent up the draft rankings following a terrific performance for Sweden, helping them capture bronze.
Which potential NHL draft selections participated this year and how did they perform? Read on to find out.
(Photo by Chad Goddard)
Canada West
Rylan Brown - Defense
Brown, the son of former NHL defender Sean Brown, is a Michigan Tech commit who is in his second year of draft eligibility. He entered last year with a fair amount of hype after a terrific 17 year old season in the AJHL in 2021/22, but ultimately failed to meet those expectations and went undrafted. He returned to the AJHL this year and has been one of the league’s top defenders. Brown was one of Canada West’s most effective defenders at this event too. He helped quarterback the powerplay and his strong mobility and puck skill were on display. He has really quick feet and he can help initiate the breakout or keep pucks in at the line. Defensively, he’s certainly a different kind of defender than his father, but his mobility can be an asset when defending in transition. It’s definitely possible that he has put himself back on the map as a re-entry candidate this year.
Logan Sawyer - Wing/Center
One of the higher profile first time draft eligible players on either Canada team at this event, Sawyer met high expectations by playing his best hockey in the medal round in helping Canada West capture gold. A Providence College commit, Sawyer has been excellent for the Brooks Bandits (AJHL) this season as one of the league’s leading scorers. Originally from Ontario (Sawyer played minor hockey with the Vaughan Kings and was teammates with OHL’ers Sam O’Reilly and Kaden Pitre), Sawyer decided to head out West for his NHL draft year. While he has played both wing and center this year for Brooks, his skill set does look destined for the wing, even if he did play mostly center at this event. I thought early on at this tournament, his game was too perimeter oriented and he mainly operated as a high volume shooter who simply looked to get pucks on net whenever he had possession. But as the tournament progressed, we saw him gain confidence and show more poise as a play creator who looked to drive the middle and use his size to prolong possession and play through contact. His shot definitely has zip and he also clearly has the skill to create his own chances, giving him solid upside as a goal scorer at the next level. The skating looks only average, but he does use his size to protect the puck well and can be a difference maker in transition because of this. Sawyer looked every part an NHL draft selection, perhaps even inside the Top 100.
Ryan Zaremba - Center
While I’m not necessarily convinced that Zaremba is a true draft candidate this year, he definitely was impressive for Canada West at this event. The undersized pivot is really quick and this makes him dynamic in transition as he consistently looks to push the pace. He blends skill and pace well and showed heart/determination by attacking the middle of the ice despite clearly lacking in size/strength. The Minnesota-Duluth commit has been excellent for Sherwood Park this year (AJHL) and looks like the type of player who could have a ton of success at the NCAA level with his speed and playmaking ability. I came into this event not knowing much about him, but found myself consistently taking note of positive plays he made with the puck to generate zone time or create scoring opportunities.
Diego Johnson - Wing
Another Sherwood Park (AJHL) player, Johnson was one of the youngest players at this event (thanks to an early September 2006 birthday). While the Wisconsin commit did not hit the scoresheet very often, he was often noticeable for his play away from the puck and high energy approach. He forechecked hard. He backchecked hard. He battled near the crease and kept pucks alive down low. He was a consistent physical presence. He didn’t have a ton of opportunity to showcase his skill with the puck or overall offensive upside, but he did show enough to have my Western scouts circle back to him in the second half this year.
Matthew Van Blaricom - Wing
One of the players who caught my eye the most at this tournament. Van Blaricom plays for the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL, who have had some players drafted into the NHL. A Michigan Tech commit, Van Blaricom plays under Canada West coach (and former Los Angeles King top prospect) Scott Barney. He’s well over a point per game for Humboldt this year as an ‘06 and showed that he deserves serious consideration for this year’s NHL draft. From start to finish at the WJAC, Van Blaricom was one of Canada West’s most effective players. He brought physicality. He led the team in goal scoring, including two in the gold medal game. He’s one of those guys that just has that “IT” factor. Van Blaricom is not the most individually skilled player on the ice. He’s not the quickest. But, he processes the game really well and brings a consistent energy level to get the most out of his skill set. After watching him at this event, I circled back to watch some of his action with Humboldt and his skill/creativity shows better in the SJHLl in comparison to the WJAC; he simply looks too good for that level. I could easily see Van Blaricom developing into a Michael Bunting type of player at the next level if his skating can continue to evolve.
Canada East
Dawson Labre - Goaltender
Ignoring a disastrous gold medal game, Labre deserves a ton of credit for helping Canada East earn a silver medal. His performance in the round robin portion brought back memories of Devon Levi’s from a few years ago. I would have definitely selected him over Roest for the tournament’s top goaltender. A CCHL netminder (with Smith Falls) in his final year of NHL draft eligibility (as a 2004 born), Labre was not drafted into the QMJHL and does not have an NCAA commitment, but he definitely put scouts on notice at the WJAC’s. The 6’3 netminder was at his best when he was aggressive in challenging shooters to maximize his size, and at his worst when he got caught deep in his net (like several goals in the medal round). His rebound control definitely needs to improve too. However, he, largely, showed great play tracking and athleticism to help Canada East pull off some upsets at the tournament. Is he truly a draft candidate? I’m not sure. Realistically, he’d have to lead Smith Falls (who currently are in first place) to a Centennial Cup (CJHL Championship) to even be in the conversation. However, he definitely deserved to be mentioned in this piece.
Jonathan Morello - Center
Like Logan Sawyer, Morello entered this event as Canada East’s top draft eligible player and he largely met those expectations. The St. Michael’s Buzzers forward and Clarkson commit showcased his excellent skating ability, ending the tournament with a point per game. He shows attention to detail away from the puck; his size and length (at 6’3) helps him to be a disruptive force on the forecheck and backcheck. NHL scouts are definitely going to be enamored with his size and speed combination, similar to Jonathan Castagna last year. I’ll definitely try to circle back to Morello later this year and try to catch a St. Michael’s game live in the second half (with my region being Ontario). What’s the offensive upside? Hard to tell at this point. But, the athletic tools are very intriguing.
Carsen Lloyd - Defense
Lloyd is an interesting case. A late born 2005, Lloyd is actually OHL property of the Brantford Bulldogs. Originally a high selection of the London Knights, he was traded to Brantford as part of the Ryan Winterton trade last year. However, he failed to make the Bulldogs this year and eventually found his way to the OJHL with Georgetown, where he has been one of the best defenders in tier two in Ontario. Because he has played in the OHL, Lloyd is not eligible for the NCAA, meaning that he’ll have to continue to grind to make the OHL…perhaps with another OHL franchise if Brantford is not going to give him another chance. Lloyd’s bread and butter is his point shot and that was on display at the WJAC’s, where he scored three goals. He quarterbacked the powerplay, where his shot is obviously a big weapon. But he also moves the puck well and can hold the line effectively. Defensively, he was up and down. I wish he were a bit better skater given his lack of high end size. But, he’s definitely someone to watch moving forward to see what happens with his OHL rights.
United States
Trevor Connelly - Wing
It was another great International performance for Connelly, who followed up his strong showing at the Hlinka/Gretzky in the summer with a strong showing at the WJAC. He capped off the tournament with a four goal game in the bronze medal game against Sweden, helping the United States capture bronze. Say what you will about his play away from the puck and occasional poor puck management, however he is a dynamic offensive player. The speed and skill combination gives him among the highest offensive upside of any player in the draft this year. He is the very definition of a quick strike player because of his first step quickness and ability to explode off his edges. Additionally, when you think you have him boxed in, his hands create space for himself. With Tri-City sitting firmly in the middle of the USHL standings, I’m really hoping that the U.S. decides to add Connelly to their U18 roster this year as a non NTDP player. Given how outstanding he has been Internationally this year, they would be crazy not to.
Mac Swanson - Center
A returning player on this U.S. WJAC roster despite being a 2006 born, Swanson ended up leading the tournament in assists with nine. He’s such a crafty and intelligent playmaker. His vision with the puck and overall passing touch/sense/precision is among the best in this draft class. I also continue to admire his effort to try to work between the dots despite being so undersized. All that said, I do have major concerns about his ability to transition to the NHL level. He’s just so undersized (at 5’7) and the skating ability is far from dynamic. Even at this current moment, he’s at his best on the powerplay where he gets more room to operate and can survey the ice from the half wall without intense pressure. Due to the fact that he’s not an electric skater, his pace can be lacking too. I have no doubt that he will continue to produce offensively in college and that he can be a long term pro in some capacity. However, without significant improvements made to his skating, I don’t see him being a scoring line option in the NHL in the future.
Joe Connor - Wing
One of our highest ranked players to go unselected last year, Connor has made the jump to the USHL full time this year with Muskegon (from Avon Old Farms) and the results have been terrific. Much like Cole Knuble did last year, Connor has used his performance at this tournament to bring attention to the fact that he deserves to be selected the second time through. Flat out, he was one of the best players at the WJAC. That said, I could still see some apprehension from NHL teams considering that his physical tools are only average. He’s one of those players who is the sum of their parts, lacking a true standout quality…much like the aforementioned Knuble. At the WJAC’s, Connor operated best as an offensive zone support player. He competes for touches and applies pressure in puck pursuit. He protects the puck well. He finds soft spots in coverage. I wouldn’t say he drove play at the WJAC, the way a guy like Connelly did, but makes a lot of subtly great plays with the puck to create chances or keep plays alive. A great example is the pass I have included as a clip below.
James Reeder - Wing/Center
I didn’t know a ton about Reeder heading into this tournament, but came away very impressed by him. The third part of the Connelly/Swanson top line, Reeder was the perfect complement to those two because of his ability to find soft spots in coverage, his off puck competitiveness, and the fact that he showed great skill and finishing ability too. A late born 2005, Reeder is first time draft eligible this year and definitely looks the part of an NHL draft pick. A Denver commit, there’s just something that pops about his game, even though he’s also not the kind of dynamic skater that you like to see from a 5’9 forward. That said, I would classify him as a better and more explosive skater than Swanson and as such, he plays with a little more pace than his diminutive linemate at the tournament. Having gone back and watched some of Reeder’s action with Dubuque this year, in combination with this tournament (and the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup), I would say that I prefer Reeder to Swanson as a potential NHL draft selection.
Will Felicio - Defense
A standout at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in the summer, Felicio hasn’t had the kind of USHL season to date that many expected he would. As such, we’ve really seen all hype on him completely die down. However, he had a pretty solid WJAC. Other than a poor pinch that led to a back breaking goal in the semifinals against Canada West, Felicio was actually pretty solid defensively. He made some good plays when defending the rush and he showed determination down low to battle for pucks, winning more battles than I’ve seen him win in the USHL this year. Offensively, he was his usual self. He creates inside the offensive zone with his ability to beat initial layers of pressure and get pucks on net. He holds the line well. I do wonder if he’s a good enough skater considering his lack of stature/reach, but it would be false to claim he had a poor tournament.
Adam Kleber - Defense
Kleber is a massive (6’5) right shot defender who played big minutes for the U.S. at this tournament as an ‘06. He’s certainly not a high upside two-way guy. Having watched him at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and in the USHL this year, I feel pretty confident saying that. He’s mostly a rim the glass and out guy at this time, especially when he’s pressured. He can be coerced into defensive zone turnovers and can struggle to play pucks on his backhand. However, the physical approach is going to be attractive to teams who think he can develop into a third pairing, PK guy. While he still struggles with his agility and transitional skating, I do think that his skating has already improved a bit since the Hlinka/Gretzky. He’s starting to look more comfortable on his edges. The clip I’ve included here is probably the perfect example of Kleber. A couple bad clearing attempts mixed in with a devastating hit.
Tory Pitner - Defense
The best word to describe Pitner is…”solid.” He’s a right shot defender who I’ve been really impressed with in the defensive zone at both the Hlinka/Gretzky and now at the WJAC’s. He shows good gap control. Has good scanning habits. Plays physical and plays aggressively. I know the word on him coming into the year was that his hockey sense and decision making were questionable, but I haven’t really seen that. I see someone who starts the breakout well and who is a calming presence in the defensive end. What I have yet to see from him at either international event is high offensive upside. I need to circle back to watch more of him in the USHL because he has been producing with Youngstown. But, I have seen a player who can struggle at times with the puck when pressured because he lacks the skill/hands/creativity to escape cleanly. I guess my question regarding Pitner is…what is he at the next level? He’s a good skater, but not a great one. He’s got good size, but not great size. He seems to be at his best against high end competition when he keeps things simple. I like him, but I do wonder how NHL scouts feel about him (we’ll have to get our U.S. scouts on that), especially considering NHL Central Scouting only gave him a “W” rating.
Sweden
Alexander Zetterberg - Center/Wing
Say what you want about Zetterberg’s lack of size (at 5’9 and pushing 160lbs), all he has done is produce at the international level this year. He was one of Sweden’s best at the summer’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, again at the U18 Nations tournament and now again at the WJAC’s. I know his play at the U20 level in Sweden has been a little erratic, but you definitely can’t claim that about his play for Sweden. Zetterberg’s goal scoring ability is among his best traits. He has a lightning quick release on his wrister and can one time pucks cleanly too, allowing him to beat goaltenders from a distance. However, what I am consistently impressed with is his competitive edge and desire to work between the dots, despite his lack of size. He battles near the crease and gets himself in good scoring position in the slot, even if it means jousting for position against bigger defenders. There’s a lot of Alex Debrincat in his game. He’s a similar kind of skater too. Not the prettiest stride for a smaller player, but it’s efficient at this level and his edgework/agility stand out as a positive. At what point do we say (as part of the scouting community) that you just can’t argue with success? Is it when Zetterberg has a great IIHF U18’s too?
Melvin Fernstrom - Wing
I felt Fernstrom was a little snake bitten at this event. He played better than the below average stat line would indicate. He’s a guy who just looks like a future NHL player in some capacity. He plays a mature, North/South game. He’s not the most creative or dynamic, but he is the perfect complementary winger who can work the wall, protect the puck well and who can drive the net. The skating ability is already solid, particularly his explosiveness which helps him to be quick to loose pucks and retrievals. The shot is only average, but he does a good job of anticipating play in the offensive zone and he does a good job working the half wall on the powerplay. In particular, I thought Fernstrom played well in his two games against the United States in this tournament. While I’m not sure the NHL upside is incredibly high, he’s definitely the kind of player I see an NHL team taking inside the Top 50 this year (even if we had him ranked just outside of that range in our recent draft rankings).
Lucas Pettersson - Center
The more I watch this Swedish U18 crop, the more Pettersson becomes one of my favourites of this class out of Europe. He’s a player that I don’t really perceive to have a significant weakness. His game is so well rounded and versatile. He’s on the ice whether his team is down a goal or up one, one of the many reasons that he’s been wearing a letter for the Swedish U18 team this year. Pettersson skates well. He’s middle of the ice focused. He competes hard in all three zones and has excellent anticipation/awareness away from the puck. He has the skill to operate as a strong playmaking pivot. At the WJAC, he largely centered a line with Zetterberg and Fernstrom and they were a very successful unit. At this point, I’d probably have Pettersson as the top forward prospect from Sweden this year (by birth, excluding Michael Brandsegg-Nygard).
Alfons Freij - Defense
Last year the WJAC’s served as the Tom Willander coming out party. This year, I think the same thing happened with Freij, who was fantastic for the Swedes. While Sahlin Wallenius was unquestionably the more flashy, Freij was the more consistently effective at both ends. I was consistently impressed with his decision making in his own end, even under pressure. His footwork is excellent and it makes him a breakout machine, similar to the way that Willander impressed last year. Offensively, I think Freij has more to offer too. He does a good job getting point shots through and he has a heavy point shot that can beat goaltenders clean or generate second chance opportunities. As a defensive player, he’s definitely more of a stick on puck guy, but again his footwork stands out as a positive and his possession and anticipation are strong suits. As he gets stronger, he’ll win those board battles more consistently, but all in all, I was more impressed overall by Freij here.
Leo Sahlin Wallenius - Defense
It’s so easy to see why Wallenius is a favourite of the amateur scouting community; he’s a dynamic player. He consistently gains the offensive blueline with ease thanks to his combination of quickness and skill, along with his aggressive offensive approach. The offensive upside here is significant. I was also impressed with his physical approach in the defensive end, perhaps more than I had seen from him previously. That said, some of the warts in his game, like decision making and defensive engagement were present in this tournament. Neutral zone and offensive zone turnovers were a bit of an issue, as was puck watching in the defensive end. Without high end depth on the blueline this year, the Swedes need Freij and Wallenius to play on separate pairings to anchor them. Not having someone like Gabe Eliasson to pair with Sahlin Wallenius, hurt them overall at this event.
Jack Berglund - Center
Came into this event knowing very little about Berglund. He wasn’t on the Swedish Hlinka/Gretzky team last summer, didn’t make a huge impression at the recent Nations tournament, and he isn’t someone our Swedish scouts have spoken about thus far. However, I consistently found myself taking note of Berglund at the WJAC’s. The son of former New Jersey Devil Christian Berglund, Jack plays a similar heavy game. He scored his first SHL goal in late November and has had a very solid year in the J20 loop. Throughout the WJAC’s, Berglund was a physical threat, making his presence felt on the forecheck, in puck pursuit, and on net drives. He’s not a bad skater for a big guy who plays such a heavy game too. There’s some explosiveness to his stride and he can play with pace. The skill level…it’s hit and miss. He does seem to struggle maintaining possession at full speed occasionally. The finishing ability is equally hit and miss. But I couldn’t help but be impressed by the physical tools. Anyone who knows me, knows I love players like Berglund.
Frondell - Wing/Center
I know, I said I would only discuss draft eligible players in this piece, but I just had to mention one of my favourites for the 2025 draft in Anton Frondell (a 2007 born playing up in this tournament). I was really impressed by Frondell at the Under 17’s, so I was excited to see that Sweden had taken him for this event. That proved to be a smart thing to do as he was consistently one of their best players. Without question, he deserves to be on the U18 team to close the year. Frondell is quietly throwing his name in the ring to compete with James Hagens for early first overall favourite in 2025. He’s the complete package. He has skill. He has finishing ability. He skates very well. He applies himself physically and looks to drive the center lane. This is a five tool player and someone I believe should be talked about more.
Slovakia
Daniel Alexander Jencko - Center/Wing
Alexander Jencko is a very interesting prospect. He was relatively hyped at a young age, leaving Slovakia to join the Malmo program. A 2005 born, he underwhelmed in his draft year and went unselected last year. However, he returned to Malmo on a mission this year and became one of the U20 team’s top players, even earning a look at the SHL level. Interestingly enough, following the U20 Five Nations in November, he decided to leave Sweden and head to North America to play with Youngstown of the USHL. The USHL is a league that has more overage players selected each year than any other league or region, so I suppose the hope here is that this draws more attention to him and the improvements he’s made. The early returns have been good as he has been playing well. As for this tournament, well he was unquestionably the best player on a Slovak team that was largely overmatched at this event. His speed was on display and he showed a solid work ethic away from the puck to earn touches, competing physically and using his quickness to be an impactful player in all three zones. It will be interesting to monitor his play with Youngstown in the second half.
Ondrej Maruna - Wing
A massive winger who normally plays with Charlottetown (QMJHL), Maruna was a bit of a disappointment at this event. He was held scoreless and largely failed to make a significant impact, often finding himself behind the play due to his clunky skating stride and heavy feet. Once he gets going, he can be a load to handle with the puck; he did have a few impressive rushes over the course of the tournament. However, shift to shift, he largely struggled, much like the rest of his teammates…to be fair. Given Charlottetown’s poor position in the QMJHL standings, Maruna will likely have a chance to play at the U18’s this season and that will be another opportunity for him to impress scouts, along with his continued play in the QMJHL.
