HockeyProspects

WJHC Preliminary Round-up for Capitals Fans

Bowey at Dev Camp. (Caps Outsider)

December 31 marked the end of the year, and the final preliminary games of the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. In group A, Canada leads with no losses and twelve points, while the US team is just behind with eight points. Group B isn’t as close, with Sweden’s twelve points giving them a seven point lead over Russia and the Czech Republic.

For the Capitals, Canada’s success has translated into four points in four games from defender Madison Bowey. Bowey has shown his skill in skating and some physical play while including the offensive upside that he shows with the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL, where he has maintained over thirty points in the past three seasons.

The Czech team’s progress also gives a preview for Capitals Czech prospects, with fair statistics for goalie Vitek Vanecek and forward Jakub Vrana. Vanecek has played three of four games, resulting in one win and two losses and an 82.8 save percentage, which leaves a bit to be desired, while Vrana is tied with Patrik Zdrahal for lead in points on the Czech team with two goals and one assist in the four games played. Vrana isn’t the Capitals most prized prospect, but the 18 year old could improve his game as he matures with his team in Sweden.

Going forward, the Czech Republic team managed to beat Russia 4-1 in their last hope for avoiding the relegation round, and will face the Slovak team on January 2nd to continue their progress in the tournament. Canada, being top in group A, will face Denmark in the quarter-finals on January 2nd.

Canada will be playing at the Air Canada Centre at 8:00 pm Eastern, and Czech Republic will be playing at the Bell Centre at 1:00 pm.

Dylan

Dylan is a 24-year-old hockey enthusiast with a background in personal training, fitness, and lifestyle management. Dylan covers the Washington Capitals from afar, often using his interest in international hockey to track prospects through various leagues and tournaments around the world.

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