WJC: 2015 — Canada Roster Talk (Part II)

[StroShow]

I'd say with the cuts that my team would look like this:

Robby Fabbri- Connor McDavid- Jake Virtanen
Max Domi- Sam Reinhart- Anthony Duclair
Michael Dal Colle- Nicolas Petan- Brayden Point
Lawson Crouse- Frederik Gauthier- Nick Paul
Rourke Chartier

Josh Morrissey- Madison Bowey
Darnell Nurse- Shea Theodore
Samuel Morin- Joe Hicketts
Haydn Fleury

Zachary Fucale
Eric Comrie

I'd have dickinson instead of Crouse but other wise I'd have basically the same roster, although hoping for one of Horvat and Lazar atleast
Lazar unlikely , but with Horvats situation Sestito is back from injury and Kassian should be returning soon as well that leaves 2 extra forwards Jensen will be sent back to Utica and one of Vey , Horvat , and Sestito will be alternating. Also Horvat hasn't been good past 5-6 games , his faceoff percentage has also dropped and he's been a minus most nights.

 

[Uhmkay]

Just from this thread alone.

LOL [mod] Virtanens acceleration leaves much to be desired. Obviously doesn't watch any of his games.

Virtanen has amazing acceleration and goes from stop to full speed extremely fast. His skating for a guy that size is unreal. He's also begun to show that he has very good abilities as a passer and playmaker, and his hockey IQ is pretty good as well.

He's done a lot this year to add to his game. He's now not only just a threat to score goals and throw big hits. His assists have gone way up and he's showing that he's got good ability to use his linemates as well.

I think generally most people in the thread have been giving praise to Virtanen. Most people have him listed on the first 2 lines, many as the idea guy with McDavid. EVERYONE now has him as a virtual lock.

 

[leafsfuture]

LOL [mod] Virtanens acceleration leaves much to be desired. Obviously doesn't watch any of his games.

Virtanen has amazing acceleration and goes from stop to full speed extremely fast. His skating for a guy that size is unreal. He's also begun to show that he has very good abilities as a passer and playmaker, and his hockey IQ is pretty good as well.

He's done a lot this year to add to his game. He's now not only just a threat to score goals and throw big hits. His assists have gone way up and he's showing that he's got good ability to use his linemates as well.

I think generally most people in the thread have been giving praise to Virtanen. Most people have him listed on the first 2 lines, many as the idea guy with McDavid. EVERYONE now has him as a virtual lock.

He has the potential to be this years Lazar, Ryan Johansen -- an 18 year old with decent but not amazing junior stats who becomes a key player for Canada

 

[jdatb]

LOL [mod] Virtanens acceleration leaves much to be desired. Obviously doesn't watch any of his games.

Virtanen has amazing acceleration and goes from stop to full speed extremely fast. His skating for a guy that size is unreal. He's also begun to show that he has very good abilities as a passer and playmaker, and his hockey IQ is pretty good as well.

He's done a lot this year to add to his game. He's now not only just a threat to score goals and throw big hits. His assists have gone way up and he's showing that he's got good ability to use his linemates as well.

I think generally most people in the thread have been giving praise to Virtanen. Most people have him listed on the first 2 lines, many as the idea guy with McDavid. EVERYONE now has him as a virtual lock.

I've heard comparisons of Jake to Taylor Hall... Just imagine

 

[Roof Daddy]

I'm a Flyers fan and have seen at least half of his games this year and 20 last year. The reason he is not on this roster has nothing to do with consistency. You are dead wrong. He is plenty consistent. It is a combination of him not being able to play the right side, them having older offensive defenseman, and him not having a clear role on this team as a PP'er or PK'er. The lack of defenseman who play the right side and the plethora of guys who play left, like Sanheim, is really the main determinant. If you were strictly picking the seven best defenseman he would have made it easily.

I don't mean any disrespect when I ask this question, but you seriously watched 20 Hitmen games last year? Are you a scout? Because that seems like an astounding amount of WHL games to watch for someone who doesn't live there/has no connection to the that team. Then to focus in on his game and pay that much attention to a player you have no idea whether your team will pick or not???

Again, if you're a scout it's understandable, but I find it odd you'd focus that much on one draft eligible, particularly one that wasn't high profile (late riser that could have gone mid 2nd).

 

[FLYLine27*]

Sigh, really Nuck fans? Why are people hating on Virtanen? Maybe cause we are all SO sick of the same 7 Canuck posters coming on here and throwing him the top line of all their "predictions" and saying how amazing he is, when not one neutral fan is doing the same.

How about you stop trying to hype him in so ****ing much and just let him make the team and prove to US how good he is, not having you trying to cram it down our throats. So that is why nobody really cares for Virtanen at this moment.

 

[Get North]

This is supposed to be a 19 yo tournament- but most HF fans have McDavid (17) and Fabbri (18) on the first line.
Don't misunderstand me, I agree both should be there, and will be a treat to watch!

That's probably because it seems like Domi-Reinhart-Duclair will be a first line for Canada while that leaves Fabbri and McDavid who have great chemistry together and most have Virtanen there because his seem and shot seems to fit along with he's playing well at the camp.

 

[OHLFan90]

Team Canada Reports

http://overtimesportsnation.com/team-canada-routes-cis-all-stars/

 

[scout97]

This is my roster prediction for now

Domi - reinhart - duclair
Fabbri - mcdavid - virtanen
Dal colle - petan - ritchie
Dickinson - gauthier - point
Paul

Morrisey - bowey
Nurse - theodore
Fleury - hickkets
Morin

Fucale / comrie

* i think crouse has showed very well but i think they will go with the older players. I cant really seem to fit chartier in any where so i dont see him making the team.

* the defence is really intresting, its so close for the bottom 3 spots and i like heatherington but its just so stacked on the left side and i prefer morin and fleury. Could have a better shot if he is alright playing the right side.

* really tough to decide for all positions but whatever decisions are made i think we will a very strong and skilled team that should be competitive to medal. I dont really see this team lacking in any areas compared to last years team which i thought lacked offence. I like that this year all the lines have alot of scoring potential and not a top 6 bottom 6 type system. Cant wait for the tournament to start .

 

[Canucks LB]

Sigh, really Nuck fans? Why are people hating on Virtanen? Maybe cause we are all SO sick of the same 7 Canuck posters coming on here and throwing him the top line of all their "predictions" and saying how amazing he is, when not one neutral fan is doing the same.

How about you stop trying to hype him in so ****ing much and just let him make the team and prove to US how good he is, not having you trying to cram it down our throats. So that is why nobody really cares for Virtanen at this moment.

Who the hell is cramming him down anybodys throats, 90% of the posters who are NON canucks fans have him on the top 2 lines, that includes fans of the team YOU follow.

People talk about Fabbri like he is some sort of god, yet got outplayed by half the forwards who already are locks on the team at this mini two game set.

 

[zcaptain]

Sigh, really Nuck fans? Why are people hating on Virtanen? Maybe cause we are all SO sick of the same 7 Canuck posters coming on here and throwing him the top line of all their "predictions" and saying how amazing he is, when not one neutral fan is doing the same.

How about you stop trying to hype him in so ****ing much and just let him make the team and prove to US how good he is, not having you trying to cram it down our throats. So that is why nobody really cares for Virtanen at this moment.

You know, the reason why we are interested in Virtanen is he is our prospect, there is nothing wrong with pride is there? Vitanen came off surgery in the off season and it has been a long journey, as it would for any young player.....I am sure you can understand our excitement.

You are right that we should wait a little while to see what he does against top notched competition, but Jake has proven his worth in the first 2 exhibition games and as a hockey fan, I am sure you understand that that is good.

But, for you to take your hate out on him.....really?

Just a long shot, but are you a Toronto fan?

Me personally, I am a Canadian for this Tournament.......I want our team to do well......

 

[Stizzle]

I don't mean any disrespect when I ask this question, but you seriously watched 20 Hitmen games last year? Are you a scout? Because that seems like an astounding amount of WHL games to watch for someone who doesn't live there/has no connection to the that team. Then to focus in on his game and pay that much attention to a player you have no idea whether your team will pick or not???

Again, if you're a scout it's understandable, but I find it odd you'd focus that much on one draft eligible, particularly one that wasn't high profile (late riser that could have gone mid 2nd).

I am not a scout, just a Flyers fan. I watched him play in the U-18's last year before the Flyers drafted him. After they drafted him I went back and watched the last 15 games or so of him with Calgary. I also watched his summer games with Team Canada in August. Hence, I saw about 20 of his games from last year.

 

[CanaFan]

Robby Fabbri- Connor McDavid- Anthony Duclair
Max Domi- Sam Reinhart- Jake Virtanen
Michael Dal Colle- Nicolas Petan- Brayden Point
Lawson Crouse- Frederik Gauthier- Nick Paul
Rourke Chartier

Josh Morrissey- Madison Bowey
Darnell Nurse- Shea Theodore
Samuel Morin- Joe Hicketts
Haydn Fleury

Zachary Fucale
Eric Comrie

 

[xxxx]

I think Virtanen is a lock and am really interested in his play as I think he could be one of Canada's top goal-scorers. He should be on a PP and other than that I think he fits basically into any line the coaches could create.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Zero chance Canada doesn't break their gold medal drought this year. They had crappy 19 year olds last year but this year they should be pretty loaded with McDavid and Reinhart leading the way.

 

[DanrikCarter]

The powerplay has potential to be deadly...

Domi/Duclair - McDavid - Reinhart
Virtanen - Hicketts

 

[Leviathan899]

I'd say with the cuts that my team would look like this:

Robby Fabbri- Connor McDavid- Jake Virtanen
Max Domi- Sam Reinhart- Anthony Duclair
Michael Dal Colle- Nicolas Petan- Brayden Point
Lawson Crouse- Frederik Gauthier- Nick Paul
Rourke Chartier

Josh Morrissey- Madison Bowey
Darnell Nurse- Shea Theodore
Samuel Morin- Joe Hicketts
Haydn Fleury

Zachary Fucale
Eric Comrie

I absolutely love this roster! Glad to see everyone coming around on Crouse now after two solid camp games. I heard someone at the rink today whose close with the team say Crouse just has to keep playing his game and he should be safe. I also really like Chartier's game, he is such a smart and skilled player, solid skater as well. Sitting in the corner that Virtanen sniped a beauty today was something to see! Has such a heavy shot with a quick release. Plus his speed on the outside and he finishes his checks every chance possible, clean too.

 

[Leviathan899]

Robby Fabbri- Connor McDavid- Anthony Duclair
Max Domi- Sam Reinhart- Jake Virtanen
Michael Dal Colle- Nicolas Petan- Brayden Point
Lawson Crouse- Frederik Gauthier- Nick Paul
Rourke Chartier

Josh Morrissey- Madison Bowey
Darnell Nurse- Shea Theodore
Samuel Morin- Joe Hicketts
Haydn Fleury

Zachary Fucale
Eric Comrie

Petan is 100% a lock IMO.

 

[lawrence]

What exactly does Virtanen need to do so that HF boards actually stops this anti Virtanen movement just because he is a canucks prospect.

What 6 points in 2 games not good enough?, His awful hockey IQ with 4 assists, and toronto media making articles on him.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hocke..._early_favourite_for_juniors_team_canada.html

I think somoone asked if he was going to be a "lock" I think 7 in 10 responders said yes, I myself said no he's not a lock [mod]. Since then majority of the people who is writing his name in the top 2 lines are not even canucks fans, others have mistaken them for Canuck fans when I've never even seen their name in canucks forums.

Virtannen is an easy target to slam. even if he had back to back hat tricks [mod].

I wish we can stop talking about him and more about the roster in general.

 

[1Gold Standard]

I don't know if Bigras deserved to get cut, but deserved or not, I'm encouraged that Hockey Canada would cut a returning player.
A little less of a cookie cutter approach by HC in putting teams together is welcomed in my estimation. Thumps up for that.

See folks, I don't always have to lay the boots to the idiots at HC.

 

[WarriorofTime]

I don't know if Bigras deserved to get cut, but deserved or not, I'm encouraged that Hockey Canada would cut a returning player.
A little less of a cookie cutter approach by HC in putting teams together is welcomed in my estimation. Thumps up for that.

Wasn't Bigras straight garbage last year? There should be no issue cutting anyone from a legitimate 4th place team.

 

[1Gold Standard]

Wasn't Bigras straight garbage last year? There should be no issue cutting anyone from a legitimate 4th place team.

He was bad on a team that was BAD. There are 6 or 7 other returning players in the same boat as Bigras. That's not my issue...my issue, in the past HC would have ignored that and gifted all the returnees a spot just because they are returnees. I'm glad that they seem to be taking a different approach this year.

BTW, your zero chance prediction of this year ending the drought. come on, dude!! get serious. 50/50 chance (maybe not even that high) that the drought continues... a lot of good teams and a 1 game you're out scenario...
I have no prediction how this year is going to go, but if they are not in the Gold Medal game, then pink slips at HC have to be handed out on Jan 6.

 

[Halfy]

My Canadian National Junior Team Updated Prediction:

Max Domi-Sam Reinhart (C)-Jake Virtanen
Robby Fabbri-Connor McDavid (A)-Anthony Duclair
Michael Dal Colle-Nic Petan (A*)-Brayden Point
Lawson Crouse-Frederik Gauthier-Rourke Chartier/Jason Dickinson
Chartier/Dickinson

Josh Morrissey (A)- Madison Bowey
Darnell Nurse- Shea Theodore
Samuel Morin- Joe Hicketts
Haydn Fleury

Eric Comrie
Zachary Fucale

*Petan's "A" could be easily switched to Duclair or Nurse.

However, I could see HC cutting Dickinson (which would be really disappointing. hes such a great two way fwd) and Chartier, therefore keeping Paul or Ritchie.

I like the duo of Dickinson and Chartier more than Paul or Ritchie. (I have a feeling it will be a package deal due to the configuration of the lines).

Dickinson > Paul. Chartier > Ritchie. IMO.

It's very exciting though. We have such a good team this year! (Although we said the same thing in the lockout year with Scheif, Hubby, and Nuge but I digress)

Go Canada Go!

 

[tade]

Do you think that Dal Colle is really not going to play with either Reinhart or McDavid? I picked him in our fantasy draft quite high because of that. Nevermind, I think he'll light it up anyway, hopefully.

 

[DanrikCarter]

Do you think that Dal Colle is really not going to play with either Reinhart or McDavid? I picked him in our fantasy draft quite high because of that. Nevermind, I think he'll light it up anyway, hopefully.

I think the top six forwards seem quite set. Fabbri, McDavid, Virtanen, Domi, Reinhart and Duclair.