Team Canada is set to take on Finland at the World Junior Championship Summer Showcase on Wednesday night, but before then, the Canadian hopefuls had to face off in a Red vs. White scrimmage.
Two Montreal Canadiens prospects are part of Team Canada’s camp and were split up in the game. Owen Protz was the fifth defenseman on Team White, while Michael Hage was the second center for Team Red.
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Daily Faceoff Associate Editor and Prospect Analyst Steven Ellis was in attendance, and he was particularly impressed by Michael Hage. The Canadiens prospect scored the opening goal of the contest, and Ellis had this to say about him:
Hage scored the opening goal, getting himself in the slot to receive a pass while going undetected. That wasn’t what impressed me the most, though. It was his constant movement out there, taking space away and setting up his linemates. Hage is a perfect No. 2 center because he plays a reliable two-way game without sacrificing offensive chances. I also loved his pass for the 2-0 Canada Red goal, too.- Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis on Michael Hage
While some have been wondering of late if Hage has what it takes to play in the NHL as a pivot, Ellis was clearly impressed by his performance, and his words are reassuring. This Fall, Hage will start his second season with the University of Michigan Wolverines after a first season that saw him claim the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award after putting up 34 points in 33 games.
This upcoming season, the Wolverines will get some top-notch reinforcements with the arrival of second-round and 43rd overall pick at the latest draft, Malcolm Spence. The New York Rangers prospect has played with the Erie Otters in the last three seasons, putting up 177 points in 195 games. He should add some offensive punch to Michigan’s attack.
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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