Despite their overall disappointing start to the season, there is one big reason to be somewhat optimistic looking ahead - and it starts with the big guys. Team Canada announced their official lineup for the 2025 World Juniors [https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm20], with Pittsburgh Penguins forward Tanner Howe [https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/647116/tanner-howe] one of the 25. The former second-round pick (46th overall) from the 2024 Draft will make his World Juniors debut, having represented Canada at the previous two U18 tournaments in 2022 and 2023. Howe, currently playing with the Calgary Hitmen [https://chl.ca/whl-hitmen/] in the WHL, had 16 points in 16 games. The 19-year-old began the season as captain of the Regina Pats, but a November trade brought him to Alberta. Last season, Howe had 28 goals and 77 points in 68 games, a down year from the 36 goals and 85 points from the 2022-23 campaign. Canada didn't earn a medal last year at the World Juniors, held in Sweden, and will be out for redemption on home soil as the city of Ottawa hosts the tournament, which begins on Dec. 26. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwNjYwNDIwMDI3OTUwOTI5/thnpitbanner.png]
