Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager has been named captain of Team Canada’s World Junior team.
Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager has been named captain of Team Canada’s World Junior team.
The 19-year-old is returning to this event for the second time after he was a part of Canada’s roster that lost early in the knockout rounds last year. He was among the leading scorings on the team recording two goals and five points.
Yager has some experience leading a team, as he was named captain of the Moose Jaw Warriors before the start of the season. He captained them for 21 games scoring 11 goals and 30 points before he was traded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Yager will be joined in the leadership group by Colorado Avalanches’ Calum Ritchie and Nashville Predators’ Tanner Molendyk as alternate captains.
The expectations for Canada are higher at this year’s tournament and more pressure will be put on the shoulders of Yager to lead this team.
Yager has continued to develop his all-around game, improving on his play style which relied upon his speed and shot. His playmaking and two-way game have taken major strides and he’s become an increasingly dangerous player.
His 6’0, 170 lbs frame allows him to dictate play in every game situation and will be something Team Canada HC Dave Cameron will relies on.
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