Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager has been named to Team Canada's World Junior roster.
Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager has been named to Team Canada's World Junior roster.
The 19-year-old will be playing in the tournament for the second time in his career after Canada was eliminated in the quarter-final of last year's event. Yager was one of the few bright spots for Canada, scoring two goals and five points in five games, finishing second on his team in both goals and points. At that time, Yager wasn't a part of the Jets organization but was with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Saskatoon, SK native will play a large role with the team, likely playing in the top six as a centre. He was off to a great start with the Moose Jaw Warriors where he was named captain after the team won the WHL championship last year. He scored 11 goals and 30 points in his first 21 games before he was traded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The 2023, 14th overall pick is an all-around centreman with tremendous speed and a heavy shot. He's improved in each season he's played in the WHL as a playmaker and it's made his team's better because of it.
Yager's experience will be heavily relied upon on this Canadian roster and the team will hope Yager emerges as a leader within the locker room.
Jets' prospect Colby Barlow was left off of Team Canada's roster in his final year of eligibility. The 19-year-old got off to a slow start to the OHL season with his new team and despite his recent play drastically improving, he was left off not only the final roster but the selection camp roster.
The tournament begins on Boxing Day in Ottawa.
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