Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos give roster breakdowns for the top contenders at the 2024 world juniors and more, along with some bold predictions. Tony Ferrari also joins the show to discuss the biggest challengers to the contenders.
On a Saturday night just days away from the world juniors, it's The Hockey News Pre-Game Show on the Game+ Network with Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos.
Tonight's guest is Tony Ferrari, a prospects and NHL draft expert at The Hockey News. Catch the previews for some of the top contenders at the World Junior Championship and more, along with some tournament predictions.
Enjoy the show, and remember – the 2024 world juniors take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, 2024. Find the THN Pre-Game Show on TV with the Game+ Network on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. ET.
Segment 1: Team Canada
- Ryan and Michael discuss the forwards to watch, such as Macklin Celebrini, Matt Savoie, Fraser Minten and more.
- What's there to expect from the defense corps that includes Noah Warren, Maveric Lamoureux and Denton Mateychuk? (Note: Tanner Molendyk will now miss the world juniors due to injury, per Hockey Canada.)
- Is their goaltending good enough to help Team Canada win games?
Segment 2: Team USA
- Cutter Gauthier, Rutger McGroarty, Gavin Brindley and the Smith-Leonard-Perrarult line are some of the forwards starring for the Americans.
- Does their defense group have enough size, or does the skill make up for it?
- Do the Americans have the best goaltending tandem of the tournament on paper?
Segment 3: Team Sweden
- The Swedes have forwards with something to prove, including Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Liam Ohgren and Noah Ostlund, plus some great talent.
- Are their defenders some of the best in this year's World Junior Championship?
- Could the goaltending be Team Sweden's downfall?
Segment 4: Tony Ferrari on Finland, Slovakia, Czechia and Norway
- THN's own Tony Ferrari discusses what to expect from the next wave of squads in Finland, Slovakia and Czechia. He also analyzes Norway's Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
Segment 5: World juniors predictions
- Ryan and Michael predict which countries will win medals, which two will play for relegation, which player wins MVP honors and which players are recognized for being the top forward, top defenseman or top goaltender at the tournament.
Check out The Hockey News Pre-Game Show on the Game+ Network at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Here's where to watch:
- Rogers: Channel 499
- Bell: Channel 1425 HD, 430 SD
- Telus Alberta and B.C.: Channel 924
- Videotron: Channel 778
- Cogeco: Channel 482 HD, 430 SD
- SaskTel: Channel 427 HD, 127 SD
Check out the full episode and subscribe to the audio version (The Hockey News Podcast) on your preferred platform. Stay tuned for The Hockey News Archive Podcast on Sunday.
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