U-18 Ivan Hlinka

[Gramps]

Anyone watching any of the U-18 tournament? Curious who is standing out so far.

Noticable players in the games I've watched are

Fiala (SUI)
Malgin (SUI)

Virtanen (CAN)
Konecny (CAN)
Sanheim (CAN)
Fleury (CAN)
McDonald (CAN)

Eichel (USA)
Hanifin (USA)

Nylander (SWE)

Zacha (CZE)

Saarela (FIN)

[Hollywood]

I did watch the SWI_CAN game yesterday. For Canada, I really like Virtanen. He reminds me a bit of a young C.Perry.

On the SWI side, I was impressed by Fiala, I didn't know him, but he seems to have a great hockey-IQ, he was always around the puck.

That's a great thread because I am really curious to read you guys about this, especially the ones that did watch multiple games...

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

William Nylander has set the record for most points by a Swede in this tournament.

He's really come on strong in the second half of this year to start reclaiming his lofty pre-season draft ranking.

[vandalay]

This not meant to be snarky but merely an FYI to Gramps, the U18 Champioship is different than the Ivan Hlinka. This is an official IIHL tournament (like the U20 world juniors) whereas the Ivan Hlinka is a separate event that is not sanctioned by the IIHF and happens in August.

For 2014 guys I have read that Nylander, Virtanen, Bleakley, Vrana, Fiala have looked good and that Kapanen has looked quite unimpressive. Have not watched any games though.

Really sounds like the 2014 draft's 2nd tier is super wide open and there are loads of guys that could go in the 7-20 range.

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

Ya Fiala is looking great.... Really solidifying himself as a top 15 pick.

[Gramps]

This not meant to be snarky but merely an FYI to Gramps, the U18 Champioship is different than the Ivan Hlinka. This is an official IIHL tournament (like the U20 world juniors) whereas the Ivan Hlinka is a separate event that is not sanctioned by the IIHF and happens in August.

For 2014 guys I have read that Nylander, Virtanen, Bleakley, Vrana, Fiala have looked good and that Kapanen has looked quite unimpressive. Have not watched any games though.

Really sounds like the 2014 draft's 2nd tier is super wide open and there are loads of guys that could go in the 7-20 range.

Not snarky at all, thanks for the heads up!

[franklin]

Some interesting comments by Pronman:

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 4 min
Anton Karlsson bumped down to the 3rd line for Sweden. Pointless on a team with over 30 goals while playing top 6 minutes.

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 24 avr.
Alex Tuch has had an impressive tourney. 6-4 215 draft eligible winger is very skilled and an improved skater

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 18 h
Strong period for Barzal. The 97s on Canada look like high-end players in next year's draft. Crouse a level below him and Konecny.

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 20 h
Great rush by Vrana and tournament so far. This is the prospect I thought he'd be in the summer.

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 20 h
Nylander's 1 point today tied him for 12th all-time in U18 scoring with 19 points in 11 games (Gaborik had 19 in 13).

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 23 h
What a tourney for Noah Hanifin. His rush leads to a go-ahead goal for the USA. Among the very best prospects going into next year

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 24 avr.
Kevin Fiala ties it up vs. CAN with minutes left. A simply sensational talent.

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 24 avr.
Travis Konecny has been pretty impressive at the U18s. Looks every bit like a potential top 10 pick next season.

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 24 avr.
Fans of non-playoff teams should start looking up Kevin Fiala because he's working his way into a top 14 pick discussion

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 22 avr.
Noah Hanifin has been a huge standout at the U18s this yr. Almost as good a tourney as Jones at same age, better than Trouba & Eichel.

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 22 avr.
Kevin Fiala and David Pastrnak with multi point games this morning as the "Adopted Swedes" continue to have big tournaments

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman · 22 avr.
Haydn Fleury with good flashes in the first period of what he can be. A big, physical, skilled D who skates very well.