The 2023 World Junior Championship tournament is over, with the United States taking home gold for the sixth time after beating Sweden 6-2. While no Arizona Coyotes prospect took home gold, they were well-represented at the tournament. The World Juniors is an excellent experience for young prospects and a great way to track how the younger players are progressing.
Team Canada
Maveric Lamoureux (5gp, 1-2-3)
Lamoureux also finished the tournament with three points, although he got more attention than Geekie. He was second on the team in points by a defenseman behind Denton Mateychuk and was one of two Canadian defensemen to score a goal.
The higher-ups took notice of Lamoureux’s play and named him one of the country’s top three players of the tournament. Not bad for a player that many people considered a reach when the Coyotes drafted him.
Conor Geekie (5gp, 2-1-3)
Geekie became the subject of internet discussions after being ejected just 11 seconds into Canada’s game against Germany for a hit on Samuel Schindler in a game Canada would win.
The hit seemed to overshadow Geekie’s overall performance at the game, which was just okay. He wasn’t the stand-out player of the team, but he contributed. He was one of seven players to record at least two goals for Team Canada, and other than his ill-timed hit, he showed that he could use his size effectively and responsibly. After the tournament, Geekie was traded to the Swift Current Broncos, where he will finish the rest of his season.
Team Czechia
Michael Hrabal (7gp, 3.40 GAA, .877 SV%)
Team Czechia took home bronze at the tournament, and Hrabal played a massive role in the win. He played more minutes than any other goaltender at the tournament, which may be why teams discovered some weaknesses in his game. Czechia’s federation selected him as one of Czechia’s top players at the tournament.
The Coyotes’ goaltender pipeline needs to be replenished, and Hrabal seems he will be a great addition in the next few years.
Team Finland
Samu Bau (7gp, 1-2-3)
While Bau doesn’t get the same attention as Geekie and Lamoureux, he finished with just as many points on an arguably weaker team. Bau was one of three Finish players to record three points, the other two being defenseman. Bau was selected 162nd overall by the Coyotes, and while he may not be a top player, he hopefully got some good experience.
Team Sweden
Melker Thelin (2gp, 1.92 GAA, .909 SV%)
Thelin served as Team Sweden’s backup, playing in two games for the silver medal-winning team. He may not have been the team’s top netminder, but he looked good in his short appearances. Hopefully, he is another player who can develop into a solid goalie prospect for the Coyotes.
Team Germany
Julian Lutz (5gp, 1-1-2)
Lutz wore an “A” for Team Germany and was one of just three NHL prospects on his team. Germany didn’t score a lot at the tournament, and Lutz was one of five players to finish the tournament with two points. His lone goal came on the power play against Team Canada, which is always fun.
Team Slovakia
Adam Žlnka (4gp, 0-0-0)
Žlnka played four of Slovakia’s five games and went pointless in the tournament. The forward was the final player drafted by the Desert Dogs at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, 204th overall. While he may not have stood out, Žlnka hopefully gained some good experience playing against high-level players.