The World Junior Hockey Championships are coming…

It is definitely the best part of Boxing Day, sitting with friends and family and watching team Canada embark on their trip for junior hockey supremacy.

There does seem to be a trend building as this years team will be missing it’s top eligible players who currently reside on NHL rosters.

It seems that there is no question that if Canada had all of it’s available talent, they would be able to produce a formidable squad. Having players such as Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin and Jeff Skinner would put Canada far ahead of any competitors.

In a way, this creates more competition, as most other countries are able to compete with Canada, and in the USA’s case, even beat them as they did in last years final.

This years team will be lacking a lot of flash and skill at the top, but should be built through hard work and effort. The return of Brayden Schenn to the Brand Wheat Kings of the WHL should help Canada as they have a player with some NHL experience at forward.

Canada will be faced with a tough challenge to top the American squad that hosts this years event in Buffalo, NY.

I might even have to make it down for a few games myself.

One final note, don’t sleep on Sweden, they could take the tourney!