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What follows are a couple of brief impressions from the World Junior exhibition game played this morning in Finland, featuring two recent Hawk first round picks, Philip Danault for Canada and Teuvo Teravainen for Finland.

Canadian head coach Steve Spott seemed to be juggling and shuffling lines a lot at even strength, as I saw Danault out with a variety of linemates 5 on 5. However, it appears he has settled on Danault as his center on the top penalty kill unit.

Teravainen was quiet early on, but one thing that really jumps out about him is how well he skates and moves over 360 degrees. He is a very fluid, graceful skater in all directions, with good to very good acceleration and speed.

The wiry forward’s hands, instinct and vision were on display in the third period, when he controlled a loose puck at the Canadian blueline, stickhandled on the move in a tight pocket of space between closing defenders and shot a quick pass over to a teammate for the winning goal.

While Teravainen is known primarily for his shot, this is the second time now (in limited viewings), I have seen him make a pro quality read and dish, leading to a goal. As far as the question over whether Teravainen will be a center or a wing in the pros, what I have seen thus far tells me he has the instincts and skill to be a top 6 center in the pros.

Also last night, the Rockford Ice Hogs won 3-1 on the road in Milwaukee (Nashville). Rockford goals were scored by Jeremy Morin, Brandon Pirri and Andrew Shaw. Rockford meets Milwaukee again tomorrow night in Wisconsin.

All for now,


JJ

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