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Four Hawk prospects, including three first round draft picks over the last two draft years, saw action today at the World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia.

In Canada's 9-3 victory over Germany, neither Phillip Danault nor Mark McNeill made the scoresheet. Danault was -1 and McNeill was even.

Teuvo Teravainen tied for the Finland team lead with 5 shots in a 5-1 victory over Latvia, and was +2. Although Finland appeared to be a medal contender, the team will have to overcome the loss of top forward Miro Aaltonen to a serious ankle injury for the remainder of the tournament. It will be interesting to see how Teravainen responds to increased pressure that should now be on him to help carry the Finns.

Maxim Shalunov went scoreless for Russia, but was noticeable, albeit for the wrong reason. Late in the third period of a then 2-1 game, Shalunov drew a double minor for a cross-check to the head of a Slovakian player. Slovak forward Richard Mraz scored on the ensuing power play, pushing the game to OT, where the Russians eventually won, averting what would have been a huge upset on home ice. The Slovaks are a very hard-working, frustrating team to play against, and while Shalunov's frustration demonstrates his passion, it also can't reach the point of shooting his own team in the foot.

Finland faces the Czech Republic, Canada faces off against the Slovaks, and Russia meets the U.S. on Friday.

Rockford meets Chicago (Vancouver) tomorrow night in AHL action.

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