Follow me on Twitter: @BenShelley_20 Follow HockeyBuzz Ducks on Twitter: @HB_Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have three prospects participating in this year’s World Juniors, all of which are representing Canada.
As Canada opens their tournament tonight against Czechia, here’s a quick look at who Ducks fans should be looking out for.
NATHAN GAUCHER
Selected 22nd overall by the Ducks this year, Gaucher is a returning member of Canada’s Gold-Medal winning group from this summer’s tournament. In seven games during the event, Gaucher managed a goal and an assist.
Back in the QMJHL for his final season of junior hockey, Gaucher has upped his production. The 6-foot-3 center has scored 14 goals and 29 points in 24 games with the Quebec Remparts and is playing on a line with Zach Dean and Joshua Roy at the tournament.
TYSON HINDS
A third-round pick from 2021, Hinds will be the only Ducks prospect playing for Canada who wasn’t part of the 2022 Gold-Medal winning team. However, he’s posted huge numbers with the QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix this season, scoring nine goals and 28 points in 27 games.
Hinds stands at 6-foot-3 and is part of what should be an exciting pairing, with Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke.
OLEN ZELLWEGER
Zellweger may be the most exciting player to watch, as a mobile defenseman who can put up big offensive numbers. Another returning member for Canada, Zellweger led all defensemen in points last tournament (and ranked third overall), with 11 points in just seven games.
The 2021 34th overall pick had already scored 10 goals and 28 points in 23 games with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips before heading to the tournament. Zellweger is set to take on a top-pairing role for Canada, playing with Chicago Blackhawks prospect Ethan Del Mastro.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Ducks shut out by Stars for fourth straight loss Ducks fall to Wild in shootout for fifth straight loss Ducks blow lead against Jets, lose sixth straight game to end road trip Ducks snap six-game losing streak with overtime win against Hurricanes Ducks suffer blowout loss at home against Sharks Ducks shut out by both Senators and Maple Leafs in back-to-back set Ducks find some success on road trip with back-to-back wins Ducks suffer back-to-back 4-1 losses against Kings and Wild Ducks fall to Flames in OT, enter break on three-game skid