There's a lot of traditions around Christmas times...the family dinners, opening presents as the clock strikes midnight on December 25th, watching Christmas movies but to me, the best tradition is just about to start. Every year on boxing day, the World Junior Championships kicks off and we get to have a look at the most promising prospects in hockey. This year, the tournament will be even more interesting for Habs fans as several of the team's prospects will be taking part. Ryan Poehling and Cayden Primeau will line-up for the Americans while Nick Suzuki and Josh Brooks will be sporting the maple leaf. Jacob Olofsson will skate for Sweden, Jesse Ylönen for Finland and Alexander Romanov for Russia.
Team Canada will kick off the preliminary phase of its tourney tonight at 8:00 PM ET by taking on Denmark. Here's the complete preliminary round schedule of games featuring Habs prospects:
Wednesday, December 26th
United States - Slovakia - 6:30 PM ET Canada - Denmark - 8:00 PM ET Finland - Sweden - 10:30 PM ET
Thursday, December 27th
Russia - Denmark - 4:00 PM ET Slovakia - Sweden - 6:30 PM ET Switzerland - Canada - 8:00 PM ET Finland - Kazakhstan - 10:30 PM ET
Friday, December 28th
Czech Republic - Russia - 8:00 PM ET Kazakhstan - United States - 10:30 PM ET
Saturday, December 29th
Slovakia - Finland - 6:30 PM ET Canada - Czech Republic - 8:00 PM ET Sweden - United States - 10:30 PM ET
Sunday, December 30th
Switzerland - Russia - 8:00 PM ET
Monday, December 31st
Sweden - Kazakhstan - 6:30 PM ET Russia - Canada - 8:00 PM ET United States - Finland - 10:30 PM ET
I'm especially looking forward to Team Canada's games as both Suzuki and Brook should be an integral part of Canada's success. The former is lining-up with the Owen Sounds Attack of the OHL this season and has already gathered 43 points (20 goals and 23 assists) in 28 games while the later is playing with the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors and enjoying a productive season (33 points, 9 goals and 24 assists). Both prospects are also the captain of their squad and will be expected to bring leadership to team Canada for that very reason.
#Habs prospect Nick Suzuki is happy to play wherever he can make the most difference for Canada at the #WorldJuniors.https://t.co/82itgKxyWU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 26, 2018
"He's capable of playing well defensively while being responsible. He can cover an opponent and still be solid one-on-one. Josh is at his best when he keeps things simple. He becomes very efficient," - Marc-André Dumont on Josh Brook
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 21, 2018
READ -> https://t.co/Fc1I2RXYJT #GoHabsGo
Tune in tonight to see them play Denmark and enjoy some good hockey while bursting with national pride!