Canadian Junior Hockey Team
Forwards
Andrew Cogliano, 19, University of Michigan - Has the speed to get open in the offensive zone and a quick shot. The Edmonton Oilers draft pick has expanded his repertoire by taking responsibility on defence and getting more physically involved.
Steve Downie, 19, Peterborough Petes - A catalyst for chaos, what often gets overlooked are Downie's skills and speed making him a scoring threat at all times. If the Philadelphia Flyers' property does get dinged for a penalty, he's likely to score a goal as soon as steps on the ice.
Marc-Andre Cliche, 19, Lewiston Maineacs - Smooth skater with sound offensive instincts and playmaking abilities. He's a new York Rangers draft pick and his last name is pronounced Cleesh.
Kenndal McArdle, 19, Moose Jaw Warriors - Florida Panthers prospect brings, speed, skill and grit to Canada's wing. Likes to mix it up physically and can contribute offensively.
Darren Helm, 19, Medicine Hat Tigers - Defensive specialist is a tireless worker. Detroit Red Wings' prospect should see time on the penalty kill and on Canada's checking line.
Brad Marchand, 18, Val-d'Or Foreurs - Plays a lot like Steve Downie with his quick feet and ability to create havoc. Boston Bruins forward is the lone 18-year-old up front.
James Neal, 19, Plymouth Whalers - Six-foot-three and 203 pounds, the Dallas Stars draft pick is an intimidating presence and opens up room for himself and his teammates.
Bryan Little, 19, Barrie Colts - A first-round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers, Little's smarts and anticipation put him in the right place at the right time, making him an effective two-way forward.
Daniel Bertram, 19, Boston College - Speed, quick hands and tenacity on the puck make the Chicago Blackhawks draft pick effective in traffic and a natural for Canada's energy line.
Ryan O'Marra, 19, Saginaw Spirit - New York Islanders prospect is a two-way forward who is difficult to knock off the puck at 6-1, 207 pounds. Has a hard shot and the smarts to know when to use it.
Tom Pyatt, 19, Saginaw Spirit - Younger brother of Taylor Pyatt of the Vancouver Canucks and a New York Rangers prospect. Tenacious penalty killer and consistent faceoff winner with his quick hands.
Jonathan Toews, 19, University of North Dakota - Impressive two-way forward who plays with authority and competes hard every shift. Can score and hit and does both well.
Sam Gagner, 17, London Knights - Canada's youngest player has hands that are among the most gifted in his age group. Handles and distributes the puck well at high speed. Was cut from Canada's under-18 team during the summer.
Defencemen
Karl Alzner, 18, Calgary Hitmen - Steady, stay-at-home type who uses the boards well to chip the puck up to his forwards. Was already a top prospect for the 2007 NHL draft and his stock is rising.
Ryan Parent, 19, Guelph Storm - A Nashville Predators draft pick who makes smart outlet passes to get his team out of the defensive zone and stays on the defensive side of the play.
Kristopher Letang, 19, Val-d'Or Foreurs - Got a long look from the Pittsburgh Penguins this season. Canada's captain is a beautiful skater, always impeccably positioned and has a rifle of a shot.
Luc Bourdon, 19, Moncton Wildcats - At 6-2, 211 pounds, Bourdon uses his size to finish checks, gain control of the puck along the boards and keep the front of the net clear. Vancouver Canucks kept him a long time before sending him back to Moncton.
Kris Russell, 19, Medicine Hat Tigers - Small and skilled. Sparks transition-game with quick puck movement and smart passes. Columbus Blue Jackets property says he's ready to go despite a groin injury that hampered him at selection camp.
Marc Staal, 19, Sudbury Wolves - The second of the four Staal brothers that includes Eric (Carolina Hurricanes) and Jordan (Pittsburgh Penguins). Named top defenceman of the 2006 world junior championship in Vancouver. Effective at both ends of the ice as he can join the rush and has a good shot, but also uses his size around the net and along the boards.
Cody Franson, 19, Vancouver Giants - Big at six-foot-three and 204 pounds and mobile with a long reach for corralling pucks on the offensive blue-line. Nashville Predators prospect has a hard shot and can thread passes through traffic to the forwards.
Goaltenders
Leland Irving, 18, Everett Silvertips - Plays behind a defensive team in Everett, so he's got the concentration to stay in the game behind what is expected to be a stingy Canadian defence. Calgary Flames prospect smoothly cuts off angles and has the resiliency to bounce back when he's scored on.
Carey Price, 19, Tri-City Americans - Has faced a lot of rubber in previous years with Tri-City, which has fostered his quick reaction and reflexes. The Montreal Canadiens draft pick is among the best in his age group at handling the puck and makes the most of his six-foot-two, 217-pound frame to cover the angles.
