The 2015 World Junior Hockey Championships was a memorable tournament. Here’s five things we’ll remember the most.
#1. In Godla We Trust
The coming out party for undrafted Slovakian goaltender Denis Godla, earning Slovakia their first medal in 16 years and second ever (bronze 1999). Godla was a human highlight reel on a nightly basis (aside from the 8-0 opening day loss to Canada), constantly making acrobatic, game-changing saves.
After a big hand from the Montreal crowd after a monster performance in a 2-1 win over Finland, the fans of the ACC stepped it up a notch by letting Godla know his efforts did not go unnoticed. Even though Canada beat up on them 5-1, and he was robbed of player of the game, the 19-year-old netminder received a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.
Godla made the saves, and Reway scored the goals. Not only did Habs prospect Martin Reway finish with 9 points, he developed an obscure knack for making teams pay for pulling their goalies against him. Versus the Germans he capped off a hat-trick with a couple of dangles and a lob shot from just over half-ice, he then made sure the Czechs were sent packing with a nice individual effort, and then capped it off with a snazzy display of hand-eye and puck control to set up teammate Patrik Koys for the tap-in insurance marker.
They just wanted to win – and when you you perform they way they did, you deserve to.
#2. Denmark became the tournament darlings, the great underdog story.
The top line of CHLers Nikolaj Ehlers, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Mads Eller carried them to fame, and became must-see TV. The big save by George Sorensen in OT vs the Russians was the first big save of the tournament. His overall play; while the stats say otherwise, was a revelation as well.
An amazing performance for a country who was in “the B group” last year. They all bought into the system and believed in each other, a real joy to watch play. They probably just inspired an entire country to lace em’ up! Watch for the number of Danish-born NHL draftees to jump in the coming years. Congratulations, we can’t wait to have you back.
#3. Canada vs USA wasn’t just Mac vs Jack
These were two teams stacked with top prospects with NHL futures, who played their hearts out in the game of their lives up to this point. Dylan Larkin, Anthony DeAngelo, Max Domi, Sam Reinhart, Eric Comrie, and Sonny Milano made huge impacts within those 60 minutes just to name a few.
#4. Max Domi let it be known that being left off last year’s team bothered him a lot.
Being named Canada’s best offensive player by scoring 10 points in 7 games (plus-10), he made a point to come back a much better, more complete player.
Domi was the team’s offensive catalyst and go-to guy. A pair of NHL quality players by his side didn’t hurt, as Sam Reinhart and Anthony Duclair have played a combined 27 NHL games this season, but Domi was often the most dangerous player on the ice even when he’d start a shift by blocking a shot on the PK.
#5. The 2015 and 2016 drafts are something to get excited about
Specifically McDavid, Eichel, Lawson Crouse, Noah Hanifin, Zach Werenski in 2015, and Auston Matthews, Pavel Zacha and Jesse Puljujarvi in 2016. As underagers in a 19-year old tournament, this group did exceptionally well. Not only hanging in there, but outplaying most of their teammates and competitors along the way.
They are all big, strong and skilled, and all but McDavid and Eichel should be back for next year’s event.
