Before they became NHLers, a number of the current Colorado Avalanche players got the privilege of representing their countries at the IIHF Wold Junior Hockey Championship. Some were stars on a gold medal winning team like Cale Makar and Conor Timmins, while others were youngsters putting themselves on the map during their draft year the way Mikko Rantanen did. Whatever impact they ultimately make, this tournament is a big opportunity.
Avalanche fans have the good fortune of getting to cheer on four of their top prospects a their year’s tournament. Drew Helleson will be playing a huge role for Team USA while Bowen Byram, Alex Newhook and Justin Barron will all be in the lineup trying to help Canada repeat as champion.