If you are craving live hockey to watch, I've got great news for you.
The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, commonly known as the World Juniors, begins on August 9th and will feature the U20 national teams from the United States, Canada, Slovakia, Czechia, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Latvia, and Austria. Four players in the Blue Jackets organization will represent their respective countries when the tournament begins in Edmonton next week. Forward Kent Johnson will represent Team Canada and defenseman David Jiříček, forward, Martin Ryšavý, and defenseman Stanislav Svozil will represent Team Czechia.
#CBJ forward Kent Johnson will represent Team Canada at the #WorldJuniors that begin on August 9th. https://t.co/mcM6kxHQBo
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) August 1, 2022
#CBJ prospects D David Jiek (2022, R1, 6th OVR), F Martin Ryav (2021, R7, 197th OVR), and D Stanislav Svozil (2021, R3, 69th OVR) will represent Team Czechia at the upcoming #WorldJuniors that begin August 9th. https://t.co/3AoP26MHgZ
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) July 29, 2022
Which current Jackets have stood out at the World Juniors of the past?
Jakub Voracek, Czech Republic - 2008
In his second WJC appearance, just two players posted more assists than Voracek's six assists in six games.
Patrik Laine, Finland - 2016
The only two players with more points than Patrik Laine at the 2016 WJC were his linemates on Team Finland, Jesse Puljujarvi and Sebastian Aho. In seven games, Laine scored seven goals, tying Auston Matthews for the tournament lead, and added six assists. Not only did he stuff the stat sheet, but he also helped his team bring home the gold medal and was one of three forwards named to the tournament's all-star team.
Finland wins the world under-18 tourney a couple months after gold at world juniors. Laine/Puljujarvi/Aho coming. Burgeoning hockey power.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 25, 2016
Zach Werenski, USA - 2016
In Werenski's second appearance at the WJC for Team USA, no defenseman had more points than him, as he scored two goals and seven assists in seven games. Werenski was the captain of his team and was named the tournament's best blueliner.
Awards per @IIHFHockey
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) January 5, 2016
Top goalie: Soderstrom (SWE)
Top d-man: Werenski (USA)
Top forward: Puljujrvi (FIN)#WorldJuniors
This #13 Werenski kid could one hundred percent being playing for and helping the Blue Jackets right now #WorldJuniors
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) January 4, 2016
Columbus Werenski named Team USA captain for World Juniors, Matthews an alternate https://t.co/r6Z0upAq9V
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) December 22, 2015
Johnny Gaudreau, USA - 2013
Like Laine, Gaudreau won gold in his only appearance at the WJC and was named to the tournament's all-star team. He was Team USA's leading goal scorer with seven and tied for the team lead in points with nine.
Erik Gudbranson, Canada - 2011
No defenseman scored more goals than Gudbranson did, tying teammate Ryan Ellis with three. Gudbranson also added two assists for a total of five points in seven games.
Seven days from now, the four players in the Blue Jackets organization will have their chance to shine on junior hockey's biggest stage.
