CHL standouts receive recognition at 2015 WJC
Tuesday January 6, 2015
With the thrill of Monday’s exciting 5-4 gold medal victory over Russia still fresh in the minds of Canadians across the country, members of Canada’s National Junior Team return to their respective CHL clubs this week to resume the second half of the regular season. Though Canada’s contributions came in many forms ranging from solid penalty killing and strong goaltending to discipline and relentless puck pursuit, four players stood out on the ice and on the scoresheet, being named to the tournament’s media all-star team. Forwards Sam Reinhart (Kootenay Ice), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters) and Max Domi (London Knights) joined defenceman Josh Morrissey (Kelowna Rockets) in receiving the recognition. Canada’s four representatives are the highest total named to the media all-star team since 1995, when Jason Allison, Eric Daze, Bryan McCabe and Marty Murray won gold in Red Deer, AB.
Additionally, Reinhart, Domi and defenceman Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) were selected as Canada’s Players of the Tournament by the coaches.
Reinhart finished tied for the tournament scoring lead with teammates McDavid and Nic Petan (Portland Winterhawks), scoring five goals and six assists in seven games. He led the tournament with a plus-minus rating of plus-13. The second overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft was also a force in the faceoff circle, operating with a 57.9% success rate. The native of North Vancouver, BC, scored what stood as the winning goal on Monday night, tipping a Max Domi shot through the legs of Russian goaltener Ilya Sorokin in the third period. He adds a 2015 WJC gold medal to his collection that also includes gold from the 2012 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic as well as a gold from the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
The 17 year-old McDavid was a standout for Canada through the entire tournament, beating defenders with his speed and vision and opening up quality chances for his linemates. The draft eligible forward finished the tournament with three goals and eight assists in seven games with a plus-minus rating of plus-8. He was named the Player of the Game in Canada’s 4-0 win over Germany on December 27 with a goal and two assists and captivated scouts and fans alike with his diverse range of skills.
Morrissey joined new Kelowna Rockets teammate Madison Bowey in leading Canadian scoring from the blueline with four points (1-3–4) in seven contests to go with a plus-minus rating of plus-9. Morrissey quarterbacked Canada’s powerplay that led the tournament going 9 for 21 (42.9%). The Winnipeg Jets first round draft pick was used frequently by Canada Head Coach Benoit Groulx and provided a steady presence on the back end.
In addition to being chosen for the media all-star team, Domi was also named the tournament’s Top Forward by the IIHF Directorate. The Arizona Coyotes prospect was a consistent presence in the Canadian lineup, scoring five goals and adding five assists in seven games to go with a plus-minus rating of plus-10. The two-time Ontario Hockey League Champion contributed to Monday’s gold medal victory with a goal and two assists. The 2015 WJC gold medal is Domi’s second in his international career, after winning gold in the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
After all of the dust settled, Canada played to a perfect 7-0 record, outscoring opponents 39-9, capping off a gold medal triumph by holding off a relentless Russian attack in one of the most exciting tournament games in recent memory to win 5-4.
A total of 22 Canadian CHL players bring gold medals home this week, doing their country proud.
For complete post-tournament coverage of the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, including scores and recaps, visit worldjunior2015.com or hockeycanada.ca.