2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series Preview
The CIBC Canada Russia Series is an event that fans are eager to watch on a yearly basis. Held from November 5 to 15, the 2018 edition once again features some of the Canadian Hockey League’s top prospects as they take on Russian-born players aged 19 or less.
Over the past five years, the CIBC Canada-Russia Series has ended with a slight advantage for the North Americans. However, Canada dominated the 2015 and 2016 Series after winning four and five of the six games respectively. Back in 2014 though, it was the Russians who took a four-game edge.
But the most exciting matchups are still the ones that keep us on the edge of our seats thanks to some close scores. That was the case in the 2013 and 2017 Series, when both teams had three wins apiece. The QMJHL still ended up claiming last year’s matchup after a shootout determined the winner.
Many players on the 2018 Team QMJHL already possess some valuable experience when it comes to the CIBC Canada Russia Series. More specifically, nine players took part in last year’s event, including: Shawn Boudrias (Gatineau), Benoît-Olivier Groulx (Halifax), Nicolas Guay (Drummondville), Rafaël Harvey-Pinard (Rouyn-Noranda), Pierre-Olivier Joseph (Charlottetown), Antoine Morand (Halifax), Jared McIsaac (Halifax), Joël Teasdale (Blainville-Boisbriand) and Joseph Veleno (Drummondville). From the bunch, three had managed to get their names on the scoresheet in 2017, with Boudrias and Guay netting one goal each and Veleno picking up an assist.
Players to watch
When it comes to the CIBC Canada Russia Series, it’s impossible not to mention some of the prospects that will be considered for the next two editions of the NHL Entry Draft. While this competition is first and foremost an opportunity to watch the players who have the potential of playing in the next IIHF World Junior Championship, it also offers a look at some players who will potentially be playing in the NHL in the near future.
The 2019 NHL Draft will feature at least four QMJHL prospects that will be playing in the series against the Russians. Among them is Halifax Mooseheads forward Raphaël Lavoie who, as per many experts, is considered as a potential Top 10 pick of the next draft.
Jakob Pelletier of the Moncton Wildcats and Samuel Poulin of the Sherbrooke Phoenix are two other forwards that will likely hear their names called by an NHL franchise in the draft’s first round. As for Nathan Legaré, his tremendous start of the season with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar has only boosted his draft stock and the rank at which he will be drafted next June.
As for the 2020 Draft, two players taking part in this year’s CIBC Canada Russia Series will be eligible for it, including one that is considered as the NHL’s next star, Alexis Lafrenière of the Rimouski Océanic.
The young phenom has been turning many heads, to the point that he’s already been compared to players such as Crosby and MacKinnon. Despite being only 17 years old, he currently sits second in the QMJHL with 36 points and 24 assists in 21 games. If he can maintain his current pace, there is a strong chance Lafrenière becomes the first overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft.
As for Halifax Mooseheads defenceman Justin Barron – he who will be celebrating his 17th birthday on the day of the final game against the Russians – his offensive instincts and big frame (6’2’’, 187 pounds) have allowed him to distinguish himself more and more among the 2020 prospects.
There will also be four players worth a follow on the Russian squad: Pavel Koltygin (Drummondville), Dmitry Zavgorodniy (Rimouski), Alexander Khovanov (Moncton) and the QMJHL’s top scorer, Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau), should all impress. The four players will be no strangers to the local crowds as they currently play in the QMJHL and have enjoyed their share of success.
With the series having already begun, the Russians first paid a visit to the WHL, before making their way to the OHL and finally to the QMJHL. Team QMJHL will be playing it’s first game against Russia on November 13th in Sherbrooke’s Palais des Sports at 7 p.m. ET. Two days later, on November 15th, the second game and final one of the Series will take place between both squads, this time in Drummondville’s Centre Marcel-Dionne at 7 p.m. ET.
You won’t want to miss out on these high-paced games. Get your tickets now!
