The gold standard

Team Canada forward Devante Smith-Pelly, left, takes out Team Finland defenceman Ville Pokka during exhibition hockey action in Calgary.

Patrick King | December 20, 2011, 9:21 am

A year ago, the Canadian world junior team had a forward group consisting of what then head coach Dave Cameron claimed as four "No. 2 lines."

This year's group may be missing some big name players who are starring in the NHL, but it doesn't lack star appeal. The offensive group can both score and play well in its own zone while the defence is a reliable group, but with few highlight reel puck-rushers. As usual, we will break down each player and offers a synopsis on their possible roles.

Team Canada will begin the tournament on Boxing Day against Team Finland in Edmonton. Remember to visit sportsnet.ca throughout the tournament for game previews, recaps and columns every day.

THE FORWARDS

MICHAEL BOURNIVAL

Junior team: Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

NHL rights: Montreal Canadiens

Hometown: Shawinigan, Que.

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 191 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: He's one of junior hockey's least-known superstars. Bournival provides leadership, since he's already a captain on his hometown team in Shawinigan, the host team for May's MasterCard Memorial Cup. Bournival will be relied upon to provide grit, energy and overall defensive play. Although he can score (he had 10 goals in his first five games this season), his contributions will likely be as a checker.

BRETT CONNOLLY

Pro team: Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

NHL rights: Tampa Bay Lightning

Hometown: Prince George, B.C.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 199 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: One of only four returning players from last year's silver-medal winning group, Connolly will no doubt see an increase in his role this season. He's a sniper with surgical precision and should factor into Canada's offensive punch. Connolly did not score a goal in last year's tournament (three assists in seven games) and will need to assert himself more this time around. He could be a dominant force if he applies himself.

BRENDAN GALLAGHER

Junior team: Giants (WHL)

NHL rights: Montreal Canadiens

Hometown: Tsawwassen, B.C.

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 178 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: Never overlook the trust a player and coach develop. Gallagher and head coach Don Hay have spent parts of four seasons together in Vancouver, and the little dynamo is the prototypical Hay-style player. Gallagher makes up for his modest size with heart and determination. He's constantly buzzing on the forecheck and creates turnovers with his non-stop hustle. He will likely play a defensive and energy role in this tournament.

FREDDIE HAMILTON

Junior team: Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

NHL rights: San Jose Sharks

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 191 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: The lesser-known of the Hamilton brothers, older brother Freddie is somewhat of a late bloomer. He doesn't have the same type of flashy play as Dougie, a defenceman, but is a more than capable scorer in junior. Freddie can be a pesky player and provide energy and secondary scoring for the Canadians.

QUINTON HOWDEN

Junior team: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

NHL rights: Florida Panthers

Hometown: Oak Bank, Man.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 187 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Another returning player from last year's team, Howden will be a big part of the success this time around. Howden began tournament last year as a fourth-liner, but quickly became a point producer. He had five points and a plus-6 rating in seven games. If healthy, Howden will be depended on for grit, offence and leadership. His speed and tenacity also makes him a reliable defensive player. He could be one of the tournament's top players.

JONATHAN HUBERDEAU

Junior team: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

NHL rights: Florida Panthers

Hometown: St. Jerome, Que.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 176 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Like Howden, much will depend on how healthy Huberdeau is for the tournament. Huberdeau is a dynamic offensive player, one of the best in junior. Had it not been for his modest frame, Huberdeau would have earned a longer look and possibly a roster spot with the Panthers this season. His speed and nose for the net will make him a hard player to contain for the opposition.

BOONE JENNER

Junior team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)

NHL rights: Columbus Blue Jackets

Hometown: Dorchester, Ont.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 205 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: A big, bruising forward, Jenner earned his spot on this team with his physical prowess and defensive responsibility. He won't be relied on to bring offence, although he can certainly chip in once in a while. He will be one of the unsung heroes who help stir the drink, albeit in a more limited role.

TANNER PEARSON

Junior team: Barrie Colts (OHL)

NHL rights: 2012 eligible

Hometown: Kitchener, Ont.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 198 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Pearson's role could certainly change throughout the course of the tournament. His offensive production in junior is one reason he earned an invite to the camp and Hockey Canada is hoping his production can translate to the international stage. If he fails to produce early, he could be relegated to a lesser role, providing energy and secondary scoring.

MARK SCHEIFELE

Junior team: Barrie Colts (OHL)

NHL rights: Winnipeg Jets

Hometown: Kitchener, Ont.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 192 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: Hockey Canada may be hoping for Scheifele and Pearson to carry over their solid offensive play from their club team in Barrie. Scheifele is a gifted playmaker with an uncanny ability to find the open man. He's riding a huge wave of confidence this season, beginning with the experience of playing in the NHL. He should be one of Canada's top point producers.

JADEN SCHWARTZ

Junior team: Colorado College (NCAA)

NHL rights: St. Louis Blues

Hometown: Wilcox, Sask.

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 190 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Another returning player, Schwartz will still be cutting his teeth like many of his teammates in this tournament. He played in only two games before an injury ended his tournament. In those two games, Schwartz proved he can be a valuable player in all three zones. His exceptional speed and creativity should make him one of Canada's top scorers. His heart and determination can also inspire and motivate his teammates.

DEVANTE SMITH-PELLY

Pro team: Anaheim Ducks (NHL)

NHL rights: Anaheim Ducks

Hometown: Scarborough, Ont.

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 212 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: One of two players loaned by an NHL team, Smith-Pelly could fit in several different roles on this team. He can provide offence as he was one of the top forwards in last year's MasterCard Memorial Cup, playing for the runner-up Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, and can provide offence. Smith-Pelly is also a reliable defensive player, as evidenced by the fact the Ducks used him on the penalty kill earlier this season. He won't necessarily need to put up stats to make an impact on the team's success in the tournament.

MARK STONE

Junior team: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

NHL rights: Ottawa Senators

Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 206 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: Much like Bournival, Stone is one of junior hockey's true hidden gems. He never made many headlines on a Brandon team that featured Brayden Schenn, until his rise up the scoring charts last season. Stone could provide the Canadians with some offensive punch, but will also make an impact with some physical play. His role could be more clearly defined depending on his production early in the tournament.

RYAN STROME

Junior team: Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

NHL rights: New York Islanders

Hometown: Mississauga, Ont.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 183 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: He's quite simply a human highlight reel. Strome is one of the most gifted scorers in junior and has a flair for the dramatic. His soft and supple hands make him a true wizard with the puck on his stick. Strome will most likely be Canada's triggerman on the power-play and in situations where they need a goal. He has the talent to finish among the top scorers in the tournament.

THE DEFENCEMEN

NATHAN BEAULIEU

Junior team: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

NHL rights: Montreal Canadiens

Hometown: Strathroy, Ont.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 189 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Beaulieu is the most dynamic of Canada's puck-rushers on the blue line. His defensive play is strong, but not his forte. Beaulieu will most likely be given the green light to start the rush and as Canada's power-play quarterback. His smooth skating stride and elite skating ability will make him a player to watch.

BRANDON GORMLEY

Junior team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

NHL rights: Phoenix Coyotes

Hometown: Murray River, P.E.I.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 196 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Gormley will finally represent Canada after disappointing circumstances the last two years. A year ago he was forced to miss the tournament due to injury, while at 17 he was cut at the selection camp. Gormley is a solid, two-way defender. He won't make the dazzling end-to-end rushes, but he will start the rush with his smart outlet passes. He will most likely be one of Canada's top defenders, relied upon in all situations.

SCOTT HARRINGTON

Junior team: London Knights (OHL)

NHL rights: Pittsburgh Penguins

Hometown: Kingston, Ont.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 200 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: No player received fewer headlines at the selection camp than the modest and humble Harrington. His play won't make the highlight reels, but he can make a difference in the defensive zone. His plus-20 in 26 games this season is among the league leaders in the OHL. He can play with a chip on his shoulder at times, but isn't a punishing checker. Harrington will be on the ice in all defensive situations.

DOUGIE HAMILTON

Junior team: Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

NHL rights: Boston Bruins

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 192 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: The younger of the Hamilton brothers, Dougie is an exceptionally gifted player with imposing size. Although not a punishing hitter, Hamilton can play the body, but usually uses his intelligence to beat his opponent. He processes the game well and can make things happen at both ends of the rink. Hamilton may see the ice in every situation.

RYAN MURRAY

Junior team: Everett Silvertips (WHL)

NHL rights: 2012 eligible

Hometown: White City, Sask.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 201 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: An all-world talent, Murray was a close cut at camp a year ago and will be a lottery pick in the NHL draft this year. Murray is solid in every aspect of his game, from his ability to create offence to shutting down the opposition. He's a smooth skater and intelligent player. His leadership intangibles could also make him a valuable player within the room. Murray will play in all situations and try to prove he's among the top of his draft class.

JAMIE OLEKSIAK

Junior team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

NHL rights: Dallas Stars

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 244 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Oleksiak is a chiseled monster with intimidating size. Although not a very physical player (think Tyler Myers), Oleksiak won't likely be penalized very often for his size and the perception that he could be playing dirty. He's more than a capable puck-rusher and is a strong skater, particularly for his size. Oleksiak may play in a more complementary role to start the tournament.

MARK PYSYK

Junior team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

NHL rights: Buffalo Sabres

Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alta.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 187 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: The only Albertan will be right at home when the Canadian team begins play in Edmonton. The product of the Edmonton suburb, Sherwood Park, has played his entire career for the Oil Kings since being their first draft pick in modern franchise history in 2007. Pysyk is a mobile and solid skater with a game more predominantly defined in a defensive role. He may also be a complementary player.

THE GOALTENDERS

MARK VISENTIN

Junior team: Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

NHL rights: Phoenix Coyotes

Hometown: Waterdown, Ont.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 194 lbs.

Catches: Left

Synopsis: Visentin began the tournament as the backup to Olivier Roy a year ago before starting the games that mattered in the medal round. Although few will blame the third period meltdown in the gold-medal game solely on Visentin, he didn't exactly stop the bleeding either. Visentin will most likely begin the tournament as the starter, but it's a role he may not have a firm grip on. Should he falter, the reins will be handed over to Wedgewood.

SCOTT WEDGEWOOD

Junior team: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

NHL rights: New Jersey Devils

Hometown: Brampton, Ont.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 194 lbs.

Catches: Left

Synopsis: Wedgewood will most likely begin the tournament in the same situation as Visentin a year ago as the backup. If he plays well, or if Visentin does not, the starter's job could be his when the calendar turns. Wedgewood is a solid and reliable goaltender, who quietly instills confidence in his teammates. His confidence and gung-ho attitude could help him earn the starter's job if he backs up his play at the selection camp.