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Columbus well represented at the WJC's
Written by: Aaron Vickers on 12/13/2003 
Columbus Blue Jacket fans have grown to adore the World Junior Championships, which showcases the world's top talent under the age of 20. The past has brought international experience to a multiple of then Blue Jacket prospects, including current Blue Jackets Nikolai Zherdev, Rick Nash and Rostislav Klesla, as well as prospects Joakim Lindstrom and Pascal Leclaire.
While the International Ice Hockey Federation's World Junior Championship is by no means a guaranteed stepping stone to stardom, the experience is something each participant will undoubtedly hold with them long after the final buzzer sounds.
Zherdev Named Captain For Russia
Controversy is something that Kiev-born forward Nikolai Zherdev is quickly becoming accustomed to. It was merely weeks ago that the Columbus Blue Jacket forward was named team captain for the International Ice Hockey Federation's U-20 tournament, while still playing for CSKA of the Russian Super League. Those weeks may feel like months for everyone close to the situation, as Zherdev left his club in search of greener pastures in North America.
Despite being named captain for Team Russia, Zherdev, acting in his own best interests, has decided not to attend the World Junior Championships. The fourth overall selection in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft is hesitant to leave the Columbus Blue Jackets.
With Zherdev's situation far from resolved, there is no guarantee he would be returned to the Columbus Blue Jackets following the tournament. It is because of this that Zherdev is uneasy to head overseas to participate in the tournament, with no guarantee he would be allowed to return. Complicating the matter further, Russia has presented both the IIHF and the NHL documentation of Zherdev being a conscripted member of the Russian Army. The legitimacy of these documents continue to be investigated by both parties.
Arsi Piispanen To Team Finland
Finnish youngster Arsi Piispanen has been invited to play for Team Finland in the upcoming World Junior Championships. The Finnish youngster, who recently made his debut in SM-Liiga with Jokerit managing to open some eyes in the process, began seeing some front-line activity. Piispanen, an 85-born player, appeared to be a long shot to make the club heading into the season. The highly talented forward, despite his weight, has been able to contribute solidly for Jokerit thus far, with strong, steady play.
Piispanen, who was Columbus' sixth selection in the 2002 National Hockey League Entry Draft, participated in the 2003 World Junior Under-18 Championships, recording an impressive four goals and five points in six games for Finland.
Weighing in at 6'4", and a slender 174 lbs, the native of Jyvaskyla certainly saw his chances of making the team improve after representing Finland at the Four Nations Tournament held recently in Mikkeli. Piispanen is slated to center the fourth line in the tournament.
Columbus Releases Fritsche to Play
Columbus Blue Jacket rookie Danny Fritsche was released to Team USA this past week. On loan from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Fritsche will skate with Team USA in the World Junior Championships, which commence on Boxing Day. Fritsche will not see action again until after January 5th, the day the tournament commences.
After participating in America's Junior Evaluation Camp this past summer, which saw him post three assists in four games against the likes of Sweden and Finland, the 2004 World Junior Championships will mark Fritsche's first major international experience.
Fritsche, 18, surprised many this season when he made the Columbus Blue Jackets out of training camp. The 46th overall selection continues to surprise even more as he has been able to keep on the Columbus Blue Jackets roster. Often a healthy scratch, the opportunity to represent his country will be a strong motivator and an excellent source of rebuilding any lost confidence Fritsche may have experienced in watching often a game from the press box.
Kosmachev Suits Up for Russia
Blue Jackets prospect Dimitri Kosmachev is expected to suit up for Team Russia in the International Ice Hockey Federation's Under-20 World Junior Championships. Kosmachev, Columbus' third round selection in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft and newest conscriptee of the Russian Army, brings an immediate presence on the blueline for Russia, whose roster has a smaller back end.
Kosmachev, a former teammate of Zherdev's on both the 2003 World Junior Under 18-Championships, as well as the 2002-03 and 2003-04 edition of HC CSKA, is well prepared to do battle on an international stage. No stranger to international competition, Kosmachev has played in the past two U-18 World Junior Championships, and will make his U-20 World Junior Championships when Russia takes on Slovakia, on the first day of the tournament, December 26th.
Copyright 2003 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
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