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The World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland are over, and the United States has been crowned champions for the first time ever. Every year there are heroes and goats after the medal round games, and Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov is one example of a former hero. The defenseman Senators fans now call the A-Train scored the game-winning goal for Russia in the 2002 final, as he captained his team to gold over Canada. While the Senators didn’t have any players who scored tournament-winning goals, they had four players who participated, and one of them left Helsinki with a Gold Medal.

Patrick Eaves: United States - 1^st round, 29^th overall, 2003, RW

When his father Mike Eaves was named coach of the American entry in the tournament, Patrick Eaves was not only guaranteed a roster spot but significant playing time. In the end though, coach Eaves couldn’t get his son on the ice enough. As expected, Eaves lined up regularly on a line with Ryan Kesler and Patrick O’Sullivan. The trio acted as a secondary scoring line to the one featuring Zach Parise, who tied for the tournament scoring crown. The end result was the Senators first round pick finished second on the team in scoring with one goal and six points in six games. Only Parise, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, had more points for the championship team.

Eaves was perhaps most valuable in his own zone. Despite not having a big frame, the 6’0”, 184-pound Boston College forward was able to control the play along the boards, and consistently came back. As the tournament wore on, Eaves displayed the many facets of his game, a clear product of having a coach for a father. In a semi-final game with Finland, Eaves blocked approximately eight shots, with many of them coming in the last two minutes of play, where he rarely left the ice. While Eaves was not dominant on offense, he showed plenty of skill, including a beautiful release and good vision. It is yet to be determined whether Eaves will develop into a solid second line player or a well-rounded third liner with some offensive upside. For now, Eaves will return to Boston College with a gold medal around his neck, and shouldn’t be expected to turn pro until at least the 2005-06 season.

Philippe Seydoux: Switzerland- 3^rd round, 100^th overall, 2003, Defense

The youngest blueliner on a weak Swiss squad, Philippe Seydoux played decent minutes on a team that finished eighth in the tournament. Fortunately for Seydoux, the Swiss team will be back next year, and the Senators prospect is the only defenseman eligible to return next year. Therefore, the 2005 tournament may be a better stage for the Kloten Flyers defenseman to show scouts and fans the full range of his skills. Nonetheless, Seydoux had a goal and an assist in the six games he played. Not known for his offensive game, but rather his nasty, defensive style of play, Seydoux was solid in his own zone while receiving reasonable ice time. Next year, he will be asked to play in all game situations, which will test his all-round ability and show scouts and fans if he has a legitimate NHL future. Seydoux now returns to Kloten to continue what has already been a good developmental season.

 Sergey Gimayev: Russia- 5^th round, 166^th overall, 2003, Defens

Like Seydoux, Sergei Gimayev’s game is to play safe defensive hockey. Despite being only 6’0” and 184 pounds, Gimayev likes to play the body and received slightly more ice time than expected on the Russian squad. He was impressive despite being on the unofficial fourth defensive pairing with Andrei Spiridonov. Ineligible to return next year, Gimayev even contributed on offense, chipping in with two assists for his team that finished a disappointing fifth in the tournament. Only Denis Grot (+4) had a better plus/minus rating on the team than Gimayev’s +3. For a player who was passed over in his first year of eligibility, Gimayev is looking like a very good mid-round pick for the Senators. He will continue to play for Severstal Cherepovets in the Russian Super League, increasing his strength to allow him to play his defensive style with more effectiveness.

Johan Bjork: Sweden- 4^th round, 125^th overall, 2002, Defense

The only player picked in 2002 the Senators had in this year’s tournament, Johan Bjork went to the World Juniors not expecting to receive significant playing time because he was coming off a minor injury. Fortunately for Bjork, the lack of size on the Swedish blueline led to more responsibility. A two-way defenseman who is struggling to stay in the Swedish Elite League this year, Bjork put up two points and was an impressive and team leading +5. Even though his team finished seventh, Bjork had a good World Junior tournament, and with a couple more seasons in the Swedish Elite League, he could come over and play in North America and eventually settle in as a depth defenseman in the league. For now, he will likely play the rest of the season with the Malmo Redhawks in the SEL.

Overall, Senators management should feel pleased with the performance of their prospects in the 2004 World Junior Championships. Seydoux, Gimayev and Bjork had decent tournaments patrolling the blueline for their respective squads. Seydoux will be returning next year as well, likely as the top defenseman of the Swiss team. By far the best and most impressive prospect was Eaves, who was a vital member of the gold medal winning United States team. Eaves’ stock is certainly on the rise, especially if he can stay healthy throughout the rest of the season with Boston College.