Off the Radar: Arvidsson hoping to build off of strong WJC showing Photo: Swedish forward Viktor Arvidsson has been a productive player for his country in international play (courtesy of Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Surpassed by opponents and passed over by scouts, Viktor Arvidsson is a frequent silver medalist without an NHL affiliation. The latter figures to be changing this summer, though, after his impressive performance for Sweden at the recently-concluded World Junior Championship in Ufa, Russia. Beyond Tomorrow: MacInnis impressing with hard work Photo: U.S. NTDP forward and 2014 NHL Draft prospect Ryan MacInnis has made great strides in his game since the beginning of the 2012-13 season (courtesy of Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) The first thing that most people notice about Ryan MacInnis is his size. Even just having turned 17 years old a couple of weeks ago, MacInnis already stands 6’3” and weighs 174 pounds. His size is imposing, even on a U.S. National Team Development Program team that is peppered with big bodies. Development in Sweden, U.S. has made Olofsson a well-rounded prospect Photo: Green Bay Gamblers defenseman and 2013 prospect Gustav Olofsson recently took part in the USHL Top Prospects Game (courtesy of Peter Arnold/USHL Images) For most foreign players that join the USHL, like Green Bay Gamblers defenseman Gustav Olofsson, they must learn English and adapt to American culture while learning to play hockey against the best players from around the nation. 2013 WJC Review: Sweden brings home silver after return to gold medal game Photo: Plymouth Whalers forward and Anaheim Ducks prospect Rickard Rakell didn't tickle the twine at the 2013 WJC, but he did contribute to Sweden's cause with his playmaking ability and physical presence (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images) Coming into the 2013 World Junior Championship as the reigning gold medal champions, Sweden knew right from the beginning that a repeat performance would be no easy task. Not only could a number one goalie not be determined before the tournament began, but not a team in the tournament came in missing what was possibly its four most recognizable and important U-20 pieces, a situation Sweden had to deal with right off the bat. Video: 2013 World Junior Championship – Alexander Wennberg, Sweden Photo: Swedish forward Alexander Wennberg is having a good season with Djurgarden of the Allsvenskan league, and turned in a good performance at the 2013 World Juniors, as well (courtesy of Chapin Landvogt/HF) Although Sweden put forth a game effort in their gold medal showdown with the USA at the 2013 World Junior Championship, Team USA proved to be a worthy opponent as they dethroned the Swedes as tournament champions with a 3-1 victory in Ufa, Russia. |
