Welcome to the first edition of Overtime where we look back at the history of Canada in the World Junior’s. In this debut edition we will take a look at the last 10 players who donned the “C” for Team Canada and where they are now. Without further adieu lets get down to business.
2004 – Silver Medal- LW Daniel Paille (2oth overall 2002 Buffalo Sabres)
Daniel Pallie was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres and remained with the team until the 2009-2010 Season when he was traded to the Boston Bruins for a third round and conditional fourth round pick. Paille was a part of Buffalo/Boston history as he was the first player in history that was under contract to be traded between the two teams.
NHL- GP- 459 G-74 A- 73 P-147
2005- Gold Medal- C Mike Richards (24th Overall 2003 Philadelphia Flyers)
Mike Richards was drafted 24th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Before the start of the 2007-2008 Season, Richards became the 17th captain in the history of the Flyers. During the Summer before the 2011-2012 season he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He is the only player to Win the Memorial Cup (CHL) The Calder Cup (AHL) The Stanley Cup (NHL) and Both World Championships (IIHF and World Junior IIHF)
NHL- GP- 614 G-169 A-283 P-452
2006- Gold Medal- C Kyle Chipchura (18th Overall 2004 Montreal Canadians)
Despite being drafted in 2004 Chipchura didn’t make his NHL debut until the 2007-2008 season. On December 2nd 2009 he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for a 4th round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He is currently a member of the Phoenix Coyotes.
NHL- GP- 300 G-20 A-45 P-65
2007- Gold Medal- D- Kris Letang (62nd Overall 2005 Pittsburgh Penguins)
In his second full NHL Season in 2008-2009 Kris Letang won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Becoming one of Pittsburgh’s premiere D-men Kris Letang signed an 8-year 58 million dollar contract that will come into effect for the 2014-2015 season.
NHL- GP-409 G-50 A-170 P-220
2008- Gold Medal- D Karl Alzner (5th Overall 2007 Washington Capitals)
Splitting time between the Washington Capitals and there AHL Affiliate the Hershey Bears for his first two pro seasons. Karl Alzner played his first full season with the Washington Capitals during the 2010-2011 season. On July 10th 2013. Alzner signed a 4-year contract to remain with the Capitals.
NHL-GP- 301 G-5 A-41 P-46
2009- Gold Medal- D- Thomas Hickey (4th Overall 2007 Los Angeles Kings)
Despite being drafted 4th overall by the Kings in 2007. Thomas Hickey never played a game in the NHL for them. Hickey spent 4 full seasons with the Los Angeles Kings AHL affiliate the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL before being claimed of waivers by the New York Islanders in January of 2013.
GP- 78 G-2 A-8 P-10.
2010- Silver Medal F- Patrice Cormier (54th Overall 2008 New Jersey Devils)
Patrice Cormier is most widely known for his elbow that seriously injured Mikael Tam of the Quebec Remparts during his playing time in the QMJHL. He faced a huge suspension and was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers before ever playing a game for the Devils. He has spent the majority of his playing career in the AHL playing for then Atlanta affiliate Chicago Wolves then the St.John’s IceCaps after Atlanta’s move to Winnipeg.
NHL- GP- 43 G-1 A-1 P-2
2011- Silver Medal D- Ryan Ellis (11th Overall 2009 Nashville Predators)
Ryan Ellis has spent the early stages of his pro career playing games for both the Nashville Predators and there AHL affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals. He recently played his 100th NHL game.
NHL- GP-101 G-6 A-22 P-28
2012- Bronze Medal C- Jaden Schwartz (14th overall 2010 St.Louis Blues)
Jaden’s older sister Mandi Schwartz was also a hockey player until she was diagnosed with acute myeloid luekemia in 2008. Trying to find a donor Mandi and the entire Schwartz family raised awareness for Bone Marrow and Stem Cell transplants in Canada. Tragically in April 2011 Mandi lost her battle and passed away. Jaden has enjoyed a great 2013-2014 season with the St.Louis Blues netting 12 goals and 15 assists in 35 games.
NHL- GP- 87 G-21 A-22 P-43
2013- 4th Place C- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. (1st overall 2011 Edmonton Oilers)
Thank you to the 2012-2013 NHL lockout Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was named the Captain for Team Canada. Already with NHL experience under his belt Nugent-Hopkins led the tournament with 15 points. Despite the team not taking home a medal for the 1st time since 1998. Nugent-Hopkins is now part of the Oilers young core along with Hall,Eberle, and Yakupov.
NHL- GP- 141 G-32 A-74 P-106
This year C- Scott Laughton (20th overall 2012 Philadelphia Flyers) dons the “C” for Canada as they hope to sit atop the podium 1 more time with the Gold. Thank you very much for the reading the Overtime edition of The Junior Report. I hope you enjoyed looking back at the players that became house hold names during the Christmas season in Canada. Ill Be back with the 4th Edition of the Junior Report after the Slovakia game and watch out for the next Overtime edition where we will be looking if Canada performs better on Home ice or Abroad.
Until Next Time for BoredHockeyFan.com Im Dan Thompson. Good Night and Good Luck.
