Steven Ellis/The Hockey News
EDMONTON – What a month.
After having to restart fresh in August due to COVID-19’s rein of terror on the usual Christmas time affair, the 2022 World Junior Championship managed to go off without a hitch in Edmonton this month. Canada beat Finland 3-2 for gold in an unforgettable final, highlighted by Mason McTavish’s huge stick save before Kent Johnson scored at the other end.
Here’s a look at 20 standout performers over the past two weeks — not necessarily in order — that helped make the tournament so interesting:
Mason McTavish, C (CAN, Anaheim)
McTavish was named tournament MVP, which isn’t exactly surprising given his resume up until this point. He led the world juniors with 17 points — one of the highest outputs ever — and seemed to find chemistry with just about anyone. A big, strong, smart forward, McTavish is ready for the NHL — perhaps as a goaltender after that wicked save in OT on Saturday.
Logan Stankoven, C (CAN, Dallas)
The tournament’s best faceoff man, Stankoven was incredibly impactful throughout the event and was a big reason why Canada advanced to the gold medal game in the first place with a big effort against Czechia. With 10 points, Stankoven was a big-time secondary scorer and was awarded one of Canada’s top three play honors.
Joakim Kemell, LW (FIN, Nashville)
Everything Kemell touched seemed to turn to gold. The freshly drafted Nashville Predators prospect had 11 points in seven games, fighting near the top of the…
