Hockey is back in less than a week, and it will be beautiful to see.
The World Juniors are back, albeit in a bubble, and four Winnipeg ICE players and prospects will represent their countries at the World Juniors in Edmonton this year. They’ll all compete against each other as they try to bring a gold medal home.
Peyton Krebs – Canada
Last year, Peyton Krebs was one of the last cuts from the Canadian squad that won gold. Now, the future Vegas Golden Knight will defend Canada’s crown only a few hours from his hometown.
Krebs joins a stacked Canadian forward core loaded with CHL talent from all three leagues. The roster is filled with future NHL stars and is considered to be Canada’s best roster in a long time.
“There was no question in my mind he was going to be a part of the team this year,” said ICE Assistant GM Jake Heisinger.
While he won’t be able to have his family come watch him live, they’ll watch along with the rest of the country as Krebs shows why he’s one of the most exciting players in the WHL.
Krebs had a fantastic post-draft year with the Winnipeg ICE last season. 12 goals and 48 assists in only 38 games ranked him third on the team in points and fourth in the WHL in points per game as one of only five players with a PPG pace over 1.5. He also dazzled for Canada on their World Juniors U-18 squad in 2019 where his six goals and ten points led the team.
Krebs has been practicing on a line with OHL superstars Cole Perfetti (Winnipeg Jets) and Connor McMichael (Washington Capitals). His versatility together with Perfetti’s smarts and McMichael’s skating should make this line one of the tournament’s deadliest. Each of them can star in any situation anywhere on the ice.
Krebs is a three-zone player who sets the pace of the game with his hawk-like vision, aggressive offensive instincts, and active stickwork. He grows every game, doesn’t know how to take a shift off, and he makes his linemates better players and people.
“He’s the kind of guy that brings whatever you need,” Heisinger said.
If the Okotoks, Alberta native brings his best in his own backyard, there may not be a better player in the tournament.
Michal Teply – Czech Republic
Two Winnipeg ICE players played at last year’s World Juniors. Nino Kinder had to be cut from Germany’s roster due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Michal Teply is good to return for a second try at breaking the Czech Republic’s medal drought.
Last year, Teply had no goals and five assists in five games in his home country. The Czech team finished 1-1-2 in group play, good for fourth in their group. After that, they lost 5-0 to Sweden in the first round of the playoffs. Even though his team fell out early, Teply now knows what it takes to win at the World Juniors.
“Any experience is good experience,” Heisinger said.
Teply certainly has the skills to be one of the top players in this tournament. He had a fantastic post-draft season with the Winnipeg ICE. His 29 goals led the team and his 63 points in 53 games trailed only veteran Isaac Johnson.
This year, Teply will be expected to step up to help the Czech Republic win a medal for the first time since their 2005 bronze in Grand Forks.
“He’s a guy that can lead in the big moments,” said Heisinger.
Henri Nikkanen – Finland
Henri Nikkanen is a big part, literally and figuratively, of Finland’s quest to reclaim gold after falling short last year.
The 6-foot-4, 204-pound centre was the Winnipeg ICE’s first selection in this year’s CHL Import Draft. His heavy, physical playstyle and smooth skating make him a player to watch on Finland’s squad, as well as a player ICE management hopes will join them when the WHL season begins.
Nikkanen has been playing in Finland for his entire hockey career and now wears Mikkelin Jukurit blue in Liiga. His two goals and seven points so far are fine numbers for a rookie in Finland’s top hockey league. He’s already surpassed his totals from his Liiga stint last year, and he keeps getting better.
His first World Juniors appearance will show Winnipeg ICE fans what Nikkanen could do in the WHL.
Eugen Rabcan – Slovakia
Eugen Rabcan joins Slovakia’s roster as one of four goalies looking to help Slovakia win their first gold.
Rabcan’s .919 save percentage and stellar .925 save percentage in four playoff games in Slovakia last season led to the ICE snagging him with their second import draft selection. He’s projected to be fighting for a backup role behind Sherbrooke Phoenix goalie Samuel Hlavaj, so it’s unclear how much he’ll play in the tournament.
Either way, Rabcan will see what WHL shooters can do, whether he’s on the bench or in the crease.
More importantly, Winnipeg ICE players will back on Canadian ice in intense international action. Christmas day can’t come soon enough.
