| Macklin Celebrini | Boston University | NCAA | L | C | 6’0″ | 190 | Boston University | 2023 | Vancouver, BC | 2006 | 2023-2024: A |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Celebrini had a good start to his first official world junior game, picking up his first goal of the tournament. He did not receive many minutes in this match but based on the way he played; he deserves time on the top line. He showed off some skilled hands, pulling off drag moves and quick stick handles around opponents. With the exception of Matt Savoie, Celebrini created the most chances during his limited time on ice. He was able to work his way into space with the puck and fired multiple shots on cage. He slipped into open space well and did a great job of supporting his teammates. His passing game was not perfect, but he was able to generate a ton of quality chances. He made a great pass on the power play where he faked a slapshot and fired the puck towards the crease looking for a redirection from his teammate in tight to the goal. He also fired a beautiful pass on the rush from his backhand that threaded through a nearby defenseman and hit a cutting line mate for a quality chance in the slot. Other than those two, many of his passes missed targets or were forced into congested areas and deflected by opponents. Celebrini showed good effort on the forecheck and was active in the defensive zone. His goal came on a rebound in the crease that he tapped past the goaltender. Celebrini looked fantastic for his age and deserves much more ice time due to his poise and patience with the puck which allowed him to create a ton of chances for his team today.
| Konsta Helenius | Jukurit | Liiga | R | C | 5’11” | 180 | Ylojarvi, FIN | 2006 | 2023-2024: A |
Game Grade: B
Comments: This was not Konsta’s best showing in terms of offensive contributions but his defensive play and effort without the puck were very impressive. He applied harassing pressure on the forecheck and made it very difficult for opposing defensemen to break the puck out. He attempted a huge hit on an opponent who was cutting around the net, showing some edge and good use of his large frame and imposing himself physically. He is very positionally sound in his own end and forced extra passes by his opponents with his smothering defense and quick cuts to close off lanes. His play with the puck is good but he was not able to push pace on his own. He forces passes into closed lanes at times rather than hold onto the puck for a few extra seconds to find the best available option. He has a long powerful stride and can generate good speed on the rush. His hands are good enough to escape from tight spots, but he turned the puck over when trying to get fancy under pressure. Konsta had some trouble attacking head on with defenders and couldn’t seem to push wide, as he was easily closed off into the wall. He showed off a skilled head fake after entering the offensive zone that opened up a ton of space for him to fire through. He got time on the power play as a half wall playmaker and one time option from the circle, but the Finnish power play was not able to generate many chances with the man advantage. Helenius had a good opening game, his defensive effort and IQ was impressive, but his offensive game left me wanting more.
| Emil Hemming | TPS | Liiga | R | RW | 6’1″ | 201 | Vaasa, FIN | 2006 | 2023-2024: A |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Hemming looked good despite a loss in the opening game of the tournament. He was calm with the puck and was able to push play up ice with confidence. His straight-line skating form was a bit awkward as he pushed out to the side of his body rather than extend his legs straight back. Despite this form, he was able to generate good speed and pushed pace into zone entries. In the offensive zone he possessed the puck often and used crossovers to circle the top of the zone while making timely cuts and fakes to avoid opponents in his path. He had trouble creating anything from these plays due to poor pass and shot selection. He had his head up but rushed choices and constantly threw the puck directly towards lanes clogged with defensive coverage and shot into opponent’s shins. He played well on the forecheck showing good effort and involved himself in battles with his body and an active stick. He did not generate much on offense, but we were impressed with his confidence and ability to create space when carrying the puck. As the tournament goes on, he will likely settle in and create scoring chances for his team.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Player Evaluations: Henry Lawrence