The hockey World Championship kicks off in Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg) beginning on May 6th and running until May 22nd. Local broadcasters Dennis Beyak and Shane Hnidy will be making the call for TSN. During the end of season meetings with the players we found out some of the members of the Jets who will be wearing the flag of their home country next month.
Team USA:
Blake Wheeler indicated that he was asked but told us at the end of season media interviews that he had declined to spend more time with his family. Dustin Byfuglien will be playing in the World Cup but didn’t indicate if he was asked to play on the squad. While Jacob Trouba is a possibility for Team North America there is no word as to whether he was asked to play either. Recently signed Kyle Connor was officially added along with his linemates that made up the CCM line at Michigan. The U.S. squad already has two goalies (Mike Condon of the Habs and Keith Kinkaid of the Devils) and as of now we have no word if Connor Hellebuyck has been asked to play or not. He has already been named to Team North America for the World Cup. Update: In the exit interviews for the Manitoba Moose Hellebuyck was asked if he would play in the World Championship “I believe they already have three goalies” (they added Boston College goalie Thatcher Demko on the 14th). In a follow up question as to whether he would go if there was an injury or a need for him to step in “It would be something I have to think about when the time came”.
Team Canada:
Mark Scheifele told us Monday that the call came the other and he was eager to accept the spot.
Team Denmark:
Nikolaj Ehlers told us at the end of season meetings saying “I’m excited. It’s going to be awesome to put the jersey on again and represent my country. I’m very excited for that.”
Team Czech Republic:
According to Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press Ondrej Pavelec was considering playing for the Czechs but was advised by the Jets to give his knee a little more rest especially when you consider he will be on the Czech team for the World Cup.
Team Russia:
Alexander Burmistrov could be playing for the home squad according to Slava Malamud who said the Jets centre received an invite.
Team Slovakia:
Marko Dano announced via his twitter account that he will be joining Andrej Sekera as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
