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A look at the 2008 Canadian junior men's hockey team:
Goaltenders
Jonathan Bernier, Lewiston Maineiacs — Makes show-stopping saves look easy, which boosts his teammates' confidence.
Steve Mason, London Knights — A late bloomer in international hockey. Covers the net well with quick lateral movement and six-foot-three, 186-pound frame
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Defencemen
Karl Alzner, Calgary Hitmen — Canada's captain has a calming influence on his teammates because of his steady, mistake-free play on the back end.
Drew Doughty, Guelph Storm — Front-runner to be the first defenceman taken in 2008 NHL draft. Has great offensive upside in skating and puck skills, but will tone that down for the defence-first policy of the Canadian team.
Josh Godfrey, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds — Has a bomb of a slapshot and is effective on the power play with his offensive skills.
Thomas Hickey, Seattle Thunderbirds — Not big at five foot 10, but agility and positional play make him difficult to beat one on one.
Logan Pyett, Regina Pats — The second-last player taken in the 2006 NHL draft at 211th overall excels at the international game. Determined defenceman holds himself and his teammates accountable.
Luke Schenn, Kelowna Rockets — Provides smart muscle on the blue-line as he punishes opposing players without taking penalties.
PK Subban, Belleville Bulls — Belleville has the wider international ice, so he uses his skating skills to work the extra room on the wings, while also providing a physical presence on the blue-line.
Forwards
Zach Boychuk, Lethbridge Hurricanes — Catches goaltender by surprise because he shoots in full stride. Was a fourth-liner in the Super Series, but has emerged as an offensive threat.
Stefan Legein, Niagara IceDogs — Can play any role for Canada on a scoring, energy or checking line with his speed, high offensive skills and abrasive style of play.
Colton Gillies, Saskatoon Blades — A towering power forward with the speed to knock the opposition off the puck in the corners and along the boards.
Claude Giroux, Gatineau Olympiques — A multi-purpose forward who never gives up on the puck and outbattles the opposition for it. Set up a goal against Russia during the Super Series with a pass while on his backside.
Matt Halischuk, Kitchener Rangers — Plays a two-way game at a quick pace. Competes hard every shift and excels on the penalty kill.
Riley Holzapfel, Moose Jaw Warriors — A sturdy, hard-driving winger who creates space for his teammates and chips in the odd goal and assist.
Shawn Matthias, Belleville Bulls — Another Bull accustomed to the big ice surface. Uses his six-foot-four, 213-pound body and skating mobility to gain the puck and protect it.
Brad Marchand, Halifax Mooseheads — One of two returning players from the last gold-medal team along with Alzner. A fierce competitor and an irritant to the opposition. Occasionally steps over the line into penalty trouble.
Wayne Simmonds, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds — This is the first international hockey experience for the big winger, who isn't a pretty skater, but works hard to get to get to the net and has soft hands when he gets there.
Steve Stamkos, Sarnia Sting — Has the hands to keep up with his fleet feet and his competitive, fearless attitude makes him a threat to score. He's also one of the first players to get back into the defensive zone.
Brandon Sutter, Red Deer Rebels — The Sutter hockey smarts and determination make him a penalty killer extraordinaire, but he's also capable of contributing on offence.
John Tavares, Oshawa Generals — The 17-year-old is taking his defensive responsibilities seriously, so he won't wheel and dangle as he does in the OHL. He has the skills and smarts, however, to score and setup his teammates when the opportunity arises.
Kyle Turris, University of Wisconsin — One of the best scorers in this age group because of his ability to beat players one on one and find the top corners of the net.
