With the exception of Wayne Gretzky, Eric Lindros and Sidney Crosby, not many 16- or 17-year-old Canadians have been go-to players at the world junior hockey championship. Joe Thornton, Jason Spezza, Scott Niedermayer and Paul Kariya were all used sparingly in their debuts. That won't be the case for John Tavares and Steve Stamkos, both 17. Here are five other teenagers to watch:
1. Kyle Turris, Canada
The Phoenix Coyotes' prospect, a forward with the University of Wisconsin, was drafted third overall last year and will be Canada's clutch performer.
2. Kyle Okposo, United States
The sophomore forward quit the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers last week and will sign with the New York Islanders after the world juniors.
3. Michal Neuvirth, Czech Republic
The Windsor Spitfires goalie took the Plymouth Whalers to the Memorial Cup last season and will have the home crowd behind him.
4. Alexei Cherepanov, Russia
The forward dropped all the way to 17th in the 2007 NHL entry draft because of his inconsistency. Which Cherepanov will show up in the world juniors?
5. Riku Helenius, Finland The Seattle Thunderbirds goalie could be next in the line of strong Finnish netminding talent that has invaded the NHL in recent seasons.
