The WJC tournament is usually a blast, and it’s great to have right around the holidays. The Flyers had three prospects in this tournament, and quickly after the preliminary rounds it’s down to one. Alex Čiernik and Slovakia I’ve been eliminated, as is, Oliver Bonk and Canada. This is the first time since 2019 that Canada will not be featured in the medal round. Here’s the breakdown, and how it all happened.
Let’s dissect the easiest Flyers Prospect of the tournament thus far, Alex Čiernik. Čiernik did not play yesterday for Slovakia due to an injury. He suffered a concussion before this tournament began, so hopefully there is no setback in regards to that, after taking a heavy hit and the last game he played.
Oliver Bonk
Bonk had a great WJC, and it wasn’t just the stat sheet. He skates so well that he covers a lot of ground, and makes up for a lot of mistakes from a defensive partner. Bonk offers his defensive partner the opportunity to pinch when need be, he is very good with transitioning up the ice.
Unfortunately, Bonk’s Instagram account went private after the game winning goal deflected off of him. Honestly, I’m not surprised his account went private following some of the comments that were made. This one weird gold is not take away the goodness that Bonk had in this tournament. He will return for this tournament next year, Bonk made that type of impression.
Cutter Gauthier
Gauthier is a really good darn hockey player. He’s not one dimensional like some think, rather he makes the right plays at the right time. Whether that is shooting on net, or passing the puck with expertise. That is what he did yesterday as he officially tallied two assists, which should have been three. He officially has netted one goal, and registered nine assists for 10 points in five games played.
Cutter continues to pass the puck very well, has he finished the game with six shots on net, as well. Team USA defeated Latvia 7-2, and have advanced onto the next round. Unfortunately, this marks the second game where Gauthier has been chipped a point. A few games ago he was not given credit for an assist where it was due, much like yesterday he should have been given his third assist of the game, unfortunately, the scoring judges thought otherwise.
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Alexis Gendron
Gendron put forth quite a year last year, especially only being just 19-years-old. He netted a combined 55 goals, and 26 assists for two clubs in the QMJHL: Blainville-Boisbrand and the Gatineau Olympiques. Gendron was rewarded for his efforts with a three-year Entry-Level-Contract, per Flyers General Manager Danny Briere.
Yesterday, the Flyers sent Gendron back to the QMJHL to play for the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Gendron recently turned 20-years-old, but the Flyers were afforded the opportunity to send him back to Juniors if need be. This is about developing the player, and doing what is best for the player. He will now get regular playing time, as opposed to being benched multiple times during a week.
Gendron finishes the year in the AHL with five goals and two assists in 17 games played. Now he gathered experience, and knows what to expect next season at the professional level. This is solely about playing time with players of his age.
