Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
It’s the best time of year. The new year is right around the corner, and kids are off from school for holiday break. However, there are some special hockey games to be played around this time of year, and that is the WJC Tournament that begins today at 6am with Flyers prospect Alex Čiernik of Slovakia taking on Czechia. Here is today’s schedule of all three Flyers prospects that are playing in the tournament:
Slovakia vs. Czechia – 6:00 AM ET (Alex Čiernik)
Canada vs. Finland – 8:30 AM ET (Oliver Bonk)
USA vs. Norway – 11:00 AM ET (Cutter Gauthier)
Alex Čiernik
Čiernik stands at 5’10 and weighs 179 pounds. He is a left winger who played in HockeyAllsvenskan last season amongst men. He registered six points in 10 games for Vasterviks IK.
This young 18-year-old in Čiernik has registered four goals and eight assists in 19 games played this season, after a brief slow start to the season. Ciernik has distinct offensive abilities to find the scoring areas on the ice. He uses his speed to create plays both offensively and defensively.
For his efforts, he has been named to Team Slovakia for the upcoming WJC Tournament. This is a good experience for the young Winger that was drafted by the Flyers in 2023. He missed the last two weeks with a concussion, and didn’t miss a beat skating wise.
Oliver Bonk
Bonk has netted six goals and registered 22 assists in 27 games played with the London Knights this season, and with his great season he was selected as a participant at Team Canada’s preliminary selection camp for the upcoming WJC Tournament.
The good news is Bonk was officially selected to be a member of Team Canada for the upcoming WJC Tournament that opens today. Bonk, I’m sure is thrilled for this honor.
A young 18-year-old in Bonk, is a Right-Handed defenseman and just so happens to be a solid skating defenseman. They needed a solid skating defenseman, and one way to do it was by drafting one. Bonk has a ton of skill that can stifle players at the Blue line, and lead the Flyers of the ice the other way. As mentioned, he is a good skating Defenseman and these type of Defensemen don’t come along very often.
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Bonk has played well in the preliminary games, leading up to the WJC Tournament. He has stifled opponents trying to enter the zone, as well as, has broken up plays using his stick. Bonk just appears to be in the right position top make the play. Let’s see how does at the tournament.
Cutter Gauthier
Gauthier decided to return to Boston College for his Sophomore season in 2023-24, which ultimately turned out to be a good move for his development. Now he will represent Team USA for the preliminary training camp that opens today, to which he will, yes he will, make the team easily.
He is currently tied for 8th in the NCAA in scoring with 23 points, 13 goals and 10 assists. It comes as no shock that he would be selected for this particular camp, however, Gauthier is no stranger to Team USA either.
This is a great experience for this young man, especially playing against some other Grade “A” prospects. Regardless, of how many games he plays in, or how much ice time he receives. Anytime a prospect plays in an organized tournament setting, it could only help them in the future with playoff hockey. He should make Team USA with no problem.
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