Photo Credit: IIHF
Many people love the WJC Tournament, and this year it will be again Sunday December 26th in Red deer. However, there are some Pre-WJC games on slate tonight, and all three Flyers prospects will be in action starting with Elliot Desnoyers (Canada) and newly drafted Brian Zanetti (Switzerland) both playing at 5:00 p.m. MST. Emil Andrae (Sweden) will also be playing at 7:00 p.m. MST, as well.
Elliot Desnoyers
Once seen as a project pick for the Flyers after being traded from the Moncton Wildcats. Desnoyers brings a combination of high-end skating and hockey sense that makes him a dangerous player without the puck. He plays a good two-way game, and is rarely out of position. Desnoyers blocks shots, gets into the passing lanes, provides high energy, and simply plays the game the right way. This selection to Team Canada for the upcoming WJC tournament should only help his development.
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Desnoyers was named Captain of the Mooseheads ahead of their game against the Shawinigan Cataractes earlier in the season. He has tallied 36 points on the season, which is the 17th most points in the “Q”. Desnoyers currently has 16g,20a, and has missed games due to being a Flyers training camp earlier in the season, and of course being in Red deer for the past few weeks.
Russia vs. Canada 5:00 p.m. MST tonight
Emil Andrae
Andrae was born on February 23, 2002, in Vasterviks, SWE. He breathed, and started playing the sport of hockey practically from birth. His passion for the game found himself playing for the HV71 hockeyallsvenskan team. For the season, he registered two goals, and 14 assists for a total of 16 points in 21 games played. Moreover, for his efforts Andrae was given title of Team Captain for Sweden throughout the WJC Tournament, and he is also a plus six on the season.
The young 19-year-old prospect worked his tail off in the off-season to improve his game. Andrae is a 200 foot player, that is as fast as they come, plus he has a blistering shot. His hard-work paid off in a big way, and he has blistering shot. Andrae can play in any situation the coaching staff asks of him.
He only stands at 5’9 and only weighs 176 pounds, but he is still a talented left-handed shot defenseman. His hockey IQ has vastly improved from the prior year. Andrae is becoming a really versatile player that has impeccable gap control.
Sweden vs. AUT 7:00 p.m. MST tonight
Brian Zanetti
Zanetti was selected in the fourth round by the Flyers in 2021, and he is a smooth skating left-handed shot defenseman. He is a native of Switzerland, and he has been playing in the OHL for the Peterborough Petes, where he has amassed nine assists in 17 games played.
This young 18-year-old, 6’2, weighing 181 pounds in Zanetti needs time to develop. Like most prospects he has to get bigger and stronger, he’s a bit lanky, and he reminds me of the build of Mason Millman when he was first drafted by the Flyers. However, Zanetti likes to join the rush, and is a smooth skating defenseman.
Brian is a solid two-way defenceman, has good puck skills, and uses his size well to protect the puck. He closes gaps well which is a bonus, but he needs to work on playing the body more as well.
There is some rawness, but he knows what he needs to work on. He has the height as he stands at 6’2, now he just needs to fill in. That will come in time.
CZE vs. SUI at 5:00 p.m. tonight MST
Let the games begin folks, the best time of year is coming on Sunday December 26th. It will be interesting to see who are the next draft eligible that shine, and best of luck to all participants.
