Four Future Hockey Stars to Watch at the 2019 WORLD JUNIOR SUMMER SHOWCASE

Teams will be making a list, checking it twice, and finding out who is best on the ice. It’s like Christmas in July as the next generation of hockey stars are in Plymouth, Mich. for the 2019 WORLD JUNIOR SUMMER SHOWCASE from July 31 – Aug. 3 on TSN.

The event features international hockey powerhouses Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland, allowing teams to build chemistry among the new crop of standouts likely to star in TSN’s favourite holiday hockey tradition, the 2020 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. The best-on-best format provides an opportunity for these emerging athletes to take a big step forward in their development.

Ahead of the event, @TSN_PR shines the spotlight on one player to watch from each team.

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Team Canada – Alexis Lafreniere
Without a doubt, highly touted 2020 draft prospect Alexis Lafreniere of the Québec Major Junior Hockey League is a top draw for those tuning into the Summer Showcase. The 17-year-old forward had 105 points in 61 games and was the most valuable player in the QMJHL and the player of the year in the Canadian Hockey League last season. He also scored a goal as the youngest player on Team Canada at the 2019 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.

Lafreniere has drawn attention for his quick hands, deadly shot, and ability to see the game. He’s been compared to the likes of Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault in the way he can skate and handle the puck.

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Team USA – Alex Turcotte
After being selected fifth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Los Angeles Kings, Alex Turcotte is ready to prove why he can be the league’s next elite centre. In addition to his play with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program where he scored nearly two points per game, Turcotte has represented the USA twice at the IIHF WORLD UNDER-18 CHAMPIONSHIP, taking home a silver (2018) and a bronze (2019). He also has a gold medal from the 2017 WORLD UNDER- 17 HOCKEY CHALLENGE.

When playing internationally, Turcotte has previously been overshadowed by teammate and 2019 first overall draft pick Jack Hughes, who will be absent from the Summer Showcase. Expect Turcotte to grab the spotlight this summer with his ability to drive play on the attack, his solid work ethic, and his physical edge.

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Team Sweden – Lucas Raymond
Having made his Swedish Hockey League debut this season, scoring two goals in 10 games, 17-year-old Swedish forward Lucas Raymond is another top prospect eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft. Raymond scored in overtime to complete a hat trick in the gold-medal game of the 2019 IIHF WORLD UNDER-18 CHAMPIONSHIP.

Raymond is known as an explosive skater with great puck handling ability and a keen sense for getting to the net. He keeps fans entertained as an effective two-way player with the energy to make things happen. He’s also an effective forechecker with puck-stealing ability.

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Team Finland – Anton Lundell
Part of the Finnish team that took home the gold medal at the 2019 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, centre Anton Lundell brings a wealth of high-level experience into the Summer Showcase. The 17-year-old had 19 points in 38 games with HIFK in Liiga, Finland’s top league, last season.  Lundell also played in the WORLD UNDER-18 CHAMPIONSHIPS in 2018 and 2019.

On the ice, Lundell is an intelligent playmaker, an outstanding passer, and a well-balanced skater. As a top-notch competitor, the centre is skilled at finding teammates in traffic.

Catch all four of these players in action during the 2019 WORLD JUNIOR SUMMER SHOWCASE beginning Wednesday, July 31 on TSN, the TSN App, and TSN.ca, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET with Team Canada taking on Team Finland followed by Team USA vs. Team Sweden at 4 p.m. ET.

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