Canucks Prospects Gear Up for World Juniors Excitement
This past week, the spotlight has been on some of the Vancouver Canucks’ top prospects as they joined the Canucks Insider Podcast to talk about representing their countries at this year’s World Juniors Tournament. Braeden Cootes, Wilson Björck, and Basile Sansonnens shared their experiences and excitement ahead of the big event.
For Braeden Cootes, it has been a whirlwind six months. Drafted into the NHL and having played three games with the Vancouver Canucks, he now gets the chance to wear the Canadian jersey at the World Juniors for the first time. Cootes described it as a huge honour, noting the pride he felt when he got the call confirming his spot on the team. He shared how thrilling it has been to practice with the country’s top U20 players, describing the sessions as intense and exciting. The lineup, featuring several first-round and projected first-round picks, has made the experience even more rewarding. Cootes also emphasized that Canada has a really strong team this year, with talented forwards, solid defense, great goalies, and excellent coaching and management. As Canada prepares to face Czechia in their opening game, Cootes is determined to contribute at his best, acknowledging the legacy and history that come with wearing the Canadian jersey.
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Meanwhile, Wilson Björck is gearing up to represent Sweden for the first time. Drafted in the fifth round earlier this year, he has been enjoying his transition to North American hockey while playing NCAA hockey at Colorado College. Björck described the experience as a dream, highlighting the positive environment and the fun of living and playing in the U.S. The added excitement this year comes from being able to compete alongside his brother. Björck spoke about his style of play and how he hopes to make an impact in the tournament through hard work, speed, and strong puck battles. Sweden, known for bringing highly skilled teams to the tournament, is expected to be a strong contender, starting their campaign against Slovakia.
Basile Sansonnens, drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL draft, will represent Switzerland for the second time. Having already experienced the tournament, he feels more confident and prepared this year. Sansonnens is currently playing professional hockey with Lausanne Hockey Club and has adapted to competing against bigger, stronger players, which he says has helped elevate his game. He highlighted Switzerland’s strong defense, fast forwards, and high competitive spirit, noting that they aim to challenge every team they face. Switzerland will kick off their tournament against the United States, and Sansonnens is eager to showcase the team’s speed, strength, and determination.
Overall, all three prospects expressed excitement, pride, and determination as they step onto the international stage. The World Juniors tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of young talent, and these Canucks prospects are ready to make their mark.
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