Rangers prospect Gabe Perreault and Team USA enter WJC favored to win

As the World Junior Championships get underway, Team USA and prospect Gabe Perreault of the New York Rangers are favored to win it all. Sweden will host the tournament, which ends on January 5.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) reports that Team USA leads the power rankings, closely followed by Canada and the host nation, Sweden. In their two exhibition matches, Team USA overcame Sweden 5-3 and defeated Canada 6-5 in overtime.

Carle, the head coach of the University of Denver, remarked, “I like the progress we’ve made and our group is continuing to build.” “We’ll be prepared to play Norway because our camp and our two exhibition games were very helpful in getting ready for the tournament.”

David Carle, head coach of Team USA Hockey

Perreault, 18, is having a fantastic rookie campaign for the BC Eagles, scoring 25 points in his first 17 games. The Rangers, who were lucky to choose him 23rd overall this past summer, have taken notice of his play and are tying for second place in the NCAA with 20 assists.

“I consider his accomplishments and impact at Boston College,” stated Peter Laviolette, the coach of the Rangers. “It’s encouraging to see one of our players taking off.”

Perreault demonstrated his excellent HockeyIQ and playmaking skills in Team USA’s tune-up match against Canada with an amazing pass that resulted in a tap-in goal for teammate Ryan Leonard.

Fans are raving about the skills of the Blueshirts’ most recent top draft pick right now, but they will have to wait for him to don the major club’s uniform.

During camp, Perreault said, “The ideal situation would be two years (in college) and hopefully winning a national championship before making the transition.”

In the meantime, BC classmate and another Rangers draft pick (third round), Gabe Fortescue, is playing excellent defense this year. In 17 games, at the age of 18, he has recorded 3 goals and 4 points. In an attempt to start strong against Norway, he is also a part of Team USA. Puck drop will take place at 11:00 a.m. ET and be shown on NHL Network.