Four LA Kings prospects make preliminary WJC rosters

Later this week we’ll have a full prospect report posted, including a look at what’s going on out east with the Manchester Monarchs.

For now, here’s the big news of the day…

Team Finland and the USA have submitted their preliminary rosters for the upcoming World Junior Championships (Canada’s was released last week).

This is the top tournament in the world for the ‘under-20’ aged hockey players and many of the games will be televised in the U.S. on the NHL Network.

Four LA Kings prospects have made the lists…

USA – Derek Forbort, defenseman, University of North Dakota, first round selection 2010 NHL Draft

USA – Kevin Gravel, defenseman, St. Cloud St. University, fifth round selection 2010 NHL Draft

Finland – Christopher Gibson, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL), second round selection 2011 NHL Draft

Canada – Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67’s (OHL), second round selection 2010 NHL Draft

For Team USA, a total roster of 30 players was announced. They will hold a pre-tourney camp from December 17-23 and their final 22-player roster will be known December 22.

Meanwhile, Canada put out a roster of 41 players, who will start their camp this Saturday in Calgary. Toffoli, who was the leading goal scorer in all of junior hockey last year, was a surprise omission from last year’s team and he’ll be looking to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen again.

The actual 2012 WJC tournament will take place in Western Canada from December 26 through January 5, 2012. Action will begin with pool play before moving on to the medal rounds. Pool A will consist of Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia and Latvia. Pool B will feature Team USA, Canada, Finland, Denmark and the Czech Republic.

The highlight of pool action is expected to be the Canada vs. USA game on New Year’s Eve.

As usual, MayorsManor will feature extensive coverage throughout the tournament.

Last year, Kings prospects won gold, silver and bronze medals at the WJC.

For a look back at some of the Kings prospects involved in the tournament previously, please see the related links section below.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

RELATED ARTICLES:

Exclusive:  Tyler Toffoli on his Team Canada camp experience

Guest Author:  Defenseman Kevin Gravel’s Team USA camp journal

2011 World Junior Championship recap – notes on Kings prospects Kitsyn, Schenn, etc.

Warming up for the World Juniors with Kyle Clifford – summer 2010

WJC Memories with Captain Canada

New Year’s Eve 2009 – Jeremy Roenick previews USA vs Canada at WJC

Team USA Report with Jack Johnson