After a day off, the medal round kicked off today.

Four teams (Canada, Sweden, Czech Rep. and Russia) were still in the running for medals, while the remainder of teams played their final games to figure out final positions.

The USA finally looked better as they were able to beat the Finn’s in overtime and secure the 5th place spot. While the Czech’s were able to hold off the Russians and punch their ticket to the goal medal game against Team Canada.

 

The Canadian Captain continues to do everything to help Canada. He has been making offensive plays, defensive plays, and been all over the ice.

His line with Serron Noel and Jack McBain was particularly noticeable in today’s game against Sweden and Veleno was the primary assist on the Benoit-Olivier Groulx’s goal

Veleno is a player that is all over the rankings for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, with HockeyProspect.com currently having him ranked as the 18th best prospect and then Future Considerations having him ranked as the 4th best prospect.

As mentioned in another post, Veleno is part of the second group of prospects in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. But his play this week has certainly turned some heads.

Akil Thomas is another Canadian forward that is likely a first round talent. The 5’11” and 170 lbs winger had a very good rookie season for the Niagara IceDogs in the OHL with 21 goals and 27 assists in 61 games. But the IceDogs weren’t a very good team, and the underlying numbers suggest that he actually brought down some of his teammates when paired together.

On the flip side, when you watch Thomas, you can see why teams might be interested. He plays the game quickly, is effective down-low and in the corners and makes his chances count.

One noticeable part to his game (at this tournament) is that he likes to chip the pucks past his opponent and then just beat them to it. Even if he is beaten to the puck, he engages physically and contains to allow help to come in.

Thomas may one of the players this year that requires both sides of the analysis, qualitative and quantitative, to combine and flesh out what potential the young winger has.

The other non-empty net goal for Canada today was scored by Serron Noel