Saturday marked the second day of the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase, a pivotal event for the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden as they prepare for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa from December 26 to January 5. Here are three key takeaways from the days events:

1. Zeev Buiums Decision to Return to Denver
Zeev Buium, a standout 18-year-old defenseman, made headlines for his decision to return to the University of Denver for another season. The Minnesota Wild, who selected Buium 12th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, had discussions with him about turning professional, but Buium felt staying at Denver would be the best choice for his development https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-usa-matt-boldy-jersey.

Buium, who was a key player for the U. S. team in their gold medal win at the 2024 World Juniors, led all U. S. defensemen with three goals and an impressive plus-11 rating at the tournament. He had a stellar freshman season, earning accolades as the National Collegiate Hockey Conference NCHC) Rookie of the Year and Offensive Defenseman of the Year. He finished with 50 points 11 goals, 39 assists) in 42 games, leading NCAA defensemen in points.

I want to try to win back-to-back World Juniors and back-to-back college championships, said Buium. Its really hard to win two in a row, and I want to be part of those teams and experience that. His decision to return was supported by the Wild, who believe further development at Denver will only make him a stronger prospect for the future.

2. Emil Hemming to Play in Barrie
Emil Hemming, one of Finlands top players at the summer showcase, made a significant move this week. The 18-year-old forward, who was selected by the Dallas Stars 29th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, signed with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League OHL. He will play in North America this season before possibly making the leap to professional hockey.

Hemming, who previously played in Finlands Liiga, where he had 11 points 7 goals, 4 assists) in 40 games, believes the fast-paced game in North America will accelerate his development. The game is a lot faster here, and that was the biggest reason I decided to come over to play in North America, Hemming said.

Hemming also emphasized the importance of continuing to work on his skills, particularly his quickness and puck protection, which he sees as areas of improvement. After the summer showcase, he plans to return to Finland before joining Barrie later in the year, with hopes of advancing to the American Hockey League AHL) or even the NHL in the near future.

3. Swedens Delayed Arrival and Missing Player
Swedens team faced some challenges on Saturday, arriving a day late due to a canceled flight out of Stockholm. Despite the delay, 19 of the 25 players invited to the event practiced at USA Hockey Arena. Swedens coach, Magnus Havelid, noted that one goalie, six defensemen, and 12 forwards were on the ice for practice, but some luggage and equipment had not arrived.

To fill in for the missing players, Joey Slavick from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program volunteered as a second goalie Connor McDavid 4NF Jersey. Havelid also confirmed that defenseman Tom Willander, who was chosen by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft, would not participate in the showcase. Willander was injured at the Canucks development camp and will stay off the ice until he is fully recovered. However, he is expected to join Sweden's team for their World Juniors selection camp in December.

4. Ryan Leonard Focuses on Unfinished Business at Boston College
Ryan Leonard, a forward selected 8th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2023 NHL Draft, has committed to returning to Boston College for his sophomore season. Leonard, who had a strong showing at the 2024 World Juniors with six points in seven games, including three goals and three assists, explained his decision by stating that he has unfinished business with the Eagles.

Boston Colleges season ended with a tough 2-0 loss to Denver in the NCAA Frozen Four championship game, and Leonard believes that returning to college for another year will give him the opportunity to help the team achieve more success. Leonard led the Eagles as a freshman, finishing with 31 goals, 13 power-play goals, and 60 points. He is focused on improving his game further before making the jump to the NHL.

I want to fine-tune my game, Leonard said. Thatll help me at the next level, but I think we have a good chance at winning a national championship and more hardware.

As the World Junior Summer Showcase continues, these developments showcase the ongoing growth of young players and their commitment to their teams, whether in the NCAA, major junior leagues, or professional hockey. The event serves as a crucial step toward the upcoming World Juniors, where these rising stars will look to make an impact for their respective countries.









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