Game 1: Canada – Switzerland 7-4
Canada got off a fast start against Switzerland, scoring three goals in 10 minutes and 19 seconds. The Swiss were really struggling to contain the Canadian forwards in their own end and the Canadians were constantly quicker to pucks. However, the Swiss were able to elevate their overall play in the second period, with two goals from forward Elvis Schlaepfer and one from defenseman Denis Rubanik. Peyton Krebs gave Canada a 4-3 lead late in the period as he redirected Jamie Drysdale's point shot. Canada was able to hold on to the lead in the third period and eventually take a 7-4 win. The game was surprisingly close on the scoreboard, considering that the shots on goal were 60-28 for Canada.
One of the Canadian forwards who caught my eye was Jamieson Rees. The 5'10" winger showed great game sense and offensive vision, finding his teammates with precise passing in the offensive zone. He's a quick and shifty skater with strong edge work, plus he can stop and start quickly. He had a strong on-ice work ethic and he was slippery with the puck. Defenseman Thomas Harley stood out with his puck movement and offensive contributions. His decision making was sound and he moved well in all directions displaying fluidity and agility. He has a lot of tools that NHL teams look for in a defenseman.
From the Swiss team, Schlaepfer had a rather strong game. He showed good scoring touch and finishing ability, even though he did have a lot of room to pick his spot on the first goal. Noah Delemont was one of their top performers as an underager. He moved the puck into good spots, had some good poise and a head for the game. However, at 5'9" Delemont is small and his skating did not look truly high end which may ultimately limit his upside. Still, he was able to have an impact on the game and is one to keep an eye on for the 2020 draft.
Game 2: Belarus – Finland 4-3
Belarus defeated Finland 4-3 for their second win of the tournament. The Finns did not look ready to compete in the first period and their play was less than stellar in the second period as well. But they did get back into the game by scoring three goals in the third period, cutting Belarus' lead to one goal. Belarus was able to hold onto the lead as Rostislav Zinovenko was outstanding in net, making 58 saves, including several excellent ones, and showing a high compete level. Finland has now lost both of its games.
Among Belarussian skaters, two players that had standout performances are forward Yevgeni Oksentyuk and defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok. Oksentyuk is very small but also slippery, highly skilled and tough to contain in one-one-one situations. This tournament has been a coming out party for the intriguing forward. Kolyachonok showcased excellent puck moving abilities and good mobility at 6'2". His game projects well for the next level as he can process his options quickly and make the right choices at both ends of the ice. Has some flash in his game, too.
Juuso Pärssinen stood out from the Finnish team. He has nifty hands, he showed some nice playmaking skill and was able to generate offensive opportunities for his team. Pärssinen is a solid skater, despite lacking a bit in lateral mobility. The big center is a balanced player with a chance to be a mid-round draft pick. Tuukka Tieksola was also quite noticeable as he put his high-level offensive skills and awareness on display on a few occasions, especially in the third period. He scored Finland's first goal with a precise wrister.