Each week, World Hockey Hub will highlight a few of the most exciting upcoming games. From the hottest rivalries to the biggest tournaments, we focus on matchups that should have your attention this week.
Lokomotiv 2004 Yaroslavl will take on CSKA Moscow in a clash of 2006-born teams on Sunday, October 2.
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| Sunday, October 2 |
Lokomotiv 2004 has found solid footing out of the gate, posting a 2-1-1 record. After starting their season off with a 6-1 blowout of Atlant Mytishchi, they fell to Yantar Moscow in a shootout. They quickly rebounded with a victory against HC Balashikha just a week later. In their most recent match last weekend, they fell to Dynamo Moscow 3-1.
Defenseman Daniil Brusnikin has been carrying the hot stick for Lokomotiv, tallying five goals thus far. Despite having a minus-3 rating, Brusnikin’s ability to easily weave into the attack for his club has contributed largely to their early-season success.
If Brusnikin can tighten up his defensive numbers, it could mean big things for Lokomotiv moving forward in a very competitive 2006 Russian group.
Bolstering the Lokomotiv 2004 attack behind Brusnikin are forwards Matvey Kazakov (2G, 2A) and Kirill Ignatiev (3A).
CSKA has started out of the gates flying into the 2022-23 season, amassing an 8-1-0 record. They were ranked number 1 in the World Hockey Hub preseason rankings among 2006-born Russian clubs, and have proven thus far why they deserve the top spot.
They have made easy work of top-tier opponents such as Krylia Sovetov, Spartak Moscow, SKA Strelna, and Dynamo Moscow, scoring at least three goals in each game. Across all matches into this season, they have been getting it done at both ends of the ice, finding the back of the net 42 times, while only allowing 15 goals.
And who has been leading that potent offense? Look no further than the three-headed power trio of defenseman Alexey Rodionov (2G, 11A) and forwards Ivan Okunev (7G, 5A) and Alexey Dontsov (3G, 6A). All while being backstopped by the incredible goaltending tandem of Mikhail Egorov and Mikhail Astakhov.
However, they were dealt their first setback of the season with a 5-3 loss to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on Sunday. Eager to get back to their winning ways, they will eye the upcoming game against Lokomotiv 2004 as a chance to prove that loss was nothing more than a minor stumble.
Throughout the course of past seasons, these two clubs have met a total of 21 times, with CSKA leading the all-time meetings 18-2-1.
Both contain depth and offensive-minded defenders; this will be an interesting matchup to see if Lokomotiv can prove they can skate with one of the premier teams in its age group.
On Friday, the Long Island Gulls will travel to Rhode Island for an afternoon tilt against Mount St. Charles. With both teams firing on all cylinders as of late, this one is shaping up to be a meeting of two very talented 2007-born rosters.
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| Friday, September 30 @ 2 pm EST Adelard Arena |
Rolling through a continued stretch of stellar play, the Gulls come into this matchup fresh off a weekend that saw them defeat Team Minnesota 5-2, bringing their overall record to 13-2-0.
In the midst of an 11-game winning streak the Gulls have been propelled by a potent offense. They have bombarded opponents with their high offensive ability, and have relied on tight-checking defense to prevent any opportunities in the defensive zone.
Currently maintaining a plus-37 goal differential, no team has been able to slow down the Gulls thus far.
For the host team, Mount comes into this game on the heels of a two-game weekend that saw them best the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies before falling to Little Caesars; their first loss of the season.
Much like the Gulls, Mount St. Charles has relied on a bombastic attack and stingy defense to keep the opposition at bay in most contests.
If these two clubs live up to their reputations, there might be some fireworks in store for this game… and both goaltenders should be prepared to see good amounts of rubber come their way.
While many 2009-born Canadian teams are beginning to ramp up their action into this season, the Don Mills Flyers and Ottawa Myers Automotive have already gotten wins under their belts.
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| Saturday, October 1 @ 9:20 am EST Westwood Arenas |
After kicking off their season with a 3-0 shutout of the North York Rangers, the Flyers have had a bit of a lull in their schedule. Ottawa kicked off their season on September 18 when they edged out a 5-4 win against the Upper Canada Cyclones.
With both teams still fresh into the young season, this matchup provides an opportunity to continue the success both clubs have found in the early weeks of the new season.
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| Sunday, October 2 |
Mikhailov Academy has started solidly this season, going 6-4-2 in twelve contests.
In the midst of dropping their last two games, they are in desperate need of returning to the win column. With three games having been played between these two programs, Vityaz has won all three, so Mikhailov Academy will have to do something it’s never done before.
This game affords Mikhailov Academy not only a chance for redemption in the all-time series, but to also bolster their standing in the 2008 Russian-born rankings. The club currently sits in seventh.
The dynamic attack of Boris Borin, (8G, 7A), Nikita Fateev (6G, 6A) and Matvei Cheranev (5G, 7A) leads the way for Mikhailov Academy. All three players are paramount to any hopes of emerging victorious against Vityaz.
Vityaz has been an early bright spot among Russian clubs, and after recording a perfect 11-0-0 record to begin the season, their streak was halted with a 4-1 loss to CSKA Moscow. They rebounded last weekend with a winning effort, downing Khimik 6-2.
Refreshed and back in the win column, they know a matchup against Mikhailov Academy is just what is needed to continue their success.
And while Mikhailov Academy boasts some talented forwards, Vityaz can counter with a versatile group of their own.
Maxim Seldemirov’s penchant for finding the back of the net in just about any situation has propelled him to the top of the stat sheet, recording 15 points (8G, 7A). While not carrying the entire offensive output on his shoulders, forwards Gleb Pugachev (5G, 8A) and Timofey Gusarov (6G, 4A) can be relied on for consistent secondary scoring.
But Vityaz’s true secret weapon lies on the blue line in defenseman Vasily Savchuk. Savchuk’s six points (2G, 4A) and solid defensive numbers show that he can get it done at both ends of the ice.
All eyes will be on this one to see if Vityaz can continue their domination of Mikhailov Academy, or if a new script can be written in the next chapter of this series.
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Each week, World Hockey Hub will highlight a few of the most exciting upcoming games. From the hottest rivalries to the biggest tournaments, we focus on matchups that should have your attention this week.
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| Friday, September 23 @ 7:10 pm EST Westwoods Arenas |
The Vaughan Kings come into the 2022-23 season with lofty expectations.
For a team that finished last season with a 59-1-3 record, why would anyone expect anything less?
And if their start to this season is any indication, it seems as if they are picking up right where they left off, showing why the Kings deserved the top spot in our Canadian team rankings for the 2008 birth year.
Just three games into their campaign, the Kings have amassed 2-0-1 record, defeating the North York Rangers, Toronto Marlboros, with a 1-1- tie coming against the Barrie Colts last weekend. Their next matchup is slated for this Friday against the Mississauga Rebels.
The Rebels have one game under their belts; a 4-4 tie with the Don Mills Flyers.
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| Saturday, Sept. 24 @ 1:30 pm EST Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex |
The newly-rebranded Elgin-Middlesex Canucks head into the weekend on the heels of a 4-4- tie vs. the Oakville Rangers last Sunday, bringing their overall record to 1-0-1.
On the other side of the ice, the Kitchener Jr. Rangers first action of this season will be against the Canucks.
Elgin-Middlesex debuted in the No. 8 spot amongst Canadian ’08-born clubs. Kitchener was not ranked, but will certainly raise some eyebrows with a competitive series this upcoming weekend. The two teams square off on consecutive days, with an opportunity to make an early-season statement.
Saturday will see the two sides meet in Kitchener’s home rink, with game two scheduled in EMC territory on Sunday. Both squads will have plenty to prove in these games.
For the Canucks, it serves as an opportunity to bolster their standing as one of the top teams in the country. The Rangers on the other hand, have a chance to prove that they can compete with the best this birth year has to offer.
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| Friday, Sept. 23 @ 1:20 pm CET Mälarhöjdens Ice Hall |
After kicking off their season at the 2022 Farsta Games, Nacka HK is set for the upcoming DIF Elitcup for 2009 birth year squads from September 23-25.
Currently ninth in our preseason rankings, Nacka could use a successful run at this tournament to both raise their profile among fellow Sweden clubs. IFK Täby HC finds themselves on the outside looking in of the Top 10 Sweden rankings, and also kicked off their season at the Farsta Games. Both Nacka and Täby finished towards the bottom of the group in that tournament, but what will be interesting to see is if any emotion carries over into the Elitcup.
This meeting will be the second game of the tournament for each club, so both should have their legs underneath them and in prime playing shape. Nacka’s first opponent will be Rögle BK, while Täby opens their slate of games against the Malmö Redhawks.
These two teams both ended their tournament runs at the Farsta Games with back-to-back games against one another; Nacka took both via shutout win, 2-0 and 1-0. Sam Detterfelt led Nacka in points during the Farsta Games, with three goals and one assist, with Theo Carpenwall Grenalt (1G, 2A) and Dante Bovin (2G, 1A) both behind him with three points apiece.
One can be sure revenge will be on the mind of Täby’s players, so it will take Nacka everything they have to come out on the winning side in this matchup.
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| Saturday, Sept. 24 @ 1:00 pm MSK |
Turning our attention to Russia, where Dynamo Moscow will be taking on Lokomotiv 2004 Yaroslavl in a battle of 2010-born teams.
Dynamo has had a successful start to their season, accumulating a 9-4-0 record. Lokomotiv has also had a solid start, going 10-4-0, with their most recent game being an 8-4 loss to first-ranked CSKA Moscow.
Both clubs are off on the right foot, so this matchup is one to certainly keep an eye on. Dynamo currently sits third in our Russia Rankings and Lokomotiv not far behind at fifth.
It will not be the first time these two programs will be facing off on the ice this year, as back in August Dynamo bested Lokomotiv 5-3.
Overall, the two teams have suited up for eight games against one another, with Dynamo leading the all-time series 5-2-1, scoring 40 goals across their five wins.
Yegor Groza (3G, 3A) and Matvey Fedorenko (3G, 3A) lead Dynamo with six points (3G, 3A), while behind them are Maxim Goloshchapov with five points (3G, 2A) and Vladislav Gorbunov (4G) and Arseny Rychagov (4A) each with four points.
For Lokomotiv, they are led by Filipp Vychuhzhanin (2G, 4A) and Artyom Loginov (5G, 1A) whose six points each lead the team. They are followed closely by Anton Malinovsky (4A) and Mark Pritchin (2G, 1A).
Want more coverage of the top games in youth hockey? Follow WHH on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube for more!
Each week, World Hockey Hub will highlight a few of the most exciting upcoming games. From the hottest rivalries to the biggest tournaments, we focus on matchups that should have your attention this week.
The Sweden Hockey Trophy for the 2007 birth year will kick off this Thursday with seven games, highlighted by two matchups involving teams that were mainstays in the WHH rankings last season.
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| Thursday, Sept. 15 @ 4:30 pm CET BST Rinkin |
The first of these games will be Flemingsbergs IK taking on Södertälje SK. For the final weeks of last season, Södertälje found themselves within the top 5 in the country for the 2007 birth year. Flemingsbergs was also highlighted among the best teams, working their way up as the season progressed before ending things just outside the top 10.
Both clubs will see the return of many players for this tournament that suited up in the 2022 Uplandia Trophy earlier this year. Daniel Lazienkiewicz and Ludvig Söderberg led the way for Södertälje in that tournament, tallying six points (4G, 2A) and five points (3G, 2A), respectively, across five games.
Sebastian Dahlqvist garnered 14 points (5G, 9A) to lead Flemingsbergs in the tournament, followed closely by Tim Tuzin’s 11 points (6G, 5A).
All four of these players will be relied on for their offensive ability in what could be a high-scoring affair.
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| Friday, Sept. 16 @ 5:15 pm CET Tumba Ishuset – Roplan |
Later that day, Täby HC faces off against Viggbyholms IK.
Täby, reigning champions of the 2022 Uplandia Trophy, were a constant atop the rankings last season. They showed just how much of an offensive juggernaut they can be in that tournament, finding the back of the net 35 times across five games while only allowing 16. In comparison, Viggbyholms managed to pot 15 goals, with 10 finding the back of their own net. Axel Bjurman and Bor Rakun will lead the charge up front, but any offense from blueliners such as Elias Kristiansson, who notched three points (1G, 3A) at the Uplandia Trophy, would be welcome as well.
Tight defense and consistent goaltending will be key for Viggbyholms to have any chance to skate away with the victory.
The second day of the tournament gives fans a showdown between Täby and Nacka HC. While dealing with the potent attack that Täby possesses, Nacka are no strangers to dealing with pressure. Consistently in the middle of the rankings last season, they also had a knack for putting up goals in bunches, while keeping opponents goal totals on the low end.
If the stars align, this game could be a back-and-forth affair of scoring chances for both sides. Fans will be in for a treat to watch Täby’s Melvin Novotny and Theo Stockselius, who both combined for 34 points in five games at the 2022 Uplandia Trophy, go toe to toe with the best of Nacka.
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| Friday, Sept. 16 @ 5:15 pm CDT Brooklyn Park Ice Arena |
The 2022-23 season will start where the previous one left off for Shattuck-St. Mary’s.
A rematch of last spring’s 14U national championship, Shattuck will square off with familiar foe Chicago Mission as two of the top teams in the United States from last season. When you combine for a record of 111-11-3, that’s nothing to scoff at.
September 16 should be a date circled on everyone’s calendar, whether you’re a fan of these teams or not. It serves as an early glimpse into how this season will begin, and possibly unfold, for two powerhouse programs.
Chicago already has a decent number of games under their belt, with a (6-3-1) record that included a sweep of Little Caesars. Shattuck has yet to suit up for a game this season, but must bring their a-game at puck drop for this one.
The boys from Minnesota will likely have a sour taste in their mouths from the way things unfolded between the clubs last season, and will no doubt be looking to start things off on the right foot.
The Mission took the season series last year, going 3-1 in four close contests with the exception being a 4-0 shutout by Chicago in the first game. Another interesting fact is that these teams didn’t meet until November last season, so this contest serves as an opportunity for either team to strike an early blow.
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