The 2018 World Junior Championship previews continue to roll out here at DBTB. Staying in group A, Team Denmark is on deck.
While Team Denmark may not have the offensive firepower normally in their lineup, they have speed and quickness that not many other lineups can boast. Denmark has been building success slowly in the tournament over the past few years mainly due to speed all around their lineup and some timely goaltending.
Goaltenders:
Mads-Emil Gransoe, Topeka RoadRunners (NAHL)
Kasper Lautrup Krog, SonderjyskE Vojens
Mads Sogaard, Austin Bruins (NAHL)
It is believed that Kasper Krog will be starting in goal for the Danes. Krog came in relief a few times in last year’s tournament. Krog will be a goalie that can keep Denmark in most games but will occasionally let in a flubbed shot.
Defencemen:
Rasmus Birk Heine, Rodovre Mighty Bulls
Lasse Carlsen, Rodovre Mighty Bulls
Jakob Jessen, Herning Blue Fox
Christian Harris Larsen, Odense Bulldogs
Lasse Holm Mortensen, Rodovre Mighty Bulls
Oliver Paaske Larsen, Leksand Stars
Malte Setkov, Malmo Redhawks (SWE)
Jeppe Urup Mogensen, AIK Stockholm (SWE)
On defense is where the Team Denmark lacks the same skill that others do. Denmark still has speed on the backend but other teams such as Canada, USA, and Finland have speed, but also their defensemen can join the offensive rush and make plays.
A defenseman that can be looked upon by the Danes to try to make those plays is Lasse L. Carlsen. A little smaller in stature, but still big enough to hold his own coming off the boards. Carlsen can also handle the puck well in tight spots.
Forwards:
Andreas Grundtvig, Esbjerg Energy
Asger Petersen, Odense Bulldogs
Christian Wejse Mathiasen, Esbjerg Energy
Christoffer Gath, Herlev Eagles
Daniel Baekhoj Nielsen, Herning Blue Fox
David Sogaard Madsen, Vaxjo Lakers (SWE)
Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup, Fargo Force (USHL)
Joachim Blichfeld, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Jonas Rondbjerg, Vaxjo Lakers (SWE)
Lucas Andersen, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Magnus Molge, Malmo Redhawks (SWE)
Nikolaj Krag-Christensen, Rungsted
Oliver True, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Phillip Louis Schultz, Rodovre Mighty Bulls
Valdemar Ahlberg, Austin Bruins (NAHL)
Golden Knights pick Jonas Rondbjerg, San Jose Sharks pick Joachim Blichfeld, St. Louis Blues pick Nikolaj Krag (who is in his third WJC), and Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup are all great playmakers with the puck. Their speed kills and their hands create open spaces.
Schmidt-Svejstrup is a giant forward at 6’2” and 201 lbs but has been putting up great numbers with the Fargo Force. 17 goals and 12 assists in 23 games this season is impressive enough but is not just a big body but a consistent playmaker is what makes Jacob a potential breakout player this World Juniors and could possibly get an NHL contract from it.
Denmark does not have an easy schedule being in a group with Canada and the United States. They open preliminary play against USA, match-up with Finland on their second day, then close out against Canada and Slovakia.
Not a lot to be impressed by from this Denmark roster, but they seem to surprise a little bit more each year. Consistent play is the key for Denmark to take the next step.