Jets’ Prospects Morrisey, Petan Selected For Canada’s World Junior Camp

December is always a good time for hockey fans, especially those up north: The turning of the calendar marks 26 days until the World Junior Hockey Championships. Team Canada released it’s roster on Monday, and among the 25 names released were Winnipeg Jets’ prospects Nick Petan, and Josh Morrisey.

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Both Morrisey and Petan were drafted in 2013, with Morrisey going 13th overall in the 1st round, and Petan going one round later, #43 overall. Both 18-year olds play in the WHL, with the Prince Albert Raiders and Portland Winterhawks, respectively.

Morrisey was heralded for his play-making ability as a defenseman going into the draft, provoking the Jets to stock up on their blue-line future. Morrissey is an excellent puck-moving defenseman, and will be relied on to get Team Canada’s forwards the puck when exiting the defensive zone. While Morrissey is smaller than the average NHL defenseman, (6’0″) size is not an issue for the prospect because he does not lack any physicality or grit. He is able to deliver key hits and not leave himself out of the play. He is credited for jump-starting his teams’ offense with strong skating out of the defensive end, or by a good breakout pass. If given a lane, Morrisey can skate the puck into the offensive zone very effectively, and his skill-set will be key on the team’s power-play units. Morrisey attended the Jets’ main camp but was sent back down to Prince Albert, where he was named Captain of the Raiders.

Petan, a natural center out of British Columbia, will be one of Team Canada’s biggest offensive threats going into the World Junior tournament. Petan’s small frame has been no issue throughout his junior career, and at only 5′ 9″, Petan wheels around the ice with the confidence of any other player. Petan knows where the scoring areas are on the ice, and his quick acceleration allows him to get to those shooting lanes in the blink of an eye. Petan’s fast release will be expected to fool opposing goaltenders, and he can get a pile of points off of rebounds generated by his shot. Petan is defensively accountable, and as with any junior team, he will have to play a great 200-foot game.

The two youngsters’ spots are not set in stone just yet: Hockey Canada still needs to make 3 cuts before the final roster deadline on December 25.

You can view the selection camp roster in full by clicking here.

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