Welcome to our 2023 World Junior Championship predictions. We’ll take an in-depth look at each game taking place in the Canadian Maritimes. These looks will happen for each game until the gold-medal game. We’ll try to give you the information you need to get an edge. We take a look at the Group A matchup between Germany and Austria. Be sure to check out the other games for today.
2023 World Junior Championship Predictions
Germany vs Austria
Depending on which side you ask, the German-Austrian rivalry is alive and well. The countries have a long history; share a border, a national language, and a love of ice hockey. This game will essentially be the battle to see who avoids relegation playdowns. Germany wants to prove they belong in the conversation to compete in the top tournament. On the other hand, Austria is looking for some positive takeaways from the 2023 tournament.
Interestingly enough, both hockey development programs share a common stumbling block. In Germany for example, the top league, the DEL, has a requirement to dress three players under 23. However, getting them ice time is another story. Therefore, many of the German players play in the DEL but see very little ice time. The same goes for the Austrian team, as many of their players either play in the AlpsHL or the ICEHL, but see little action. Some members on the roster, play for the Red Bull Hockey juniors, which competes in the AlpsHL.
Team Germany
Despite the lack of opportunity for many of its players in club action, Germany did show up ready to compete. The 1-0 loss at the hands of Team Sweden, shows that their program is doing something right. Look at some of the recent NHL talents, such as Tim Stutzle, Moritz Seider, or John-Jason Peterka. Their top goaltender is a Carolina Hurricanes draft pick, Nikita Quapp. He played well against Sweden and will look to lead the Germans to victory against Austria.
In terms of the offensive attack for Germany, one player they will lean on, is Arizona Coyotes draft-pick, Julian Lutz. He has had some success at the DEL level, posting six assists in 13 contests for EHC Munich. Another one of the German players to watch is defenceman Leon van der Linde. He exemplifies the problem with hockey development in the region. He proved he has outgrown the junior ranks, compiling nine points in 11 games. However, when he was promoted within the ESV Kaufbeuren program to the DEL2, he only managed three assists in 13 games. Even still, going up against Austria, look for these players to have success.
World Junior Championship: Team Austria
The Austrians have been outclassed in this year’s tournament. They do miss a game-breaker type player, like the recent under-20 player, Marco Rossi. This game against Germany is an opportunity to leave with a bit of momentum. So far, they have been badly outplayed, outshot, and outscored in the tournament going up against top-tier teams, Czechia, Sweden, and Canada. Hopefully, the familiarity of playing against a team of players with similar development can help the Austrians focus and execute their game plan.
There are a few players to watch for on Team Austria. First and foremost, is Montreal Canadiens 2022, a third-rounder, Vinzenz Rohrer. This year, he has 11 goals, 21 assists for 32 points in 26 games playing for the Ottawa 67s of the OHL. Another player is their captain, Luca Auer, who is a part of the Red Bull Hockey Junior program. Finally, one more player to watch, is Canadian-born, Jonas Dobnig. He has 10 points in 26 games played, for the New Jersey Rockets of the NCDC.
Prediction
It is likely Austria will be able to pump itself up for a strong showing against their rival, the Germans. Both teams have a lot of players playing in top men’s leagues in their respective countries, so this has the chance to be a physical contest. Look for Germany to emerge, as, throughout their lineup, they do possess more depth and talent. It will be close, but Austria needs more depth and probably some seasoning in the lower junior division.
Prediction: Team Germany wins 3-1.
