The 2024 IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championships, one of the most prestigious international hockey events, will kick off in Prague, Czechia today. This exciting series of games will bring together some of the best hockey players from around the world, including four confirmed Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard, Seth Jones, Alex Vlasic, and Philipp Kurashev. These players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage over the two-week tournament.
Six Chicago Blackhawks Playing at the 2024 IIHF World Championships
Seth Jones named an alternate captain for Team USA at the World Championships 🇺🇸#Blackhawks @usahockey pic.twitter.com/txT2raTQZT
— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) May 9, 2024
All teams participating in the IIHF World Tournament will feature stars from the NHL and other international leagues. Each player selected from the Blackhawks will fill a specific role in their respective national team’s strategy as they strive for the gold. Let’s delve into the roles that each player from the Hawks will play in their national teams, how their unique skills will benefit them, and potential Hawks that could be valuable additions to other rosters.
.@usahockey's quest for gold at the 2024 #MensWorlds starts tomorrow!
Team USA takes on Sweden at 2pm ET/11am PT on NHL Network! pic.twitter.com/zKSap1TyL4
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 10, 2024
Canada
Starting with Canada, there is no doubt that Connor Bedard, one of the leading favourites for the Calder Trophy this year, rounds out a young and tenacious forward core for Team Canada. He will be invaluable for Canada’s chances of winning the tournament. He is already an elite point scorer—proven by his rookie-leading 61 points this season. His hockey IQ is high; he sees the game well, skates well to create open space for himself, and is highly competitive.
Bedard’s international triumphs are a testament to his exceptional talent. He has previously secured victory in the U18 tournament and the World Juniors with Team Canada. His performance for Team Canada promises to be as captivating as it was for Chicago. In his four appearances for his country, Bedard has clinched three titles and was honoured as the International Player of the Year in 2023 by the IIHF.
“That’s something I’m pretty excited about, to get the opportunity to play,” Bedard said in April to NHL.com. “A year and a bit ago, I was playing for my country every couple of months (as a junior player). It’s been a while since I got that chance. I’m looking forward to that.”
United States
Next are defencemen Seth Jones and Alex Vlasic, who formed the top defensive pairing for the Chicago Blackhawks. The two will both represent the United States in Prague. Their strong defensive play and ability to work together effectively were key factors in the Hawks success this season.
Vlasic plays a defensive defenceman game with sparks of offensive capability. He is a disciplined player who uses his size well. He can read offences well to break up passes or strip the puck. Jones has shared his praise for the 22-year-old, saying to the Chicago Sun-Times back in January:
“He breaks up so many plays coming into the ‘D’-zone because he’s so hard to get around, and then he’s adding physicality to his game, as well, which is awesome to see. He’s on the [point] of the power play, so he’s expanding his game that way, too. He’s going to be an unbelievable defenceman for this team for a long time.”
Jones has proven himself to be one of the best two-way D-man in the NHL throughout his career. While he is looking to get back on top of his game, a few of his assets were crucial to the Blackhawks this season, his leadership ability, passing skills and methods of setting up plays, and his minutes on the power play.
Team USA has not announced their defensive pairings yet. However, the prospect of seeing these two teammates on the ice together again isn’t totally off the table. Their addition to USA’s defensive lines could be a game-changer as the team strives for their first IIHF World Championship title since 1933.
Switzerland
Additionally, centre Philipp Kurashev will join Switzerland for the tournament. Kurashev joins other offensive talents in the Devils captain Nico Hischier and Jets Nino Niederreiter. A bulk of the roster comes from the Swiss National League. Including Kurashev, only four NHLers made the roster.
The 24-year-old had a breakout year with the Blackhawks, doubling his previous career-high points total with 54 points this season. Moreover, Kurashev could see time at centre or on the wing for Switzerland. Centre-ice would probably be a better fit for him, as his passing and playmaking are better skills than his physicality and shot.
Two More Hawks Confirmed for the 2024 IIHF World Championships
Many countries at 2024 IIHF World Championships, including the host country of Czechia, were later naming their final rosters in hopes NHL teams could still send a final piece or two. ANy NHLer makes a big difference for many countries. Hawks goaltender Petr Mrázek joined their team. Additionally, Lukas Reichel, who spent some time in both the AHL and NHL for the Blackhawks, is a go for Germany now that the Rockford IceHogs have been bounced from the post-season. Furthermore, Mrázek, who recently signed a two-year extension with the club, went 18-31-4 this season in net over 56 games and had a respectable .907 save percentage. Reichel had 16 points in 65 games. As he continues to develop his skills, he is a point scorer and a competitor. Both players would bolster their respective team’s lineups.
Main photo: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
