{"id":440727,"date":"2024-05-10T08:30:44","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T12:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=440727"},"modified":"2024-05-09T20:36:43","modified_gmt":"2024-05-10T00:36:43","slug":"six-blackhawks-confirmed-iihf-world-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/05\/10\/six-blackhawks-confirmed-iihf-world-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Chicago Blackhawks Confirmed for 2024 IIHF Men&#8217;s World Hockey Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2024 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/blackhawks\/news\/blog-six-blackhawks-competing-at-2024-world-championships\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IIHF Men&#8217;s World Hockey Championships<\/a>, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/blackhawks\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bedarco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Bedard<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonesse01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seth Jones<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vlasial01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Vlasic<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kurasph01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Philipp Kurashev<\/a>. These players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage over the two-week tournament.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Six Chicago Blackhawks Playing at the 2024 IIHF World Championships<\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Seth Jones named an alternate captain for Team USA at the World Championships \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Blackhawks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Blackhawks<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/usahockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@usahockey<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/txT2raTQZT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/txT2raTQZT<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CHGO_Blackhawks\/status\/1788624436691685680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 9, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s strategy as they strive for the gold. Let\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/usahockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@usahockey<\/a>&#39;s quest for gold at the 2024 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MensWorlds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#MensWorlds<\/a> starts tomorrow! <\/p>\n<p>Team USA takes on Sweden at 2pm ET\/11am PT on NHL Network! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zKSap1TyL4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/zKSap1TyL4<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NHLNetwork\/status\/1788720608357830794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 10, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b>Canada<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting with Canada, there is no doubt that Connor Bedard, one of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/30\/bedard-leads-list-of-calder-trophy-finalists\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leading favourites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the Calder Trophy this year, rounds out a young and tenacious forward core for Team Canada. He will be invaluable for Canada\u2019s chances of winning the tournament. He is already an elite point scorer\u2014proven by his rookie-leading <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statmuse.com\/nhl\/ask\/rookie-points-leaders-nhl-2023-2024\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">61 points<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> this season. His hockey IQ is high; he sees the game well, skates well to create open space for himself, and is highly competitive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bedard&#8217;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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iihf.com\/en\/news\/47473\/bedard_named_iihf_male_player_of_the_year\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IIHF<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThat\u2019s something I\u2019m pretty excited about, to get the opportunity to play,\u201d Bedard said in April to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/news\/connor-bedard-of-blackhawks-says-he-will-play-for-canada-in-world-championship\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NHL.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cA year and a bit ago, I was playing for my country every couple of months (as a junior player). It\u2019s been a while since I got that chance. I\u2019m looking forward to that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>United States<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in the Hawks success this season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chicago.suntimes.com\/blackhawks\/2024\/1\/23\/24047604\/blackhawks-seth-jones-nhl-fantasy-hockey-alex-vlasic-goal-scoring-luke-richardson\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago Sun-Times<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> back in January:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u201cHe breaks up so many plays coming into the \u2018D\u2019-zone because he\u2019s so hard to get around, and then he\u2019s adding physicality to his game, as well, which is awesome to see. He\u2019s on the [point] of the power play, so he\u2019s expanding his game that way, too. He\u2019s going to be an unbelievable defenceman for this team for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Team USA has not announced their defensive pairings yet. However, the prospect of seeing these two teammates on the ice together again isn&#8217;t totally off the table. Their addition to USA\u2019s defensive lines could be a game-changer as the team strives for their first IIHF World Championship title since <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teamusa.usahockey.com\/page\/show\/2425778-men-s-world-championship-history\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1933<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Switzerland<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, centre Philipp Kurashev will join Switzerland for the tournament. Kurashev joins other offensive talents in the Devils captain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hischni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nico Hischier<\/a> and Jets <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/niedeni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nino Niederreiter<\/a>. A bulk of the roster comes from the Swiss National League. Including Kurashev, only four NHLers made the roster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 24-year-old had a breakout year with the Blackhawks, doubling his previous career-high points total with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kurasph01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">54 points<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> this season. Moreover, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Two More Hawks Confirmed for the 2024 IIHF World Championships<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mrazepe01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Petr Mr\u00e1zek<\/a> joined their team. Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reichlu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lukas Reichel<\/a>, 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeynews.com\/nhl\/chicago-blackhawks\/players\/lukas-reichel-scores-twice-but-blackhawks-affiliate-eliminated-from-ahl-playoffs#:~:text=The%20IceHogs%2C%20the%20Blackhawks&#039;%20wholly,playoffs%2C%20three%20games%20to%20one.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bounced<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the post-season. Furthermore, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mr\u00e1zek, who recently signed a two-year <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/01\/24\/chicago-blackhawks-goaltender-petr-mrazek-re-signs-extension-with-club\/\" target=\"_self\">extension<\/a> with the club, went 18-31-4 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mrazepe01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this season<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in net over 56 games and had a respectable .907 save percentage. Reichel had <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reichlu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16 points<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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&#8217;s lineups.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Main photo: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2024 IIHF Men&#8217;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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5140,"featured_media":433897,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27,4547,4548],"tags":[3811,246,4756,4927,619,2780,351],"class_list":["post-440727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blackhawks","category-hockey","category-nhl","tag-alex-vlasic","tag-chicago-blackhawks","tag-connor-bedard","tag-lukas-reichel","tag-petr-mrazek","tag-philipp-kurashev","tag-seth-jones"],"modified_by":"Levi Pike, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/440727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5140"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=440727"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/440727\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/433897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=440727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=440727"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=440727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}