Horvat Scores For Canada, Shinkaruk Cut

To many, the World Junior Hockey Championship is the best hockey out there. Fast and furious, rarely a dull moment as the kids show their stuff. Canada was down 2-0 to Finland in pre-tournament action on Friday. But look who gets them on the scoreboard to begin the rally:

What a snipe by the Canucks' first round pick. What a missed hit by the Fin that almost destroyed Sam Reinhart, opening up the lane. Horvat is centering the 2nd line between Sam Reinhart and Connor McDavid. He is also anchoring the 2nd power play unit for now.

Malmo, Sweden is hosting the tournament.

Unfortunately, Hunter Shinkaruk was one of the final cuts made by Team Canada on Friday.

Laurence Gilman told the Sun:

"I’m sure it is extremely disappointing for Hunter. Unfortunately for him, he has had a tough year. He sustained two different injuries that have clearly impacted his performance. It is a testament to him and his skill set, and what Hockey Canada thinks about him, that they brought him to Copenhagen for their pre-tournament.

"Unfortunately, guys that he was competing with outplayed him and that’s hockey. That happens. We think that Hunter is going to be more than fine in the long run. There will be other opportunities for him to wear the Maple Leaf and he’ll get over this."

"In the next day or two either Stan Smyl or Mike (Gillis) or Lorne (Henning) or I or perhaps all of us will reach out and talk to him."