Earlier today, Canada announced its U-20 WJC roster, which featured two Sharks prospects. The first of which was Michael Misa, who will be representing Canada for the first time at the U-20 level. In addition, 2025 first-round goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen was also named to the team.
There was little surprise that Misa was named to the team, but his availability was in question with the Sharks not guaranteed to loan him out. Given how his year has gone, with missing time to an ankle injury and recently being loaned on a conditioning stint in the AHL, the Sharks could use the WJC as a ramp-up before the 2nd half of the season for Misa. The Sharks don’t have to assign Misa to his Junior team and can recall him back to the Sharks after the tournament.
The expectations should be high for Misa, Canada is coming off a poor showing last season, and the recent 2nd overall pick has dominated at the U-20 level. Given his status as a prospect, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Misa as one of Canada's top forwards.
As for Ravensbergen, he cracked Canada as one of their three netminders. The Sharks prospect has posted an impressive 2.5 GAA and 921% save percentage in 22 games for Prince George of the WHL this season. He will have an uphill battle for games, however, with two returnees in Carter George and Jack Ivankovic also on the roster.
Other Sharks prospects competing in the World Juniors include Leo Sahlin Wallenius and, potentially, Cole McKinney.
Sahlin Wallenius is returning for Sweden in his final year of eligibility. The 19-year-old has 4 points in 16 SHL games this season, and is expected to be one of Sweden's top defenders this year and likely on the short list for the captaincy. Wallenius is one of the Sharks' most underrated prospects and should be one to watch in this year's tournament.
As for Cole McKinney, he made the USA’s initial roster, but the final roster has not yet been released. Should McKinney crack the final team, he should be expected to be a fixture in the state's bottom six. The 2025 2nd round pick has 11 points in 20 games for Michigan this season and is known for his tenacity and two-way play, making him an ideal Swiss Army knife player for the states.
These are the only Sharks prospects currently announced for the tournament; however, I expect goaltender Christian Kirsch to crack Switzerland's roster. The 2024 4th-round pick was on the team last season and is playing well in the OHL with a 902 save percentage in 19 games for Kitchener.