The 2014 World Junior Championships kicks off for Aberdeen Wings and team Germany forward Lennart Palausch on Friday, December 26th vs. Team Canada in Malmo, Sweden.
Palausch joined the team Germany workouts in preparation for their trip to Sweden. Germany coach Ernst Hofner says the forwards will likely be the key to the team’s success in the tournament. Palausch will join the forwards, some of which are professional players like Kevin Orendorz and Patrick Klopper. Most notably will be team Germany forward and potential 2014 NHL first-round draft pick Leon Draisaitl, currently with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. Draisaitl has 18 goals, 33 assists for a total 51 points so far in 33 games this season for Prince Albert after an outstanding rookie season where he scored 21 goals and 37 assists in 64 games. Team Germany features four players from the NAHL including Odessa Jackalopes forward Lukas Laub, Minnesota Wilderness defenseman Dominik Tiffels, and former Wenatchee Wild forward Parker Tuomie who was traded to the Helena Bighorns of the AWHL earlier this month.
Palausch has contributed 3 goals and 5 assists to the Aberdeen Wings so far in the early season, including a +6 in goal differential. He also played on team Germany for the 2012 IIHF U18 Championships and was also named one of the three stars for the national team.
Team Germany and Palausch have been doing workouts and practice at the team’s designated facility in Fussen, Germany. Last Saturday, the team announced its final roster and will depart for Malmo, Sweden. Their first game is December 26th against team Canada, who will sport one of the tournament’s strongest teams. Canada will have 11 NHL first-round draft picks on their roster plus three players who will potentially be a first-round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Team Canada will be led by current Minnesota Wild defenseman Matthew Dumba and Tampa Bay Lighting star prospect Jonathan Drouin.
Germany will play Canada at 1:30pm in Malmo, Sweden (6:30am-CST) on December 26th. Germany will then play Slovakia at 3:00pm in Malmo, Sweden (8:00am-CST) on December 27th. After a day off, Germany will play team USA on December 29th at 3:00pm in Malmo, Sweden (8:00am-CST). Their final game of the round will be December 30th at 1:30pm in Malmo, Sweden (6:30am-CST) against the Czech Republic.
For more on the 2014 World Junior Championships, visit www.WorldJunior2014.com. You can watch the games live on the NHL Network and NHL.com. You can also follow the Aberdeen Wings on Facebook & Twitter for live updates featuring Palausch and final game scores.