After a quiet start to the World Junior Summer Showcase, Niagara forward Akil Thomas was a stand-out performer during Friday's win against Sweden. The Kings prospect, who had 102 points in the OHL last season, scored the opening goal, drew a couple penalties and made a big shot block on the penalty kill. What could he bring to the Canadian roster this holiday season? "I can bring heart to the team," he said.

Bryan Mudryk and TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button analyze Canada's 5-2 win over Sweden, and discuss how Bowen Byram, and Akil Thomas were standout performers Friday.

Canada goaltender Olivier Rodrigue has faced his share of adversity off and on the ice, but Hockey Canada is hoping that he can shake it off, and become a reliable player, and a crucial pillar for the hockey program.

Despite leading the WHL in wins (41) and save percentage (.936) last season, Dustin Wolf wasn't picked until the Flames grabbed him in the seventh round, 214th overall, in June's draft. "Definitely a motivational factor," said the Everett Silvertip, who apprenticed under Carter Hart. "Definitely going to prove people wrong." The reigning CHL scholastic player of the year is hoping to nab a spot on Team USA at the next World Juniors.

Cole Caufield did what Cole Caufield does best on Friday scoring another beautiful goal at the World Junior Summer Showcase. But the Canadiens first round pick also made a pretty pass to set up linemate Jack Drury for a goal. The Finns were scrambling to block Caufield's shot so he fired the puck cross-ice for an easy tally. "As I go along and play more games I'll learn to adapt to those things," the 18-year-old American said.

Kelowna Rockets winger and Team Canada hopeful has chosen a different path than the defencemen in his family, Mark Masters writes.

Olivier Rodrigue, who played for Drummondville last season, is the favourite to be Canada's starter at the 2020 World Juniors, according to TSN director of scouting Craig Button. But the Oilers prospect, who helped Canada win gold at the 2017 Hlinka Memorial Cup, will be pushed by Peterborough's Hunter Jones, Halifax's Alexis Gravel and Rimouski's Colten Ellis.

Hockey Canada will be watching closely during NHL training camps to see if some of the county's top prospects earn roster spots. TSN director of scouting Craig Button believes defencemen Noah Dobson (NY Islanders), Ty Smith (NJ Devils) and Bowen Byram (Colorado Avalanche) may be unavailable for the World Juniors, because they'll be playing in the NHL while up front Kirby Dach (Chicago) is also a contender to make the jump.

Team Canada spent their day off at the World Junior Summer Showcase by taking a visit to Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, known as the "Big House." The players were in awe of the venue, which can hold more than 100,000 fans. They were also inspired by some of the quotes on the walls of the building where the school's football team plays.

Defenceman Philip Broberg, Edmonton's first round pick in June's draft, is hoping to take another big step forward in his development this season with Skelleftea. "He’s a phenomenal skater," said Sweden's World Junior coach Tomas Monten. "He's quick, he can join the rush, but he still can get back. Passing and shooting are something he can work on but playing with the puck and without the puck his skating will make him a really good player."

After captaining Finland to a gold medal at the under-18 level, Toni Utunen is hoping to wear the 'C' once again at the 2020 World Juniors. The defenceman, Vancouver's fifth round pick in 2018, played a prominent role for Finland in the medal round last year, including breaking Canadian hearts with an overtime goal in the quarterfinals. Utunen insists he doesn't remember much about the play, only the celebration afterwards.