Columbus prospect Boone Jenner, a returning member and key cog for Canada’s entry at the 2013 World Juniors, is in some hot water after laying a huge hit on Sweden’s Jesper Pettersson during an exhibition game this morning.
The hit was late, but legal. It appears to be a shoulder-to-shoulder check, but nonetheless the result was a fractured wrist and dislocated shoulder for Pettersson. He’s out for the tournament. Jenner was given a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct, and is likely in line for further discipline-likely a suspension. Jenner is a known entity for tournament brass, as he received a one-game suspension at last year’s tournament for a spear on Russia’s Evgeny Kuznetsov.
It’s unknown how many, if any, games Jenner could miss, but if it is significant Canada has until Wednesday to fill his spot. Prior to getting tossed, Jenner was having a great game for the Canadians. He’s the lead penalty killer for the Canucks, and in a penalty-filled game he was leaned on heavily.
Of note to Columbus fans is the potential status of Swedish goaltender and top goalie prospect Oscar Dansk. It was opined by the TSN broadcasters this morning that the lack of playing time for Dansk in the preliminary games may mean that he likely won’t be one of the two dressed goaltenders during the tournament. Each team carries three goalies in case of emergencies, and it’s looking like Dansk may be in civvies unless an injury or poor play strikes one of the other two ‘tenders.
Mike Reilly, a prospect defender who plays at Minnesota, is on the bubble with Team USA. The Americans brought additional players to Europe for further evaluation, given that the rosters don’t have to be submitted until Boxing Day. The American coaching staff has announced that the final cuts won’t be announced until late tonight. Reilly would likely serve as a powerplay specialist if he makes the squad.