Who to watch at the World Junior Championship

Much-hyped forward John Tavares (left) could lose some luster with a less than stellar performance for Team Canada. Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images

MAILBAG Submit a comment or question for Allan. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

Here are four things you can count on happening at the 2008 World Under-20 Championship at Pardubice, Czech Republic:

Canada will win the gold medal.

Russia will be far stronger than they appeared last summer when they were getting trounced by the Canadians at the Super Series.

The Americans will gut their way into the semi-finals.

Some lightly-regarded prospect will rocket his way into first-round draft pick contention thanks to an unexpected performance on scouting's biggest stage.

That's the beauty of this annual, 10-team tournament that features the best young talent outside the NHL. It's a star-maker. Reputations have been built -- and destroyed -- over the course of two weeks each December/January. This year's event is particularly compelling because of the sheer number of high-end prospects who have already been drafted, along with a large number of players who are being scouted for both the 2008 and 2009 drafts.

Here's a baker's dozen who'll make headlines before the tournament ends:

John Tavares, forward, Canada

With more than a year to go before he's draft eligible, Tavares is in an awkward position. Scouted relentlessly for more than three years, everyone has a pretty good idea of what this 17-year-old can do. From here on out, the talent hounds will focus on his warts, and in a tournament ruled by 19-year-olds, those warts are likely to be glaringly exposed. Tavares will start the event as Canada's 13th forward, but that's not as big a knock as it might appear. He'll likely have a role similar to what Sidney Crosby had in his first WJC: earning some power play time and getting a chance to jumpstart any line that struggles to click.

Steven Stamkos, center, Canada

The top-rated prospect for the 2008 draft, Stamkos is a poor man's Crosby. Scouts believe he's capable of becoming a superstar in the NHL thanks to his remarkably well-rounded game based on speed, amazing hands, and a defensive awareness that belies his age. If you haven't yet seen him at work, you might want to check out his highlights on YouTube. Prepare to be amazed.

Jonathan Bernier, goalie, Canada

It's not depth of talent or top-flight coaching that has led Team Canada to three straight gold medals at this event. It was goaltending. Bernier, who started the season with the Kings and beat the Stanley Cup Champion Ducks in the opener, is cut from the same cloth as previous championship stoppers like Carey Price. He's technically sound and can't be rattled. Columbus prospect Steve Mason will get a turn in the net, but with his experience, the starting job is Bernier's to lose.

Kyle Okposo, forward, United States

The seventh overall pick of 2006 created a minor controversy last week when he defected from the Minnesota Gophers with the intention of signing a pro deal with the New York Islanders. That shouldn't cause too much of a distraction for the American side, but all eyes will be on the big power forward. He's expected to carry a significant portion of the team's offensive load, and the pressure will be squarely on his shoulders -- right or wrong -- to show he's ready to step into an NHL lineup. We'll see what he's made of.

Tyler Ruegsegger, forward, United States

The University of Denver star might not be the first name to pop out from a lineup dotted with top picks like Okposo and James Van Reimsdyk. But there's a reason why the Americans slapped an A on the sweater of the 2006 sixth-rounder (Toronto Maple Leafs): character. In a short tournament like this, the value of that quality is highlighted. Although goaltending will be the main difference-maker for Team USA, Ruegsegger could emerge as their most important skater.

Jordan Schroeder, forward, United States

His slow start with the U.S. National Development Team Program made him something of a surprise choice for this tournament, but there's a chance the 2009 draft-eligible could make as much of an impact on this team as Phil Kessel did as a 16-year-old. Schroeder, who has committed to the University of Minnesota, is a natural sniper who could see significant time on the power play.

1 of 2