Three Vancouver Canucks prospects took part in the World Junior Summer Showcase (WJSS) in Plymouth, Michigan, where top young players are evaluated ahead of the World Junior Championship (WJC) this winter. While it’s early and there’s no guarantee these names will appear on the final WJC roster, it’s encouraging to see them invited to participate in this event.

For most prospects, the road to the WJC began this past week at the WJSS. Here’s what we learned about Canucks prospects Sawyer Mynio, Anthony Romani for Canada, and Sweden’s Melvin Fernstrom during the evaluative national team event.

Melvin Fernstrom: A Swedish Sensation

Vancouver Canucks’ 2024 third-round pick Melvin Fernstrom has shown a keen understanding of his developmental priorities: get stronger and faster to let his natural scoring talent shine through.

Since being drafted in late June, Fernstrom has been diligently working on his game. After an informative development camp at UBC, where he absorbed insights from the Canucks’ Swedish contingent, he joined his Tre Kronor teammates at the national team camp in Michigan.

Fernstrom is focusing on enhancing his overall game, particularly physicality and speed. “Being physical will help me create space for myself and give me more chances to use my skill and make good reads and plays,” he told TSN.

The 6-foot-2, 187-pound winger, known for his offensive prowess, led Sweden in scoring at the U18 World Championship last season with eight points (3G, 5A) in seven games. In the J20 Nationell league, he tallied 31 goals and 32 assists in 45 games.

During the WJSS, Fernstrom skated on Sweden’s third and fourth lines, recording two assists in three games. His first assist came on a power play against Team USA, and his second involved a skillful play leading to a breakaway goal against the Americans.

Fernstrom’s commitment to getting stronger to be more effective in tough areas is exactly what you want to hear from a prospect aiming to transition to professional hockey with Orebro in Sweden next season.

Anthony Romani: The Canadian Underdog

Anthony Romani, the Canucks’ 2024 sixth-round pick, turned heads with his performance at the WJSS. Despite being the lowest drafted forward invited to Team Canada camp, Romani made a significant impact.

In an 8-6 win over Finland, Romani, deployed on the fourth line, showcased his playmaking ability by assisting Ducks draft pick Beckett Sennecke on a power play goal. Although he only played one game and did not dress against Sweden or in a shootout loss to Team USA, Romani made the most of his opportunity.

Last season, Romani excelled in the OHL with a league-high 58 goals in 68 games and 53 assists, putting him back on the NHL radar. The 6-foot, 183-pound right-shot winger is known for his offensive skills and skating ability, which he uses to create chances for himself and his linemates. He is expected to play a significant role for the North Bay Battalion next season.

Sawyer Mynio: The Steady Defenseman

Defenceman Sawyer Mynio, a 2023 third-round pick, also represented Canada at the WJSS. Mynio, a two-way, left-shot defenseman, was initially surprised but ultimately felt he earned his invitation.

“I was a little shocked but I think I earned it. Last year, I had a really good year, so yeah, I’m excited,” Mynio said.

Mynio had an impressive season with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, contributing on both the penalty kill and power play while scoring 16 goals in 67 games. During the WJSS, he scored in an intrasquad scrimmage and added a primary assist, showcasing his well-rounded game.

Head coach Dave Cameron praised Mynio’s performance, highlighting his ability to get pucks to the net. Mynio played alongside Calgary Flames’ 2024 first-rounder Zayne Parekh on the third pairing, leaving a positive impression despite not registering points in two games.

Future Prospects

Overall, the WJSS was a promising showcase for Canucks prospects. While there is still much work to be done for Mynio, Romani, and Fernstrom to secure spots on their respective national teams for the WJC, their participation in this event demonstrates their progress and potential.

These young players have shown they are on the right track, with strong performances and a commitment to improvement. Canucks fans can look forward to watching their development as they continue to strive for greatness.

Go Canucks Go!