The 2015 IIHF World Championship is just around the corner and will feature several Dallas Stars players. The opening game of the tournament begins on May 1st in the Czech Republic with four games, including a potentially exciting first game between the USA and Finland.
On the Dallas Stars side of things there are several players who are expected to be suiting up for their respective nations. Tyler Seguin, Jason Spezza, and Cody Eakin are on Canada’s roster as they hope to medal after a disappointing quarterfinal exit to Finland last year. Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn would be on the roster for Canada but is out due to hip surgery over the offseason.
Team Canada has a Dallas Stars feel to it; Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill is also acting as Team Canada’s GM for the World Championship.
Jhonas Enroth was named to Sweden’s preliminary roster and could make a challenge for starting goalie for Tre Kronor. Alongside Enroth is the Dallas Stars’ top rookie defenseman, John Klingberg. After his impressive first season in the NHL they’ll be hoping that he can step up and improve upon their bronze medal from 2014.
Valeri Nichushkin will get to play some more games before the start of a long summer as he was one of the first Russian forwards to join their national team. The Russians are hoping to repeat their gold medal from last year and with a healthy, and more rested, Nichushkin their odds are slightly better.
Two Dallas Stars were named to the Finnish World Championship side. Jyrki Jokipakka and Esa Lindell were both selected to play. Jokipakka had a good rookie year with the Dallas Stars while Esa Lindell was one of the best defensemen in the Liiga this year.
Antoine Roussel will play for France as one of their top forwards, last year they had a surprise victory early in the tournament against the Canadians.
For the entire schedule for the 2015 IIHF World Championship tournament visit the IIHF website here.