John Tavares is having another standout season | 
GUELPH – John Tavares had nothing to prove last year. Although he would never admit it, his play suffered because of that.
Tavares entered this season as the number two ranked draft eligible prospect for 2009 NHL entry draft. Finally, he has something to play for again. He may not have the supporting cast he had in past seasons but Tavares is making the most of his situation. He’s second in the league in scoring with 25 goals and 52 points in just 31 games.
His play of late forced Central Scouting to once again name as the number one prospect for the draft. Hockey Canada is also licking their lips after watching Tavares dominate in two games agaist a team of Russian Selects in late November.
Tavares, playing in his third ADT Canada vs. Russia challenge, was named captain of this years’ squad and his poise with the puck proved why he’s the number one ranked draft-eligible player in the OHL. He explained how much the games meant to the Canadians.
“We just dominated that third period. I thought it really spoke to everyone’s character and what kind of team we have.”
“It means a lot and I think a lot of the guys started to learn that throughout today’s game. Especially with our record in the ‘O’ not losing to these guys in this challenge it was important to us – We just dominated that third period. I thought it really spoke to everyone’s character and what kind of team we have.
“Our first two periods weren’t the best but we see what Canadians are all about, why, we’re better and why we come out on top every time. It’s just our heart and desire to bear down and want to win, especially against the Russians.”
As one of only six players that is returning from last years’ team, Tavares knows how important his experience from previous tournaments is.
“I think so, you get the experience and get a feel for what this event is all about,” said Tavares. “Playing in an international competition before gets us prepared for what we’re going to see.”
Expect Tavares to be named captain of the team.
“[Pat Quinn] is counting on me to be the leader and set an example and make sure we’re playing well and doing the little things right.”
Tavares doesn’t doubt that the rivalry with Russia will continue this year.
“I think it always does with Canada and Russia,” he said.
Canada looks to win their fifth straight gold medal this Christmas. It would mark the first time since the mid ‘90s that a country showed such dominance at the World Junior level. That country was also Canada.
The tournament opens up on Boxing Day with Canada taking on the Czech Republic. All games can be seen live on TSN.
Topics: ADT, canada, John Tavares, Russia, Team Canada
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