New York Rangers prospects make amends, Chmelar discipline, and more WJC updates
It didn’t look very good when Jaroslav Chmelar hit fellow New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann from behind.
Othmman, who the Rangers selected 16th overall in 2021, was shaken up on the play. He was able to finish the game and picked up two assists in Canada’s victory over Czechia at the World Junior Championship on Saturday.
Chmelar was given a five-minute major and was ejected from the game. He did not play in Sunday’s 5-2 loss to Latvia.
Although no suspension has yet been handed down for the hit, Forever Blueshirts has learned it may lead to him missing the remainder of the tournament.
Update: Chmelar was clipped by Othmann’s skate on the play – it caused him to miss the last game. More info to follow.
New York Rangers prospects make amends
Chmelar spoke with site contributor Steve Voogel calling the incident a very “unluck” few seconds.
After the game, the Rangers fifth-round pick in 2021 reached out to Othmann making amends.
“I texted him and he said there are no hard feelings,” he revealed. “At the next Rangers camp I will buy him dinner and we will be fine”
If Chmelar is indeed suspended for the remainder of the tournament, it would be a pity.
The 6-4, 198 lbs winger was a force out there for Czehia, recording a goal and being a physical presence.
19-year winger will be moving to North America this summer to join the Providence Friars in the NCAA.
Brett Berard gets on the board for Team USA
Team USA remains unbeaten at the World Junior Championship after taking down Sweden 3-2.
Rangers prospect Brett Berard got the U.S. on the board first with a power play goal. It was his first point of the tournament.
The Rangers selected him in the 5th round of the 2020 Draft. Berard will be entering his junior year at Providence College. He registered 38 points in 36 games last season. The Blueshirts have yet to sign him to an entry-level contract.
Another Rangers’ prospect may face discipline
Adam Sykora, the Rangers second-round pick in the 2022 draft was given a 5-minute major after a knee-on-knee collision on Sunday.
Team Finland wiped the floor with Slovakia by a 9-3 margin. Another huge loss for them in this tournament, with the first coming at the hands of Canada (11-1).
“I was ashamed for myself and what we showed [as a team],” Sykora said afterwards. “It was perhaps the hardest moment of my career.”
Kalle Vaisanen scored his first goal/point of the tournament in the game for Finland. All six Rangers skaters at the WJC have scored a goal. Dylan Garand is 2-0 in goal for Canada.
World Junior Championship Schedule (August 15)
- Switzerland vs. Austria 2 PM ET
- Canada (Othmann, Cuylle, Garand) vs. Finland (Vaisanen) 6 PM ET
- Sweden vs. Germany 10 PM ET
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