We haven’t really talked about him much during this precursor to the World Juniors, but Zachary Fucale got his first start for Canada and made the most of it yesterday, stopping 38 of 41 shots in a 7-3 route of Sweden.
Fucale won’t be starting the game against the Americans tomorrow, but he seems to have impressed the coaching staff of Team Canada, and stands a more than decent chance of being the starter come December. Sean Burke talked about Fucale before the game and had this to say:
“He played on a team [Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League] that was a good, strong hockey club,” Burke said. “But from the games I saw him play, he’s a guy that was very good at handling games where he might not get bombarded, yet came up with key saves at the right time. He was able to win a lot of hockey games at a high level for a young guy. We’ve got a very mentally strong guy in him. I think he’s a guy that talent-wise is very athletic. I’m really looking to see today in this game just an overall picture of what his whole game is about. I think I got a good idea, but I’m really excited to see it.”
Source: NHL.com
Also playing in that game was Charles Hudon, though he couldn’t manage a point on any of Canada’s seven goals, likely still hampered by the back injury he insists that he can play through. It might be a good idea for Hudon to take some time off if it’s inhibiting his play though, and he surely doesn’t need it getting worse.
Scoring for Sweden was another Canadiens prospect, as Jacob De La Rose found a way to beat Fucale and get the game within one (4-3 at the time) before Canada took off and buried Sweden. De La Rose has impressed viewers consistently during the tournament with his gritty style and playmaking abilities, not to mention his penchant for sticking up for his teammates. The hulking Swede is more talented than many gave him credit for on draft day.
