When the superstars of the world came together in 1985 to form USA For Africa and record/perform "We Are the World" for charity, they were not lacking in name recognition. From Stevie Wonder to Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen to Billy Joel and everyone in between, it was venerable smorgasboard of talent. And while it would be a fun exercise to cast all of these talents into a hockey line-up (definitely storing that idea away for another time), that isn't the point of this particular write-up. 

Unfortunately for Team World, when choosing their roster they don't have the ability to pick and choose the best players on the planet. Rather, they're more akin to the stray dog who waits for the scraps in the back alley. However, don't let that fool you into thinking that Team World is bereft of talent. Looking at how they finished in last year's tournament might suggest otherwise since they finished last out of the 10 teams. There is reason for optimism this time around though as they're set to return some savvy veterans who look to take charge and make amends for last years disastrous outing. Think of them as the celebrities they put in the front row, the big names that every one wants to see. 

So without further ado.....

THE PAST


Benji Hockiwi [C]
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
S75 SMJHL Stats: 18-31-49 [Maine Timber]
S74 WJC Stats: 4-4-8
Applied TPE: 323
With a last name like Hockiwi, he was destined to strap on the skates. His 4 goals tied him for 2nd on Team World last year, while his 8 points ranked him third. TW will be hoping he can build on, if not duplicate those numbers again this time around.

Jack "Jumpshot" Keigan [LW]
Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia
S75 SMJHL Stats: 23-25-48 [Carolina Kraken]
S74 WJC Stats: 1-2-3
Applied TPE: 350
Jumpshot? Hopefully this nickname is tongue in cheek and Team World hasn't drafted somebody from the Boomers. The former Melbs resident hammered home 23 goals after an 8 goal output the year prior. Look for a similar boost to his numbers at the WJC.

Luma Lee [C]
Birthplace: Penang, Malaysia
S75 SMJHL Stats: 13-25-38 [Detroit Falcons]
S74 WJC Stats: 4-7-11
Applied TPE: 340
[color=var(--champ-color-primary)]“There's no escape. The only hope is the sweet relief of death.”[/color]
If you've seen the Super Mario Bros movie (I haven't) then you might remember that quote. Team World needs that confidence from Lee and for them to instill that fear in their opponents. Otherwise, there will be no escaping the bottom of the standings again

Sad Ketchup [LW]
Birthplace: KetchupTown
S75 SMJHL Stats: 31-55-86 [Newfoundland Berserkers]
S74 WJC Stats: 2-5-7
Applied TPE: 425
While not a breakout per se, after 3 solid seasons of 70+ points with the Berserkers, Ketchup cracked the 80 point threshold for the first time and got back over 30 goals for the 2nd time. Playing in his 4th WJC, the team will look to him for his versatility and veteran leadership.

Shawn Pawn [LW]
Birthplace: City
S75 SMJHL Stats: 40-37-77 [Quebec City Citadelles]
S74 WJC Stats: 8-6-14
Applied TPE: 425
Playing on the offensive juggernauts that are the Citadelles, Pawn saw a huge surge in his own stats and eclipsed his previous goal totals with 40 this season (35 in the previous two years combined).  He led all Team World skaters in goals and points a year ago. This year could see him atop the leaderboard for the entire tourney.

Jimothee Penjiman [RD]
Birthplace: Emerald, Australia
S75 SMJHL Stats: 12-21-33 [Detroit Falcons]
S74 WJC Stats: 2-8-10
Applied TPE: 425
Ay 6'7" and 285lbs, Penjiman is an absolute specimen. Team World's defensive group will look (up) to him to be the leader from the backend.

Journey Man [RD]
Birthplace: Sovereign Citizen, World
S75 SMJHL Stats: 5-9-14 [Vancouver Whalers]
S74 WJC Stats: 1-8-9
Applied TPE: 350
Born and raised in South Detroi.....wait. I was really hoping that with a name like "Journey Man" he was just a huge fan of the band. When I noticed his render was Mike Sillinger, I got the reference. No matter. We won't let that stop us from believin' in him.





Kal Akar Kekkonen [RD]

Birthplace: The Wilderness, Gielinor
S75 SMJHL Stats: 8-22-30 [Detroit Falcons]
S74 WJC Stats: 1-2-3
Applied TPE: 350
If he's good enough to roam the Wildy, he's good enough to patrol the blue line for Team World. A solid showing with the Falcons this year. The team is excited to see what he can do in his second go round at the WJC.

Vincent van Gogh [RD]
Birthplace: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
S75 SMJHL Stats: 6-21-27
S74 WJC Stats: 1-4-5
Applied TPE: 350
"But I could have told you, Vincent
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you"
(If you're unfamiliar, check out the song [color=var(--champ-color-primary)]"Vincent" by Don McLean[/color]. Or if you're "edgy", the more uptempo [color=var(--champ-color-primary)]NoFx version[/color]).
Team World was meant for you though, Vincent. Paint, you beautiful bastard.

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THE FUTURE

The future. What does it hold? What best way to determine the destiny of SMJHL rookies? Sure, you may be one of those people that look at statistics and analytics, make heat maps and graphs, and all other sorts of nerdy smart things to determine what a players likely floor/ceiling is. But that's lame and boring. Why don't we ever get Bob McKenzie on TSN come out and read tea leaves? Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek to read tarot cards. Not only would it be rad as but it likely wouldn't end up being that far off what the "experts' predict in the first place. 

That's the kind of rookie forecast I'm all about. Fast and loose. You won't hear about Corsi or Fenwick or any of that jazz here. Take it from me, a guy who once made all of his decisions for a year based on the outcome of rolling dice, this is a far better way of determining the fate of this bumper crop of Team World rookies. 

But, I hear you asking, how will you do it? Blow the dust off the Ouija board you haven't used since you were a teenager and ask the spirits if Peppi Guiseppe is going to be a star? We could call Miss Cleo and ask her if Deth Klaw is the real deal. Both excellent ideas, but today we will be asking an old friend to help us with our psychic claims. The trusted Magic 8 Ball! So without further ado, let's see who the next wave of Team World (and eventual SHL) rookies are and how they'll fare at this years WJC.......and beyond! (insert ominous, spooky music here)




3WW Wingmate-Roc [RW]
Birthplace: Sandsteppe Gate, Tarkir
S75 SMJHL Stats: 11-34-55 [Quebec City Citadelles]
S74 WJC Stats: N/A
Applied TPE: 248
Team World will want 3WW to gather all the magic he can when he takes to the ice. After watching his teammates fill the back of the net in Quebec City, he'll be primed and ready to do the same and boost his draft profile

Will Wingmate-Roc have a long and lustrious career? Magic 8 Ball says: "It is Certain"

Jamie Fraser [C]
Birthplace: Inverness, Scotland, 1721
S75 SMJHL Stats: 2-13-15 [Carolina Kraken]
S74 WJC Stats: N/A
Applied TPE: 270
Never hurts to have the purported #1 draft pick in the upcoming SHL draft on your team. Additionally, it doesn't hurt to have someone from a Scottish clan going to battle with you. Is he a Highlander? There can be only one indeed.....


Will Jamie Fraser defeat the Kurgan and be "the one" (and be good at hockey too)? Magic 8 Ball says: "You may rely on it"


Jennifer Huh [RW]
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
S75 SMJHL Stats: 9-24-33 [Kelowna Knights]
S74 WJC Stats: 1-3-4
Applied TPE: 263
The little engine that could. High profile prospect Huh, all 150lbs of her, did her best to will the Knights to the postseason but it wasn't quite enough as Kelowna had another tough season in the J. With the S75 regular season behind her, the WJC tourney should give her her opportunity to show everyone what the hype is about.

Will Jennifer Huh buck the odds and have a successful career despite her small frame? Magic 8 Ball says: "Don't count on it"

Deth Klaw [LD]
Birthplace: Capital, Wasteland
S75 SMJHL Stats: 12-28-40 [Anchorage Armada]
S74 WJC Stats: N/A
Applied TPE: 350
A monster on the blueline. Literally a monster. A stellar debut for the Armada defensemen. Known more for his defense as evidenced by leading Anchorage in blocks, he showed he's no slouch on the offensive side of the puck either. He makes an already formidable defense corps even better.

Will Deth Klaw have a "figuratively" monster career? Magic 8 Ball says: "It is certain"

Matviy Cajabi [RW]
Birthplace: Kramatorsk, Ukraine
S75 SMJHL Stats: 15-34-49 [Anchorage Armada]
S74 WJC Stats: N/A
Applied TPE:
The Ukrainian speedster had an auspicious showing in his debut season. Put up decent numbers despite playing the least amount of minutes on a veteran laden roster. A huge opportunity presents itself at the WJC as he'll get a look on the top line early on in the tournament. 

Will Matviy Cajabi pile up the points (and pierogis)? Magic 8 Ball says: "Yes"

Song Ju-gong [G]
Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
S75 SMJHL Stats: 37-6-2 [Quebec City Citadelles]
S74 WJC Stats: 2-6-0
Applied TPE: 349
Chicken or the egg, Did Ju-gong like having 100mph frozen rubber fired at them before or after fleeing the zombie outbreak in Busan? You gotta love those crazy goalies.
Quebec City only required Ju-gong to be average while they were posting comical 80s era Oilers offense, but that didn't stop them from being one of the best goalies in the entire league.

Will Song Ju-gong rise to elite status or be a zombie in the crease? Magic 8 Ball says: "Yes definitely"

Peppi Guiseppe [RW]
Birthplace: Disappointment Island, New Zealand
S75 SMJHL Stats: 22-23-45 [Carolina Kraken]
S74 WJC Stats: N/A
Applied TPE: 250
At this point, Team World might be considering an official name change to Team Kraken as Guiseppe marks the 5th time Carolina is represented on the World roster. "Big Peppi" showed that the disappointment didn't follow him from the island while he racked up 22 goals and 45 points. Could skate on a line with his fellow Kiwi and form a Haka line.

Can Guiseppe be the hero Disappointment Island deserves? Magic 8 Ball says: "You may rely on it"

Stavros Kondos [C]
Birthplace: Athens, Greece
S75 SMJHL Stats: 11-22-33 [Regina Elk]
S74 WJC Stats: N/A
Applied TPE: 271
When he's not being the villain in a James Bond movie, Stavros lays low in Regina and busies his time with being a hockey player. It's the perfect way to go incognito. No one will discover his true identity. Until they read this blurb. Oops.

Will Stavros Kondos quit his villainous job and focus on hockey fulltime to be a star? Magic 8 Ball says: "Better not tell you now" (that's a very cheeky answer, 8 Ball)

Ylib Kove [C]
Birthplace: Quebec City, Canada
S75 SMJHL Stats: 13-24-37
S74 WJC Stats: N/A
Applied TPE: 350
The best pure centerman on the team, Kove is going to be a busy man at the faceoff dot. Similar to Cajabi in Anchorage, Kove's minutes were slashed in favor of the veterans on the Malamutes roster. That won't be a problem on Team World. He'll get a look in the 1C spot. This could be his chance to bust out in a big way.

Is this the stage for Ylib Kove to prove to the world he's a bonafide 1C? Magic 8 Ball says: "You may rely on it"


HONORABLE MENTIONS


Noah Smtih [LD]
Birthplace: Sydney , Australia
S75 SMJHL Stats: 5-21-26 [Carolina Kraken]
S74 WJC Stats: N/A
Applied TPE: 328
The only Team World eligible player that isn't a returnee or a rookie. Missed out on being on last teams roster. Will look to prove that decision was mistake and use that chip on his shoulder to have a great tournament.

Karter Mendenhall [G]
Birthplace: Philadelphia , USA
S75 SMJHL Stats: 19-13-2 [Yukon Malamutes]
S74 WJC Stats:
Applied TPE: 409
After scouring the ends of the earth to find an eligible goalie, Team World came up empty. So we begged the other nations to let us borrow one of theirs. After getting into 5 games with the US White team last year, Mendenhall will be a valuable piece to the World goalie platoon.

Will the two non-returnees/rookies be a success story for Team World at the WJC? Magic 8 Ball says: "Yes"


(Applied TPE at time of publishing)