Jagger Firkus added to Canada’s world junior 25-man roster
As reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger and later confirmed by Hockey Canada, Moose Jaw Warriors forward Jagger Firkus is set to join Canada’s 25-man roster amid injury concerns at the 2024 World Junior Championship.
Canada adding forward Jagger Firkus to its 25 man roster in Sweden. Injury concerns.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 30, 2023The news comes as Matthew Savoie missed practice on Saturday in what coach Alan Letang called a maintenance day.
Canada had previously replaced defensemen Tristan Luneau and Tanner Molendyk due to injuries prior to the tournament. If Firkus replaces anyone on Canada, that player can not re-enter the tournament at any point.
At the very least, having Firkus on call gives Canada some flexibility over the next few days, with the quarterfinal set for Tuesday.
Firkus had joined Canada during selection camp in Oakville, but was one of the team’s four cuts at forward. Firkus was a favorite to make the team out of camp after going on a 120-point pace in the WHL, with Firkus projected to score over 50 goals for the first time in his career.
Firkus has been one of the WHL’s most dangerous forwards during his tenure, scoring 76 goals and 168 points over the past two years. Firkus was a standout during the 2023 playoffs, scoring 10 goals and 21 points en route to an early exit for the Warriors.
The 5-foot-11 forward was drafted 35th overall in 2022 by the Seattle Kraken and has quickly emerged as one of the best prospects in the system. Firkus has never represented Canada in international competition, but brings the team an excellent release, a high pace of play and great hockey sense.
Canada will close out its round-robin action with a 1:30 PM ET contest against Germany on Sunday. Canada is 2-1 after losing 2-0 to Sweden on Friday for their first shutout loss since the 2021 gold-medal final.