Good thing USA Hockey left London Knights’ defenseman John Carlson off the American World Junior team — the one that finished fifth in Ottawa last week. Carlson after all is just an OHL rookie — one named the league’s Rookie of the Month for December. From the OHL website:
“John Carlson scored four goals and 10 assists for 14 points on defence in 10 games leading the London Knights to a December record of 9-1-0-0. Carlson recorded points in eight games with three multi-point games. His month was highlighted by a second star performance in a 5-2 win December 14 over the Sarnia Sting where he recorded one goal and three assists for the first four-point game of his career. On December 19 he scored a goal and an assist in a 5-4 overtime win over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds where he was named first star of the game.
“Carlson, an 18-year-old from Colonia, New Jersey, is in his first OHL season and is currently ranked third in rookie scoring with nine goals and 28 assists for 37 points in 31 games. His 37 points also has him ranked fifth amongst all defencemen. Carlson was drafted in the first round, 27th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.”
Carlson now has 11 goals and 28 assists, while skating a +14, in 33 games for Dale Hunter this season. At least USA Hockey has no track record of prejudice against Americans who opt for the CHL development route.
4 Comments
Jersey represent!
It seems fundamental flaws in the selection process persist. At least in the NHL it’s an obvious popularity contest, and any fan understands that “the best” aren’t necessarily there (further hindered by the one-from-every-team idiocy). For national teams, with national & development program pride on the line, it’s amazing how apparently haphazard their selections are.
Looks like he’s sportin’ a black eye in that photo too. Awesome.
Imagine how Carlson’s numbers will improve now that he’s playing with Tavares.
I knew Carlson for awhile and the kid always had a knack with the puck. I will be honest…I never thought he would get this far but then again you never know when they are in their early teens. Now you not only see the maturation but he is only getting better.
The Americans really could have used him.
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