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Observations from World Junior evaluation camp

USA Hockey Junior Evaluation Camp - USA Blue v Finland

LAKE PLACID, NY - AUGUST 06: Alex Galchenyuk of the USA Blue Squad warms up prior to his game against Team Finland at the USA hockey junior evaluation camp at the Lake Placid Olympic Center on August 6, 2012 in Lake Placid, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Team USA’s World Junior Championships evaluation camp in Lake Placid was yet another rousing success and getting a peek at many guys who will head to Russia for the WJC’s in December showed that there’s a lot of talent to be had.

Here are a few observations from the home of the “Miracle on Ice.”

-- 2012 third overall pick Alex Galchenyuk could wind up being pretty special. While he wasn’t a big factor in Team USA’s win over Finland, the performance he had in the Americans’ 10-2 win over defending gold medalist Sweden was encouraging.

He skated like a confident player, played an intense game, and added a nifty goal that saw him skate through the Swedish defense before beating goalie Niklas Lundstrom five-hole. He didn’t play many games last season for Sarnia, so getting him real game action is a big help for both him and the Team USA staff. Canadiens fans have every reason to be excited about what he’ll bring.

-- Philly’s third round pick, Union College defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, was a star of camp. He played a strong game against Finland and added two power play goals against Sweden. Like all the players there, he was excited to be in Lake Placid and get the chance to represent his country. He’s also pretty fired up being drafted by Philly saying, “They’re a great organization.”

USA Hockey Junior Evaluation Camp - Finland v Sweden

LAKE PLACID, NY - AUGUST 07: Teuvo Teravainen #19 of Team Finland skates against Team Sweden at the USA hockey junior evaluation camp at the Lake Placid Olympic Center on August 7, 2012 in Lake Placid, New York. Team Sweden defeated Finland 8-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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-- Likely 2013 lottery pick Seth Jones is in his second WJC camp and at 17 years-old he gave a taste of why he’ll be on everyone’s wish list at next year’s draft. He’s big, he’s got a big shot, and he’s an intimidating presence on the ice. I’ll have more on him later today.

-- Flames fans should rejoice knowing they’ve got Boston College forward Johnny Gaudreau coming to Calgary someday. He scored goals against Finland and Sweden and Team USA coach Phil Housley loves his two-way play. Gaudreau says playing for Jerry York helps refine his defensive game. His offensive skills and size remind me more of former BC’ers Brian Gionta and Nathan Gerbe.

-- Chicago 2012 first-round pick Teuvo Teravainen (inset) may not have scored against the U.S. but he showed the kind of skills that make people think of Patrick Kane when he plays. He’s a slick puckhandler, he’s a nifty passer, and he gets off a very quick shot. If not for Team USA goalie, and Ducks draft pick, John Gibson’s solid play he might’ve potted one or two.