Montembeault, Canadiens Youngsters Turning Heads At Worlds

A few members of the Montreal Canadiens organization have wasted little time making an impact at the World Championships.

With six players currently at the 2023 IIHF World Championships, the Canadiens are well-represented this year.

They currently have a trio of youngsters playing for Team USA, while Justin Barron and Samuel Montembeult are suiting up for Canada and Joel Armia is once again representing Finland.

In the early moments of the tournament, a few players have certainly hit the ground running.

Montembeault Back At It

Samuel Monbtembeault had some impressive performances for the Canadiens this season, and he’s carried that momentum with him to the Worlds.

The 27-year-old has allowed two goals so far this tournament and has been a force for Canada.

He was especially impressive for Canada in their 2-1 victory over Slovakia, pushing back 23 of 24 shots and holding down the fort during the shootout.

He was named Player Of The Game for Canada due to his brilliant performance and looks to be just getting started.

Sam Montembeault keeps the game tied!✋ #SVKCAN #IIHFWorlds @HockeyCanada @CanadiensMTL pic.twitter.com/Go2uehEiRo

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 15, 2023

Young Blood

Lane Hutson has been used primarily on the third pairing for Team USA, but has shown some great offensive ability and has been tremendous in transition.

He’s routinely used on the second wave of the power play for the Americans, where he has been patrolling the blue line with poise and distributing the puck well.

In Monday’s game against Germany, Hutson connected with fellow Montreal Canadiens prospect Sean Farrell on the power play to tie the game for Team USA.

Hutson walked the line with the puck with ease, opening up the shooting lane for Farrell, who quickly received the puck and unleashed a bullet that beat the German keeper and gave life back to their club.

But, scoring isn’t the only thing that Farrell was tasked with, as he was also given important defensive missions throughout the game and was sent out in the final moments of the game to defend Team USA’s 3-2 lead en route to a victory over Germany.

Sean Farrell ties it up for the US! #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/BA9ziakFuE

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 15, 2023

Put Me In Coach!

For a player that wasn’t included on the opening day roster, Luke Tuch was able to make an impact in his first game.

The former 2nd-round pick was able to jump in on the rush in Team USA’s game against Hungary and show off his great speed.

After a few scoring opportunities, the Montreal Canadiens prospect was able to steal a puck in the defensive zone and carry it all the way up the ice, before taking a strong wrist shot that beat the Hungarian goaltender and give the Americans a commanding 7-1 lead.

Luke Tuch has his first men's national team goal in his first game. Wrister makes it 7-1 USA. #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/gQhtDJnTap

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 14, 2023