Today officially marks the start of the 2024 edition of the legendary World Junior Championship, broadcasting live from Sweden.
For many hockey fans, it's one of the best times of the year, as we get to see the NHL's most exciting upcoming talents in action.
The Montreal Canadiens are well represented with four top prospects for their respective teams. There's goaltender Jacob Fowler and the promising Lane Hutson for the Americans, as well as Owen Beck for Canada.
Additionally, the Canadiens can also admire Filip Mesar with the Slovaks, the 26th overall pick in the 2022 draft.
After a difficult first season in North America last year, Juraj Slafkovsky's good friend rolled up his sleeves this year, even though he returned to juniors, and he has been completely dominant. He totals 13 goals and 32 points in 20 games in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers.
We were all eager to see him play with the cream of the crop in junior hockey to analyze his progress, and in his first game of the tournament, it must be said that he really did not disappoint.
He scored his first two points with two primary assists, including a magnificent play that he orchestrated for his teammate Servac Petrovsky.
Here are the images:
After this game, Mesar's name is on everyone's lips on social media.
"Filip Mesar, the originator of the goal of the tournament? Nice fake in front of Dominik Rymon, to feed Servac Petrovsky! 5-1 Slovakia.
Really, a convincing first game for the CH prospect."
"What a move and pass by Mesar. NOW, he has two assists."