By Mark Janzen /

Even if you’re an avid fan of the World Junior Championship and can recite the name and number of every roster player from last year’s Canadian squad, adjusting to this year’s version will take some research.

World Junior experience will hardly be plentiful. But for Canada, that hardly matters.

With only four returning players expected to don the red and white, it’ll be up to a group of newbies to bring Canada its fifth gold medal in a row. Fortunately for fans of the maple leaf, this kind of turnover is old hat and most often, at least in recent years, the result has been golden. Here’s a look who could be some key contributors, both returning and new. The final roster should be announced Dec. 15.

Evander Kane – F (Vancouver Giants – Vancouver, BC):
Kane might just be the most mature 17-year-old coming to camp. He speaks like he’s a seasoned pro and he plays with a similar maturity. Through 23 games this year, he has 38 points and in doing so started the year on a 22-game point-scoring streak. Because of his age, he’s still a bit of a long shot to make the team but he will be given a considerable chance. He’s a great skater and he’s not afraid to battle in the corners. He may turn into a valuable depth forward who can contribute offensively, or, given the chance, he could be one of Canada’s offensive stars. But, while taking nothing away from him, this is a 19-year-old’s tournament and ultimately the former is more likely.

Thomas Hickey – D (Seattle Thunderbirds – Calgary, AB):
Hickey is going to be the man on the blueline. He can skate with anyone in the tournament and has enough skill that the L.A. Kings gave him a legitimate look in training camp. Last year at the World Juniors, he had a plus-4 rating and that experience will be crucial for Canada’s hopes of winning gold. Hickey has 15 points in 22 games this year but that only tells part of the story. Hickey’s defensive zone coverage is strong and he has outstanding positional play. He will also be a strong candidate to be captain as his experience will be looked upon to help lead this squad.

Chet Pickard – G (Tri-City Americans – Winnipeg, MB):
Pickard is the odds-on favourite to win the starting goaltending job going into camp. Last year’s highest drafted goalie didn’t have a great start to this season but has since turned his game around and remains Canada’s best bet between the pipes. He’s blunt about his goal to be Canada’s starter and the confidence he exudes should go a long way to help bring a rather inexperienced squad together. Pickard is a big goalie who plays his angles well and has the ability to keep a calm, even keel in the face of high emotions. Sound like another Tri-City goalie? Carey Price version 2.0 anyone? He did play with Price for two years and there’s no doubt Price’s experience has rubbed off on Pickard.

PK Subban – D (Belleville Bulls – Rexdale, ON):
Subban didn’t play a major role on last year’s team, but this year will be a different story. He gained valuable experience as the seventh defenseman and expect him to play his way into the top four on this year’s team. Through 26 games, Subban has 33 points for the Bulls and it’s very likely he’ll be a catalyst for Canada’s powerplay. He needs to play better in his own zone but that part of his game is coming around. With his experience, he’ll be a hard-working and mature leader who others will be able to look up to.