By Mark Janzen /

When it comes to the World Junior Championships, the words Canada and gold have nearly become synonymous.   

Canada will be going for their fifth straight gold medal this holiday season in Ottawa and there’s no reason to believe they can’t continue the streak.

With a boatload of talent north of the 49th parallel, it’s not going to be easy selecting this team. Fortunately for us, we don’t have to. But what we will do is give you an early peak into whose names you’re likely to be chanting come Boxing Day.

Forwards:
The forward contingent will likely see the return of only two players: John Tavares and Zach Boychuk.

Fortunately for Canada, Tavares is arguably the best non-drafted player in the world and Boychuk is one of the most complete players in Junior hockey.

Last year, Tavares had four goals and one assist playing a role that was largely restricted to the powerplay. This year, he’ll be counted on to dominate in the offensive zone at all times. This will also be his best chance to prove he—and not Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman—is the best player going into the 2009 NHL Draft.

Newcomers to the fold who will have an impact include Edmonton Oilers’ prospects Riley Nash and Jordan Eberle, Calgary’s Greg Nemisz and San Jose’s Logan Couture.

Nash isn’t going to fill the net, but think of a poor man’s Steve Yzerman and you get Nash. Eberle is all about speed and goals. And, as his 32 points in 24 games this year show, if given the chance, he will shine.

Nemisz will try to do his best Rick Nash impression this Christmas. Couture has also been compared to Yzerman at times. His two-way play and point-a-game average could prove vital.

Other players to watch include: Prince George’s Dana Tyrell, Chris DiDomenico of Saint John, Medicine Hat Tigers’ Tyler Ennis and Jamie Benn of Kelowna. It should also be interesting to see if 17-year-old Evander Kane is given a shot. So far all he’s done this year with Vancouver is lead the WHL in scoring and get a point in 21 straight games.

Defensemen:
The only returning player from last year looks to be P.K. Subban. He, like Boychuk, played a small role last year and will be looked upon to bring experience. With his 20 points in 20 games with Bellville this year, there’s no reason to believe he can’t continue 
to impress.

Also likely to play a major role will be St. Louis prospect Alex Pietrangelo. After playing eight games with the Blues this year, he’s oozing with confidence and should be a leader 
for Canada.

Regina’s Colton Teubert has been a dominant force with the Pats this year. With 18 points and 59 PIM in 24 games, Teubert can play both a gritty role while still leading offensively.

Other players to watch include: Kelowna’s Tyler Myers, Lethbridge’s Nick Ross, Saint John’s Alex Grant and University of Wisconsin’s Brendan Smith.

Goaltenders:
The battle between the pipes will be one of the most intriguing matchups at Canada’s December camp.

The leading candidates are Dustin Tokarski of the Spokane Chiefs and Chet Pickard of the Tri-City Americans. Although Pickard is touted as a better prospect, his numbers this year—3.02 GAA and .895 save percentage—aren’t exactly gleaming with brilliance.

Likely battling Pickard for the top spot is Tokarski whose numbers this year far outshine those of Pickard. Through 19 games he has 1.72 GAA and a .947 save percentage.

Vancouver’s Tyson Sexsmith will likely be the odd man out for the third straight year and Montreal’s Jake Allen should take the experience in camp to next year when he has a better chance of making the squad.