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Friday was the eighth day of the World Junior Summer Showcase to help determine the rosters for the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, to be held in Ottawa from Dec. 26-Jan. 5.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Calum Ritchie has an NHL contract and he hopes a roster spot with the Colorado Avalanche this season.

The forward, aged 19, was selected by Colorado as the No. 27 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract on July 8.

“Clearly, I learned a lot and significantly improved my game this season,” said Ritchie on Friday, prior to Canada’s 8-6 victory over Finland. “My plan is to enter [training] camp and give it my all. Naturally, my objective is to make it to the NHL.”

Now that he has fully recovered from his injury, he has the chance to showcase his full potential. During the 2022-23 season, he played with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, which required surgery and put him out of action for the first two months of last season. However, his recovery was impressive, and he managed to top the score chart in Oshawa for the Ontario Hockey League with 80 points, including 28 goals and 52 assists, in 50 regular season matches. He also contributed significantly in the OHL playoffs, ranking second among all players with 30 points, which included eight goals and 22 assists in 21 games, thereby playing a crucial role in taking Oshawa to the OHL finals.

“He expressed, “I believe every aspect of my game has significantly improved. This year in Oshawa, I gained a lot of knowledge from my coaches and during our major playoff run there. It was an invaluable experience and I learned a great deal in all areas of my game.”

The key to Ritchie’s (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) strength increase has been having a healthy offseason.

“He said, “Since the season ended, I’ve gained about 12 pounds. I’m feeling good and stronger. So, it’s thrilling.”

Ritchie could potentially be the solution to the Avalanche’s second-line center issue, a problem that arose following Nazem Kadri’s departure after Colorado’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022.

“Ritchie said, “The Avalanche have high expectations of me, and I’m pleased that they finally see a future in me. I’m committed to working as hard as possible and will strive to prove myself at camp and seize the opportunity.”

Here are three things learned Friday:

Slukynsky excited for college, special roommate

Hampton Slukynsky is set to move into a new room at Western Michigan University along with a former roommate.

The goaltender prospect for the Los Angeles Kings, who was chosen in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft (No. 118), is set to share a dorm with his older brother, Grant Slukynsky, at Western Michigan where they will begin their studies together.

“Having my brother there is significant,” Hampton expressed. “We are both newcomers, hence navigating through everything and familiarizing ourselves with everyone is a massive deal. It is comforting to have an immediate acquaintance to share meals with or simply to spend time with.”

Hampton, who recently turned 19, had previously committed to Northern Michigan where his brother Grant played last season. However, due to the departure of coach Grant Potulny for a coaching position in Hartford of the American Hockey League and the exit of his assistant coaches, the brothers chose to take a different path.

“Hampton stated, “With all four coaches departing, it provided us with an opportunity to explore other options. We capitalized on this circumstance and chose Western. We had heard only positive feedback about everything and everyone there. Therefore, after evaluating everything and understanding how things operated, our decision was straightforward.”

Last season, after achieving a 28-3-0 record with a 1.86 goals-against average, a .923 save percentage, and five shutouts in 33 games with Fargo, Slukynsky was voted the best goalie in the United States Hockey League. He has his sights set on joining the United States team for the 2025 WJC, having attended the World Junior Summer Showcase the previous year.

“Hampton’s drive, coachability, athleticism, and quickness give him a real shot,” commented U.S. goalie coach David Lassonde. “He possesses a great mindset. Regardless of whether they’re from Northern Michigan or Western Michigan, it doesn’t matter to us. We simply want them to gain experience in the first half of the season. That way, we can evaluate their performance and see how it aligns with our objectives.”

Tuhkala making most of national team chance

Until the Five Nations Tournament in February, Arttu Tuhkala had never played a game for Finland’s national team. Since then, this right-shot defenseman has kept impressing in the World Junior Summer Showcase.

“Arrtu can be compared to a late bloomer,” stated Lauri Mikkola, the coach of Finland, on Thursday. “His first engagement with the national team was in February, having never participated in U-18, U-17, or U-16. He might have developed a bit later, but he possesses great skill.”

Tuhkala, who stands at 6-foot and weighs 172 pounds, will celebrate his 19th birthday on August 7. He scored 23 points, including five goals and 18 assists, in 45 games for Lulea’s team in Sweden’s junior league last season. Despite his performance, he was overlooked in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Not only is he aiming to secure a spot for Finland at the WJC, but he also wants to demonstrate to NHL scouts what they overlooked.

“The key to the game, I believe, is allowing yourself to feel anger occasionally,” said Tuhkala. “Just ensure that you’re the best.”

He will have more opportunities to display his skills in Sweden this season. Lulea is anticipated to loan him to Bjorkloven in Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second professional division, to gain more experience playing against older competitors.

“He said, “It’s about becoming larger and stronger, and also enhancing my defensive skills.”

Berglund no stranger to physical play

Jack Berglund, a forward for Sweden (Philadelphia Flyers), sported a bandage on his nose after suffering a cut late in the second period of a 7-5 victory over the United States on Friday. Despite this, he was not worried about the injury.

“I’m not sure if it was a stick or a visor,” he said. “But I only needed three stitches, so I’m fine.”

Despite his injury, Berglund maintained his usual position near the front of the net in the offensive zone. He managed to score from this position in the first period and also provided a screen which enabled Theo Lindstein of the St. Louis Blues to score in the second period.

“Why not utilize this size (6-3, 209)?” said Berglund. “I strive to be everywhere on the ice, particularly during the power play when I’m assigned that role. I aim to position myself in front of the net to assist my teammates in scoring. I just attempt to perform my duties, recover the pucks, and engage in physical play.”

Sweden’s coach Magnus Havelid was definitely impressed by him and used Berglund as a center on the top line with Otto Stenberg (St. Louis Blues) and Lucas Pettersson (Anaheim Ducks) on Friday.

“Havelid commented, ‘He possesses a good size which he utilizes intelligently. He excels in handling the puck and demonstrates sound decision-making. Though he lacks high speed, his ability to make good decisions makes him a critical player.”