The World Junior Championships started this Tuesday in Buffalo, New York and ends on January 5. 10 countries – Canada, the United States, Finland, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Russia, Belarus – are participating in the 18 and under tournament. 

Two Capitals prospects are participating in the tournament, including their fourth-round draft pick and their first of last year’s draft, Tobias Geisser. He is participating as part of the Swiss team. Geisser, an 18-year-old defenseman, had three shots on goal and was second on the team with 22:07 worth of ice time in the team’s 3-2 victory yesterday against Belarus. Team Switzerland takes on Team Russia today at 4 on NHL Network. EliteHockeyProspects.com describes Geisser as “a two-way defenseman with great size and mobility. Sees the ice well and plays crisp passes to spark a team’s transition game. Has a long reach and shows a smart defensive game, while keeping his plays simple. Needs to improve his physical play and has to make better use of his excellent frame, as he plays a soft game. Owns a hard shot, which makes him a valuable option on the power play.” In 24 games with his NLA team, he has a goal, three assists, and a -4 rating. He had an assist in two games played during the Swiss Cup tournament.

The second Capitals’ prospect that is in the tournament is Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, who is representing Team Sweden. Sweden takes on team Czech Republic at 4 PM today. The game can be seen on NHL Network. Jonsson-Fjallby, a 19-year-old left wing, has four goals and eight points with a +7 rating in 25 games with his Swedish League club, Djurgårdens IF. He did not register a point and had an even +/- in Sweden’s first game of the tournament. The Capitals drafted him in the sixth round in the 2016 NHL Draft.

The two Capitals’ prospects face off on Saturday at 2 PM at Harbor Center in Buffalo.

Team USA and Team Canada face off in an outdoor game at New Era Field, home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, at 3 PM on Friday.

For the full world junior championship schedule, click here. All of the games can be seen on NHL Network. The United States will look to defend its title.

For last month’s Washington Capitals Prospect Report, click here.

By Harrison Brown

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