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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, who was selected by Colorado as the No. 27 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, inked a three-year, entry-level contract on July 8.

“This season was quite insightful and it has significantly improved my game,” Ritchie stated on Friday, prior to Canada’s 8-6 triumph over Finland. “I am looking forward to giving my best in the upcoming training camp. My ultimate aim, of course, is to make it to the NHL.”

Now that he’s fully recovered, he has the opportunity to showcase his skills. He participated in the 2022-23 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder and had to undergo surgery to fix it, which kept him off the ice for the first two months of the following season. However, he made a strong recovery and went on to lead the Oshawa team in the Ontario Hockey League with 80 points (28 goals, 52 assists) in 50 regular-season matches. In the OHL playoffs, he was the second-highest scorer with 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists) in 21 games, contributing significantly to Oshawa’s journey to the OHL finals.

“He asserted, “I believe every facet of my game has significantly improved. This year in Oshawa, I garnered so much knowledge from my coaches, especially during our extensive playoff run. It was an invaluable experience, and I learned a lot about all areas of my game.”

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

“He said, “Since the season ended, I’ve put on about 12 pounds. I feel good and stronger. So, it’s thrilling.”

The Avalanche may have found their solution to the second-line center issue with Ritchie, an issue that arose after Nazem Kadri left following their 2022 Stanley Cup victory.

“Ritchie said, “The Avalanche have high expectations of me, and I’m really pleased they see a future in me. My focus is on working as hard as I can. I plan to put my best foot forward at camp and give myself a good shot.”

Here are three things learned Friday:

Slukynsky excited for college, special roommate

Hampton Slukynsky will be transitioning to a new room at Western Michigan University, accompanied by a former roommate.

The goalie prospect for the Los Angeles Kings, who was the 118th pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, will be starting at Western Michigan University. He will be sharing a dorm with his older brother, Grant Slukynsky.

“Having my brother here is incredible,” Hampton commented. “Since we’re both newcomers, navigating through everything, acquainting ourselves with everyone, it’s incredibly helpful to have a familiar face to accompany right from the start, whether it’s for meals or just spending time together.”

Last month, Hampton turned 19 and had committed to Northern Michigan, where Grant played the previous season. However, their decision altered when coach Grant Potulny left to coach Hartford in the American Hockey League, followed by the departure of his assistants. Consequently, the brothers decided to change their plans.

“When all four coaches departed, it provided us with an opportunity to explore other options,” said Hampton. “We seized this chance and chose Western. We had heard only positive reviews about every aspect and everyone there. Therefore, after considering all factors and understanding how things functioned there, the decision was relatively straightforward for us.”

Last season, Slukynsky was recognized as the best goalie in the United States Hockey League, following his impressive 28-3-0 record, 1.86 goals-against average, .923 save percentage, and five shutouts in 33 games with Fargo. His current aim is to secure a spot on the US team for the 2025 WJC, having attended the World Junior Summer Showcase the previous year.

“Hampton’s drive, coachability, athleticism, and speed are some of the qualities that give him a chance,” stated U.S. goalie coach David Lassonde. “He has a fantastic mindset towards it. As for us, whether it’s Northern Michigan or Western Michigan, that doesn’t matter. Our main concern is that they get sufficient game time in the first half of the season. This will allow us to evaluate their performance in line with our plans,” Lassonde added.

Tuhkala making most of national team chance

Until the Five Nations Tournament in February, Arttu Tuhkala had never participated in a game for Finland’s national team. However, the right-shot defenseman has been consistently impressive during the World Junior Summer Showcase.

“Arrtu can be compared to a late bloomer,” stated Lauri Mikkola, the coach for Finland, on Thursday. “His first experience with the national team was in February, despite never having played at U-18, U-17, or U-16 levels. He may be a bit of a late bloomer, but he’s incredibly skillful.”

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

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

Tuhkala expressed, “I believe the game’s key is allowing oneself to feel angry occasionally. Just ensure you’re always striving to be the best.”

This season in Sweden, he will have more opportunities to showcase his skills. It is anticipated that Lulea will lend him to Bjorkloven in Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second professional division, to allow him more ice time against seasoned competitors.

“He said, it’s about enhancing my size and strength, as well as improving my defensive skills.”

Berglund no stranger to physical play

Jack Berglund, a forward from Sweden who plays for the Philadelphia Flyers, wasn’t bothered by the injury he sustained late in the second period of a 7-5 victory against the United States on Friday. Despite having a cut on the bridge of his nose that required a bandage, he showed no concern.

“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 still maintained his usual position in front of the net in the offensive zone. He managed to score from this position in the first period and also screened for Theo Lindstein (St. Louis Blues) which led to another score in the second period.

Berglund said, “Given my size (6-3, 209), it would be a waste not to utilize it. I aim to be omnipresent on the ice, but particularly during the power play. My role involves positioning myself in front of the net to assist my teammates in scoring. My focus is on performing my job effectively, retrieving the pucks, and maintaining a physical style of play.”

Sweden coach Magnus Havelid is certainly impressed with Berglund, who he positioned as a center on the top line with Otto Stenberg (St. Louis Blues) and Lucas Pettersson (Anaheim Ducks) on Friday.

“Havelid commented, “He’s physically imposing but utilizes his size intelligently. His skill with the puck is commendable and he consistently makes good choices. While he may not be the fastest on the ice, his decision-making ability is noteworthy. He is an integral member of the team.”