Syed Talib
Updated on: October 8, 2024 11:28 am GMT
WINNIPEG, September 6, 2024 – The Winnipeg Jets have revealed their roster for the upcoming 2024 Young Stars Classic, set to take place in Penticton, B.C. from September 13 to 16. This year’s event promises to be a showcase of rising hockey talent as the Jets go up against the prospects of the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Edmonton Oilers.
Competitors Announced for the Young Stars Classic
The Jets will bring a competitive lineup of 26 players, consisting of 17 forwards, 7 defencemen, and 2 goaltenders, to the tournament. The team’s roster features several notable names, including recent first-round draft picks Chaz Lucius (2021), Brad Lambert (2022), Colby Barlow (2023), and the newly acquired Brayden Yager, who was selected 14th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft
In addition to the first-round picks, the roster includes players like Nikita Chibrikov (2021, 2nd round), Elias Salomonsson (2022, 2nd round), and a mix of younger talent and free agent invites, many of whom will be vying for spots on the Manitoba Moose of the AHL.
Key Dates and Streaming Information
The Jets will practice for the first time at the Hockey For All Centre on September 11 at 12:00 p.m. Following practice, the team will head to Penticton to play their first game against the Calgary Flames’ prospects on Friday, September 13 at 6:00 p.m. CT. Additional games include a match against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, September 15 at 4:00 p.m. CT, and a showdown with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, September 16 at 1:00 p.m. CT. Fans unable to attend the event in person can stream all games live on the Jets’ official website, winnipegjets.com.
Historical Context for the Young Stars Classic
This marks the Jets’ ninth appearance at the Young Stars Classic since it began in their inaugural season of 2011-12. While the team missed the event in 2012 due to an NHL work stoppage and again in 2019 because the event wasn’t held, they did not participate in 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans looking forward to observing the next generation of hockey talent will have plenty to watch, as 17 of the 26 players on the Jets roster have been drafted by the organization. The Young Stars Classic serves as an integral part of the Jets’ recruitment and development process.
Focus on Emerging Talent
The Young Stars Classic is not only a platform for measuring raw talent against other NHL organizations but also a chance for players to make important impressions ahead of full training camp. Brayden Yager, in particular, is a player to watch, having recently joined the Jets from the Pittsburgh Penguins and is seen as pivotal for the organization’s future.
The roster is rounded out by young prospects like goalies Thomas Milic and Domenic DiVincentiis, who will share the crease duties during the tournament. The defensive lineup features promising talents such as Elias Salomonsson, Dmitry Kuzmin, and Graham Sward, who are keen to show their skills.
The forward group, aside from the high-profile first-round picks, also includes players like Daniel Torgersson and Danny Zhilkin, who will compete vigorously to showcase their abilities. The overall objective of the tournament goes beyond immediate results; the experience gained can significantly influence a player’s progression in their hockey career.
Looking Ahead: Training and Preseason Games
Following the Young Stars Classic, many of the participating players will transition into the full Jets training camp, which starts on September 18. The training camp will serve as a critical juncture as the Jets finalize their roster for the upcoming 2024 NHL season. Winnipeg’s preseason is scheduled to begin shortly after, with the first game on September 21 and regular-season play commencing on October 9.
As the summer season winds down, established Jets players are already returning for informal skates at the Hockey For All Centre, reinforcing the camaraderie and competitive spirit as they gear up for the upcoming challenges.
The highly anticipated Young Stars Classic allows fans to witness firsthand the future prospects of the Winnipeg Jets, promising a thrilling preview of the talent that may soon don the Jets’ colors in the NHL.
Want to know more about the Young Stars Classic? You can check out the Winnipeg Jets’ website for the full list of players and how to watch the games. As the new season gets closer, the Jets are ready to add new talent and work on building a strong team for the future!
