Chris Peters discusses what he saw from the three UND players who attended the U.S. World Junior Championship Summer Showcase 

WEST FARGO—Chris Peters has been covering the World Juniors for over 15 years. Few can analyze players and prospects better.

On Monday afternoon, I spoke with him by phone about his experience and what he saw from the three UND players who attended the annual U.S. World Junior Championship Summer Showcase Camp.

Mac Swanson (F)

Coming off an outstanding Clark Cup-winning season in the USHL, there was no reason that Mac Swanson wouldn't have received an invite. Swanson came in and proved that he belonged at the camp.

“He played well,” Peters said. “He did a good job in camp playing to his identity. They used him in the powerplay, gave him some looks in bigger spots, and gave him some opportunity, which was great to see. I think he handled it well." 

Peters talked about Swanson chances of making the final roster.

"I think it's going to be a challenge for him to make the roster,” Peters said. “He does have another year and opportunity to make it.  But you know, I just don’t think there is a defined role for him (this year). But he played well in camp; it’s not like he had a bad camp, it’s not like he played poorly, it’s just that with the rest of the group, it’s hard to find a place where he will fit on the final roster. Nonetheless, he showed he belonged there.”

I asked Peters how he sees Swanson adapting to the college game.

“I think there's always going to be an adjustment for players coming from the USHL,” Peters said. The biggest adjustment is the pace of play and the size of the players. Obviously, with Mac being a smaller guy, he’s going to have to be content with guys who are older, more experienced, and know more tricks of the trade.

“In terms of skill, effort, all those things. The fact that he’s trying to get physically stronger with his smaller frame—I think all those things are very positive for him. He’s not going to shy away from anything, but it’s going to be an adjustment for him.”

E.J. Emery (D)

North Dakota struck gold when Emery committed to play hockey for the Fighting Hawks. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound defenseman is considered to be one of the best shutdown defensemen to come out of the 2024 NHL Draft. Emery was selected 30th overall by the New York Rangers.

“I think he’s got a chance to make the team,” Peters said. I don’t think any of the non-returning defenders made a significantly strong statement in camp. But guys like E.J. in particular, didn’t give them any reason to think they shouldn't be part of it. He’s quick, he’s fast. He still needs to get stronger. But he’s very athletic and has this power in his skating, so as he gets stronger, that should only get better.”

Peters discussed Emery's defensive abilities on the ice.

“He kills plays. He’s able to stop the rush really well, he gets in the way of guys and does a lot of different things to help you at that end.”

Although Emery’s offensive game is not at the level of returning defenseman Zeev Buium or incoming defenseman Cole Hutson, there is still room for him to grow over the first half of the NCAA season.

“The offensive game still has a way to go,” Peters said. “He’s not a guy who is going to score a lot of points–he certainly wouldn't on this team. But I think he has a chance to potentially be top four, or possibly a bottom-pairing defenseman – play tough matchups, be on the penalty kill, do things like that. He showed in camp that’s a role he can potentially play.”

I asked Peters how Emery’s game will translate to the college level.

“Very similar to Mac, he has the size advantage there, but he still needs to get stronger. He was one of the most explosive players at the combine, but just having spoken with him, and seeing him, there's a lot of muscle mass to be gained, which will help him be a better and more effective defenseman at the collegiate level.

“It's not really a problem. It hasn't hindered him, but it is going to be tougher to do that every time you make that level jump. You have to be stronger. I think that will be the key and why the college route is a great route for him because as he gets more weight put on and muscle mass, he is going to be very difficult to play against, and if you add that offensive element, continue to develop that, were talking about a guy who could be top four in the NHL in a couple of years. The upside with him is phenomenal.”

Andrew Strathmann (D)

Last season, Strathmann elected to return to the USHL to continue his defensive development for another year, a decision that will hopefully help his adjustment at the college level.

“I saw a lot of similarities in his game from how he played in the USHL,” Peters said. “He’s a fine player, a good prospect, but he’s got a long way to go. He was one of the guys where, just based on what I saw in camp, I don’t believe he has a chance to make the roster, barring an explosive first half of (his freshman) season. I think that they have guys that do what he does, but quite a bit better like Buium and Hutson. They’re just better offensive players.

“His defensive game isn't strong enough to make up for that. So I think for him, there is going to be an adjustment period in college as well. We’ve seen how Brad Berry has handled these kinds of defensemen before. He’s going to be a healthy scratch at various points in the season; there is going to be a chance he’s not getting minutes and playing sheltered and that will be a part of the learning process for him. Obviously, at the USHL, he was a sensational player and a guy that was a leader for his team and played big minutes, and could do a lot of things on the defensive side. But I had a lot of concerns for his pace of play (at the showcase).” 

Other notable players from the World Junior camp to keep an eye on

Noah Powell (F)

According to Peters, the incoming Ohio State forward had an excellent camp and made a great case for why he should be part of this year's World Junior squad. He will be an intriguing player to watch for the Buckeyes this season.

Brandon Svoboda (F)

This freshman forward will play at Boston University. The Youngstown Phantoms/ Fargo Force product made a good impression during last week's camp. Peters talked about how his scoring ability and speed up and down the ice was noticeable.

Brodie Ziemer (F)

The future Gopher showed that he should definitely be considered when putting together this year's roster. Peters talked about how Ziemer could provide some scoring depth, work ethic, and similar qualities toward the bottom of the American lineup.

Make sure to follow Peters on X. You can also find his work with Flo Hockey here.