Hockey fans across the globe, rejoice! The 2025 World Juniors start on December 26 in Ottawa. The competition highlights the best young players, giving hockey fans a glimpse of the future. Part of that future is a couple of Vegas Golden Knights prospects: Mathieu Cataford representing Team Canada and Trevor Connelly representing the "Stars and Stripes."
Fans know what the QMJHL MVP can do. After all, he scored 40 goals and 50 assists in 65 games for the Halifax Mooseheads in 2023-24. However, the Providence College forward has plenty to prove himself. He's had a controversial amateur career, with some solid scoring (55 goals and 70 assists in 109 games in the USHL) mixed with lowlights.
That's what makes this upcoming tournament interesting. It's a chance for him to move on from anti-semitic mistakes, proving he's a worthy Golden Knights prospect. After all, general manager Kelly McCrimmon has a track record of trading away former first-round picks. Some examples include David Edstrom (traded for Tomas Hertl) and Zach Dean (traded for Ivan Barbashev).
Fans love seeing people get second chances in their lives (IF they commit to improving themselves). That's why McCrimmon took a flyer on drafting the native of Tustin, California, after all. But can the winger capitalize on that opportunity. Or will his knees get heavy and have vomit on his jersey already (Mom's spaghetti)?
Why Trevor Connelly will succeed at the 2025 World Juniors
Let's make one thing clear. What Trevor Connelly did during his amateur days is inexcusable. Anti-semitic remarks on a Snapchat story will anger people and leave the impression you have no character. But there's also peeing in your teammate's equipment bag as retaliation that's problematic. Sure, the other party shouldn't be hazing their teammates, which Connelly experienced firsthand. However, it doesn't help your reputation when you have other incidents hovering over you.
Still, the Providence College forward has everything you'd want in an ideal offensive player. He has the on-ice vision, style, and handles to take over a game. His elusiveness with the puck can make him a scoring threat in any situation. Take this Michigan-esque goal as a perfect example.
Trevor Connelly scores his FOURTH goal of the game with a lacrosse-style goal 😱#WJAC pic.twitter.com/CLnOBLf3kp
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 17, 2023
Handles like this make Connelly a worthwhile prospect. He takes over the game with his play, doing whatever it takes to get a goal. However, he's not the only Golden Knights prospect to partake in the competition, though.
He'll have stiff competition from fellow Vegas Golden Knights prospects
Obviously, Mathieu Cataford will compete for Team Canada, giving them another scoring option. He'll be the stiffest competitor for the 18-year-old, bringing his offensive weaponry to the mix. However, Cataford won't be the only Golden Knights prospect skating in the competition.
Tuomas Uronen will represent Finland in the 2025 World Juniors, coming with prior experience in global competition. He represented his home nation at the Hlinka Cup (two goals and two assists) and U-18 competition, winning the bronze medal in both iterations. The winger has 16 goals and 23 assists in 31 games for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs in 2024-25. His hard shot and impressive handles make him a potent offensive threat.
The Golden Knights will have plenty of representation at the World Juniors tournament. It's indicative of the proper development and scouting done by the organization. Connelly has the "golden" opportunity to prove he's on the right track, showcasing his skills for hockey fans across the globe. He can also boost his ranking in the prospect system, proving he's better than trade bait.