Anton Frondell and other impressions from the 2024 World Junior A Challenge
Anton Frondell will have to settle for a silver lining after leaving the 2024 World Junior A Challenge.
That silver lining is literal after helping Sweden to a second-place finish at the under-19 tournament held from Dec. 9-15 in Camrose, Alberta.
There was no doubting Frondell as the biggest attraction, at least in terms of the 2025 draft class, at the World Junior A Challenge. He’s got the highest draft pedigree as a projected top-10 pick and No. 4 in FCHockey’s Preliminary ranking for the group.
While he didn’t blow the doors off — he had four points (two goals, two assists) in five games after having seven points (two goals, five assists) at the same tournament in 2023 — Frondell still left scouts with a strong impression with his dynamic and unpredictable play.
“Frondell showcased his elite skill and dynamic playmaking ability throughout the tournament, creating numerous chances for himself and his teammates,” said FCHockey scout Kohen Willis Dengler, who was in attendance at the tournament. “While he struggled to capitalize on some of his opportunities, his ability to consistently generate offense and put himself in dangerous positions underscores why he’s a projected top-10 pick. Even on an off night, Frondell’s strength, speed, and hockey IQ make him stand out as a top talent in his class.”
Here’s who else left an impression from the 2024 World Junior A Challenge:
Ivar Stenberg, F, Sweden
The biggest impression might’ve been left for someone we’ll have to wait on. Ivar Stenberg led the tournament in goals (7), points (11), and points-per-game (2.20), turning in a tidy two-point performance that helped Sweden push — but ultimately fall short — in the final. Stenberg, sadly, isn’t eligible until the 2026 NHL Draft, but projects to be at top-five pick in 18 months’ time.
“Stenberg continues to prove why he’s a top-five prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft,” Willis Dengler said. “His skating ability, high hockey IQ, and knack for finding soft areas of the ice make him an offensive powerhouse. He’s a poised and patient playmaker with a deceptive release, making him a constant threat in the offensive zone. Although he could enhance his game with more physicality, Stenberg’s versatility and vision guarantee his dominance at the next level.”
Sam Laurila, F, Team USA
Sam Laurila wasn’t selected in the 2024 NHL Draft. He’s pushing to ensure that doesn’t happen again, and his performance from Camrose will go a long way to ensuring that fact. The 18-year-old, who missed the 2025 draft cutoff by two weeks, was one of the tournament’s stand-out surprises with his calm demeanour, poise, and mobility. In all, he finished with two points (one goal, one assist) in five games as a minute-muncher for Team USA’s golden entry.
“Laurila was a pleasant surprise and one of the most reliable defensemen in the tournament,” Willis Dengler said. “His calm, poised, and controlled approach allowed him to make smart plays under pressure, whether it was a smooth breakout pass or an effective puck-protection move. While his creativity and risk-taking occasionally led to mistakes, his overall composure and ability to separate opponents from the puck stood out. Laurila’s commitment to the University of North Dakota positions him well to further develop his game, and while he might go undrafted, his strong hockey sense and potential make him a name to watch for NHL teams.”
Noah Tegelaar, G, Canada East
The stats — a 4.32 goals-against average and .899 save percentage — won’t paint a pretty picture for Noah Tegelaar, but that’s why nobody scouts the boxscore. Tegelaar, behind an undermanned Canada East squad, did his part in helping his group stay competitive at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge. The 6-foot-4 stopper led all goalies in saves (178), and played all but eight minutes for his side.
“Tegelaar was a standout performer for Canada East, backstopping his team with remarkable consistency and poise,” Willis Dengler said. “His towering frame allows him to cover a significant amount of the net, and his rebound control ensures that second-chance opportunities are rare. Tegelaar’s ability to stay composed under pressure, coupled with his quick lateral movements to cover the crease, makes him a game-changing presence in goal. He stole the spotlight in several key moments, and his strong performance demonstrates why he’s an integral part of Canada East’s success.”
Teddy Mutryn, F, Team USA
Teddy Mutryn didn’t score in five games at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge, but one isn’t about to measure the impact of the 17-year-old with that statistical category anyway. Instead, scouts and coaches can appreciate the versatility, intelligence, and all-round play Mutryn gave Team USA — all skills that are coveted out of the 2025 draft-eligible who could find himself as a selection as early as the second round should he continue to showcase himself so positively. And, though he went scoreless, his four helpers won’t hurt, either.
“Mutryn delivered a standout performance, displaying a well-rounded game that blends physicality, skill, and hockey sense,” Willis Dengler said. “His quick release and ability to get shots off under pressure, combined with his willingness to battle in front of the net, make him a formidable offensive threat. Mutryn’s defensive awareness, including his ability to cover for pinching defensemen and disrupt plays in the neutral zone, showcases his two-way ability. With his long, powerful strides and penchant for creating turnovers, Mutryn looks like a versatile player capable of thriving in a variety of roles.”
Benjamin Kevan, F, Team USA
If someone were to challenge Stenberg as the tournament’s biggest combination of eye-opener and jaw-dropper, that’d be reserved for Benjamin Kevan. The 17-year-old, who is slotted No. 83 in FCHockey’s Preliminary ranking, helped push Team USA to silver with six goals in the tournament, though he was limited to a single assist in the golden win. Still, six goals in five games sufficed. Shooting, puckhandling, and offensive awareness, his usual trademarks, were on display throughout.
“Kevan was one of the tournament’s most impressive players, consistently showcasing his ability to adapt his game to any situation,” Willis Dengler said. “Whether it was gritty net-front play, finding soft ice for scoring opportunities, or executing high-level passes, Kevan proved he can excel against any competition. His ability to elevate his play against tougher opponents and maintain a high standard against weaker teams makes him a highly coveted prospect. Kevan’s dynamic offensive skills and hockey IQ suggest a high ceiling, and his impact on the ice has solidified him as a surefire first-round pick.”
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