Two Whalers Win Gold for Their Respective Countries

Plymouth Whalers Tom Wilson and Danny Vanderwiel got their respective seasons off to a bang. Each won a gold medal while playing for their countries this summer.

Wilson — a right wing about to start his second season with the Whalers — was part of Canada's gold-medal winning team in the 2011 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament, held in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Canada defeated Sweden, 4-1, on Saturday to win its fourth straight gold medal in the tournament.

TSN.ca analyst Craig Button covered the tournament and gave analysis of every Canadian player. 

Here's what he said about Wilson:

"What looked like a little awkwardness early in the tourney, he continuously evolved into the main catalyst for the physical tone the team wanted to establish. He was strong in his efforts, and he knew exactly how to get his strengths into the game and made a significant impact when he was on the ice."

Here's the rest of Button's report.

TSN.ca also had video reports (go the the middle and right side of the page).

E.J. Hradek of NHL.com covered the tournament as well.

Vanderwiel - taken in the eighth round by the Whalers in last spring's Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection - emerged as the leading goal scorer for Team USA as they won gold in the 2011 Under-17 Five Nations Tournaments, held last week in Ann Arbor, MI.

 The United States U-17's finished the Five Nations Tournnament on Saturday in Ann Arbor with a 5-1 victory over Switzerland.  Vanderwiel scored a goal in the victory and led the United States with four goals in the tournament.

Like Craig Button, Chris Peters of The United States of Hockey blog covered the tournament and offers this analysis of Vanderwiel:

Danny Vanderwiel – This is an easy one, as Vanderwiel had a hat trick in Friday night’s contest. It wasn’t just that he scored, but it was where he was scoring from. All of his goals were created by him standing on the doorstep and staying in front of the net no matter what. Each goal came from in tight. Additionally, Vanderwiel, who is not the biggest kid out there, brought the wood. His first goal was completely created by his causing a turnover with a big hit on a Slovakian defenseman, then getting the puck in the slot and slamming it home. Despite his lack of size and strength, he goes to the hard areas. He’s not afraid to get dirty. Additionally, Vanderwiel possesses pretty great speed and acceleration.

Here's the rest of Peters' report.

Wilson and Vanderwiel will be attending school this year at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park.

USA JUNIOR EVALUATION CAMP COMPLETED:  The United States lost, 6-4, to Sweden on Saturday in the finale of the USA Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, NY.

Whalers Stefan Noesen, J.T. Miller and Austin Levi played for Team USA; Rickard Rakell played for Sweden.

Stats: Team USA White.  Team USA Blue. Sweden.

Adam Kimelman of NHL.com covered the camp.  Here's his report.