Last month one of the world’s biggest hockey tournaments took place. The 2009 IHF World Junior Championships, also known as the World Juniors, featured the best under-20 players from around the globe. For more, read the story in this issue. But as far as trivia goes, let’s test your World Juniors/Colorado Avalanche knowledge.

In 2002, Peter Budaj and Marek Svatos competed in the World Juniors event for the same team. Budaj had competed the year before but his team finished 1-6-0. When the two joined forces they were able to help lead their squad to an improved 2-3-2 mark. Which team did they both play for?

1. Finland
2. Slovakia
3. Russia
4. Latvia

Avalanche prospect Kevin Shattenkirk was honored as an assistant captain of this year’s U.S. squad. He scored one goal while adding eight assists as the team finished in eighth place. Match Shattenkirk’s draft year with the position he was selected.

1. 2007- 14th overall
2. 2006-144th overall
3. 2007- 50th overall
4. 2006- 14th overall

Like his teammates Budaj and Milan Hejduk, this Avalanche is a two-time World Juniors alumnus. He competed for the U.S. in 1999 and 2000. The first year the team went 3-3-0 followed by a 2-3-2 finish on the way to a bronze medal. Which Avalanche player is it?

1. Jordan Leopold
2. Tyler Arnason
3. John-Michael Liles
4. Paul Stastny

About midway through his 2005 Hobey Baker season, T.J. Hensick took some time to lace ‘em up for Team USA as the event was held in North Dakota. After winning the gold in 2004, the team had high aspirations. Unfortunately the U.S. finished fourth. What school did Hensick break from to attend the World Juniors?

1. North Dakota
2. Boston College
3. Michigan
4. Notre Dame

Having listed at least four current Avalanche players that have competed over the years in the World Juniors, how many total do you think there are?

1. 5
2. 8
3. 12
4. 10

Answers: B, A, A, C, D