BROWN: Vasili Ponomaryov’s World Junior A Challenge Performance Forces him in to First Round Contention

Vasili Ponomaryov is impossible to miss, but easy to appreciate. Shift-after-shift, he creatively manufactures scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. Shift-after-shift, he relentlessly hunts for the puck, winning puck battles, and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

Partway through the World Jr. A Challenge, that consistency, skill, and energy have made Ponomaryov the star of the tournament. With cunning playmaking and explosive dashes to the net, if he wasn’t in first-round contention — he is now.

The tournament is just the most part recent of the overall impressive trend: Since November 1st, Ponomaryov has 19 points in 13 games with the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes.

Even before the scoring surge, Ponomaryov was an impact player — it just wasn’t showing up the scoreshee