Mathias Emilio Pettersen heading to Division 1A World Juniors

Some relatively big Calgary Flames prospect news slipped through the cracks over the weekend. The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association announced that 2018 draft pick Mathias Emilio Pettersen will represent them at the upcoming Division 1A World Junior Championship.

Pettersen, 18, was the Flames’ sixth round selection in the 2018 NHL Draft. Currently with the University of Denver Pioneers, he’s emerged as one of the top freshmen in the country with 14 points through his first 12 collegiate games. If you focus only on “true” (18-year-old) freshmen, he’s the top scorer in college hockey. He’s representing Norway for the third time at a major event, having previously suited up in two Division 1A World Under-18 tournaments.

If Norway wins this event, they’ll be promoted to the main World Junior tournament next year. Norway is sending over a roster that has three goalies, seven defensemen and 14 forwards. Pettersen is one of just two North American players participating, along with Saskatoon Blades forward (and Washington Capitals prospect) Kristian Roykas Marthinsen.

Due to his international commitments, Pettersen will likely miss a pair of Denver games against conference rival North Dakota on Dec. 7 and 8 – though Norway’s media release notes that he has (via Google Translate) “a late connection,” so he might be playing in one or both of those games. The Division 1 World Juniors run Dec. 9-15 in Germany.