Don't believe the hype; World Juniors don't determine a prospect's future

The World Juniors are doubtless one of the best viewing experiences on the hockey calendar no matter the year. People are on holidays, and the allure of watching some of your favourite team's prospects wear their country's colours is strong as ever.

Let's face it -- that period between Christmas and New Year's Eve is probably about as unproductive a six-day stretch as the calendar can offer, and the World Juniors doubtless play some role in that.

There are lead changes, kids trying crazy things, turnovers, high-scoring hockey, and best of all, the unbridled joy on participant's faces as they score for their country. Who doesn't love that?!

The World Juniors also have a dark side, unfortunately. Every year these kids find themselves at the centre of everyone's attention, especially on social m