By Jeff D'Andrea

Morrissey wearing the maple leaf again at U18 World Juniors

Apr 14, 2013 | 9:10 AM

Scouts will get one last good look at Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Josh Morrissey before this year’s NHL Entry Draft. Morrissey will be on Team Canada at this year’s IIHF U18 World Junior Championships April 18-28 in Sochi, Russia.

But like he has all season, Morrissey will try his best to not think about all those extra eyes in the stands.

“There will definitely be a heavy scouting presence but I believe just have to play and not focus on that stuff,” said Morrissey on a phone call from Sochi, Russia. “Playing in the last few tournaments and here and there in the CHL, (playing against) the top prospects in every day in the Western Hockey League, I think you meet most of the guys and play against those guys here or there.”

“It will definitely be cool to matchup against some of the guys you saw last year at the Ivan Hlinka [Tournament], you see them again and see where they are in their development. “

Morrissey had 47 points in 70 games this season, good for 12 among WHL defenceman and third among draft-eligible D-man. He’s projected as a mid-first round pick this season. He’s 11th among North American skaters according to the NHL Central Scouting rankings, 15th in TSN Craig Button’s list and 19th in the latest rankings from the International Scouting Service.

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“One thing that I’ve been trying to work on and thought about at the end of the season was down the stretch there in the last number of games and in the postseason, I struggled a bit scoring and finishing,” said Morrissey. “I got the opportunities, which is always a good thing, but you have to bury when you get to that spot.”

“That’s one thing I’ll really work on this offseason.”

Since he’s playing in his second U18 squad, Morrissey plans on being a leader on the squad.

Hockey Canada announced Friday that Sam Reinhart of the Kootenay Ice was named as the team’s captain and the assistants would be named later. But whether an ‘A’ is stitched in his sweater or not, Morrissey will give that leadership anyways like he has with the Raiders this year as an alternate assistant captain.

“I view myself as a leader, I learned a lot this season with the Raiders wearing an ‘A’ half the time,” said Morrissey. “Obviously my experience in the last few tournaments probably helps me as well with some of the younger players who are here for the first time.

“I think that knowledge and experience will help me going forward. We’ll see what shakes down, but whether or not you’re wearing a letter, you can provide leadership.”

Morrissey had three assists in seven games with Team Canada last season on the way to their bronze medal finish. He exploded at the Ivan Hlinka tournament in August, with eight points in just five games to help lead Team Canada to a gold medal.

With all the success he’s had, Morrissey is thrilled for the opportunity to add another medal to his collection.

“It’s obviously very exciting to be here, tough way to end the season back in PA but it’s a really good opportunity,” said Morrissey. “It’s nice to see some familiar faces here and meet some new guys and experience some new things.”

Morrissey is one of four WHL defenceman named to the team’s training camp roster along with Dillon Heatherington, Swift Current, Joe Hicketts, Victoria and Shea Theodore, Seattle.

Also on the team from the WHL are Regina’s Morgan Klimchuk, Moose Jaw’s Brayden Point and Kootenay’s Sam Reinhart. Everett goaltender Austin Lotz was named as a late addition to the game.

The team will be finalized soon this week as Team Canada will likely add some more players from teams that have been eliminated from the CHL playoffs.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea