Gibson

Rakell

Karlsson

The Ducks have three prospects expected to play in the World Junior Championship Gold Medal Game between the USA and Sweden on Saturday (from Ufa, Russia, 5 a.m. PT, NHL Network). Goaltender John Gibson (Ducks’ second round pick, 39th overall in 2011) led Team USA to the Gold Medal Game with 33 saves today as the U.S. defeated Canada, 5-1, in the Semifinal. Gibson leads the tournament in goals-against average and save percentage, and is tied for first in wins (4-2, 1.42 GAA & .954 SV%).

Right wing Rickard Rakell (first round, 30th overall in 2011) and center William Karlsson (second round, 53rd overall in 2011) have helped Team Sweden advance to the Gold Medal Game. Sweden defeated host Russia this morning in the other Semifinal, winning 3-2 in a shootout. Rakell leads Sweden and ranks T-5th in the tournament with five assists (0-5=5), while Karlsson has added two assists (0-2=2) in five contests.

Rakell (30th), Gibson (39th) and Karlsson (53rd) were drafted consecutively by the Ducks in the 2011 draft. A fourth Ducks prospect, defenseman Hampus Lindholm (first round, sixth overall in 2012), was selected to play for Team Sweden but is out due to injury.

The gold medal game will be streamed live Saturday at 5 a.m. PT.

For more on the World Junior Championship, visit www.worldjunior2013.com.