Greentree earns spot at World Juniors after standout season

Tim Cornett / OHL Images

After being overlooked a year ago, Liam Greentree is making his presence felt at Canada’s world junior camp.

The Los Angeles Kings first-round pick finished third in league scoring last season with 49 goals and 119 points, earning spots on the OHL’s First All-Star Team and the CHL’s Third All-Star Team. Despite that production, the Windsor Spitfires forward did not receive an invitation to last year’s selection camp.

“I think to build a foundation to win this tournament is to be all connected,” Greentree said. “I think that’s what we are. We’ve done well, and the last week of practice has been really good.”

Heading into the tournament, Greentree has been skating on a line with Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes and Memorial Cup champion Sam O’Reilly.

Along with scoring, the Oshawa, Ontario, native will look to provide leadership. Last season, Greentree received the OHL’s Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy, awarded to the captain who best exemplifies leadership, character, passion, and commitment to his community.

“I think anyone can say their piece. There are a lot of great players, and everyone kind of knows what they’re doing, ”Greentree said. “A huge thing for us is just talking and being able to share your opinion and what you think needs to be done.”

“There are times to talk and sometimes keep it quiet. We all know what we can do, and if someone makes a mistake, it’s about building them back up. Anyone can talk if they need to get something off their chest, and it’s a great room of guys.”

The 19-year-old has 32 points in 23 games this season with the Spitfires while also working to improve his two-way game.

“I think for me, points have always been part of my game. The last couple of weeks, especially in Windsor, I’ve been trying to play more of a 200-foot game,” Greentree said. “I think I’ve come around and done better at that. For me, being a big body, play hard, play smart, drive the net. Those kinds of things, and just be a big power forward that the other team doesn’t want to play against.”

No stranger to international success, Greentree has won gold with Team Canada at the U18 World Championship and again at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.

He will look to use that experience at the World Juniors.

“I think coming here and having that connection from past tournaments is huge. It’s been great,” he said. “We’ve been really good this last week, and we’re just getting started here.”