by Amy Johnson, Lead Correspondent, The AHL Report

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — As the 2018 Sport Chek World Junior Showcase moves past the roster cuts stage and into the final few days of game action, one highly-touted player for USA Hockey has been notably absent on the ice outside of team practices: Montreal Canadiens prospect Ryan Poehling.  The 19-year-old center is indeed with the US team in British Columbia, but after having surgery to remove his tonsils has not yet been cleared to return to game play.

Lead Correspondent for AHL Report, Amy Johnson had the opportunity to catch up with Poehling for an exclusive phone interview yesterday between practices. Listen to the full audio below as he talks about his experience this year at the World Junior Showcase, what he’s learning, his thoughts on Canadiens Development Camp this summer, and how he’s handling the pressure of being part of Montreal’s future down the middle.

Exclusive interview with Ryan Poehling: