vi NHL.com
Four of the six Maple Leafs prospects competing at the 2021 World Junior Championship were in action on Christmas, kicking off the tournament in Edmonton.
The Finnish national team picked up a 5-3 win over Germany in their tournament opener, powered by contributions from all three Leafs prospects playing for Leijonat. Roni Hirvonen (2020, 59th overall) recorded an assist on Finland’s opening goal and then Mikko Kokkonen (2019, 84th overall) had a helper on a goal that put Finland up 3-0.
After Germany responded with two straight goals, Topi Niemela (2020, 64th overall) stepped up from the point and found the back of the net through traffic to extend Finland’s lead. Less than two minutes later, he had an assist on the insurance marker as Finland finished off Germany on opening day.
Following Finland’s win, Maple Leafs’ first round pick Rodion Amirov (2020, 15th overall) was in action for Team Russia, picking up an assist and helping them to a 5-3 victory over the USA. Amirov played just under nineteen minutes in the game and his energy provided a spark throughout the contest.
Forward Mikhail Abramov and goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, also on the Russian national team, did not play on Friday.
Following their Christmas wins, both Finland and Russia are off for Boxing Day and return to action on Sunday. Finland will face Switzerland while Russia faces the Czech Republic.