A pair of Leafs prospects will play important leadership roles at upcoming World Juniors
A pair of Maple Leafs prospects will be playing key leadership roles for their national team at the upcoming World Junior Championship tournament, as Finland's head coach Antti Pennanen has confirmed that 2020 2nd round pick Roni Hirvonen will captain the team, with 2020 3rd-rounder Topi Niemela serving as an assistant captain.
Hirvonen, 19, enjoyed a strong showing at last year's tournament, scoring twice and adding 4 assists for 6 points in 7 games for the Fins, who went on to win the bronze medal.
A relentless worker who plays an excellent two-way game, Hirvonen has amassed 16 points through 28 games with HIFK Helsinki this season in Finland's top men's league.
Niemela, also 19, won the tournament's defensive MVP award last year, but was limited to just 15 games with Karpat in the SM-liiga last season, due to injury.
After being limited to just 4 assists in 15 games last year, Niemela has been absolutely on fire for Karpat this season, leading all defensemen in the league in scoring and is on a historic pace with 24 points in 31 games.
Hopefully COVID-19 doesn't force the IIHF to postpone or cancel the tournament, because these kids will be a lot of fun to watch in the absence of NHL hockey over the Christmas break.
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