Hirvonen captained Team Finland to a victory over Team Latvia collecting a goal and two assists, cruising to their first victory in game 1 of the tournament defeating Latvia 6-1.
Hirvonen, the Maple Leafs' 2020 second-round pick (59th overall), was dominant against a Latvian team that was taking part in its first world juniors since 2017. Hirvonen was named player of the game and looks to continue to impress alongside Leafs defense prospect Topi Niemela as the tournament unfolds and the competition gets tougher.
POLL | ||
10 AOUT | 296 ANSWERS Leafs prospect dazzles on day one of the World Juniors When will Hirvonen make it to the NHL? | ||
2023-24 | 109 | 36.8 % |
2024-25 | 117 | 39.5 % |
2025-26 | 28 | 9.5 % |
Never | 42 | 14.2 % |
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