Earlier this year, thanks to COVID-19, the IIHF World Junior Championship tournament had been cancelled, leading to a make-up tournament being played this August.
Hirvonen, the Leafs' 2nd round pick (59th overall) in 2020, was originally named captain of Team Finland before the tourney was rescheduled, so it stands to reason that he will likely reprise his role as captain this summer. Prior to the tourney being delayed, Hirvonen had 1 assist in 2 games and was a +3.
Niemela was selected just 5 picks after Hirvonen, 64th overall in the same draft class, and was also on Finland's roster prior to the stoppage due to the pandemic. He had scored 1 goal in 2 games and was an impressive +6 in the tourney.