Leaf Prospects Cowan, Holinka Make Impressive Tournament Debuts at World Juniors

After an injury prevented him from participating in WJC selection camp, 2023 first-round pick Easton Cowan gave Team Canada a scare after falling awkwardly during Canada's final practice ahead of their opening game of the tournament against Finland on Boxing Day.

After remaining on the ice for a moment, Cowan assured everyone that he was fine. The 19-year-old struggled at last year's tournament, registering just 2 points, but got off to a much better start this year.

Five minutes into the second period of Canada's game against Finland, Cowan picked off a cross-ice pass in the Finnish zone before beating Petteri Rimpinen short-side to give Canada a 2-0 lead. Cowan finished the game with two shots and just over 16 minutes of ice time in Canada's 4-0 victory.

Earlier in the day, 2024 fifth-round pick Miroslav Holinka gave Czechia an early lead over Switzerland on a wonderful tip in the high slot.

Around the same time in the second period, with Czechia on a power play, Holinka made pass through Switzerland's box to Eduard Sale for a one-timer that found the back of the net to give Czechia a 2-0 lead.

With 21 points in 23 games in the WHL, Holinka came into the tournament as one of Czechia's top centers, and did not disappoint.

Holinka and Czechia won't return to action until Saturday, while Cowan and Team Canada will be back in action Friday night against Latvia.

A big tournament for Cowan will go shopping long way in helping him to rebuild his confidence after failing to make the Maple Leafs out of training camp this season and being sent back for one more year of junior hockey with the London Knights.