Jets At The Juniors: Day 1

The World Junior Hockey Championship is now underway, and three of our Jets Prospects are taking part.

2017 1st-rounder Kristian Vesalainen suited up on the top line for the Finnish squad, and looks to carry over his early season success from the Finnish League.

Dylan Samberg will be rounding out the USA defense. The 2017 second-round pick had a strong camp and surprised many by making the team.

Lastly, the Jets have a goalie prospect taking part. 2016 sixth-rounder, Mikhail Berdin was listed as the 3rd goalie for Team Russia. After a shaky start for the team, he may not be in that spot too long.

What were they up to today? Let’s find out.

Czech Republic def. Russia 5-4

Sweden def. Belarus 6-1

Canada def. Finland 4-2

USA def. Denmark 9-0

Berdin was in the press box during the opening game loss to the Czechs for Russia, but some early shakiness from starter Alexei Melnichuk has potentially opened the door for Berdin. Russia is next active on Thursday against Switzerland.

The young Finn looked sharp in a 4-2 loss to the Canadians, and came away with the Player of the Game award for Finland. Vesalainen and the Finns are back at it again on Thursday against Denmark.

Samberg is a bit lower in the US defense depth chart, but him and his partner Adam Fox saw more ice-time later in the game once the game blew open. Samberg went on to score the 9th US goal on the night. Team USA’s next contest is on Thursday, when they play Slovakia.