Finland Announces Preliminary World Junior Roster

Like many other countries over the last few days and weeks, Finland has announced their preliminary roster for the World Junior Championship, set to take place later this month in Edmonton, Alberta. The Finns won gold in the 2019 tournament two years ago but are looking to get back onto the podium after a disappointing fourth-place finish last year.

G Joel Blomqvist
G Juho Markkanen
G Kari Piiroinen
G Eetu Randelin
G Roope Taponen

D Santeri Hatakka
D Ville Heinola
D Mikko Kokkonen
D Rami Maatta
D Topi Niemela
D Valtteri Pulli
D Kasper Puutio
D Ruben Rafkin
D Matias Rajaniemi
D Eemil Viro

F Leevi Aaltonen
F Samuel Helenius
F Roni Hirvonen
F Roby Jarventie
F Benjamin Korhonen
F Brad Lambert
F Anton Lundell
F Matias Mantykivi
F Henri Nikkanen
F Mikko Petman
F Petteri Puhakka
F Mikael Pyyhtia
F Juuso Parssinen
F Aku Raty
F Kasper Simontaival
F Samuel Valkeejavi

Of note, the roster does not include Kaapo Kakko, who, like teammate Alexis Lafreniere, will likely not be released to the tournament despite still being eligible. It also does not include Aatu Raty, who played for the Finns a year ago and is a potential top pick for the 2021 draft, but has struggled mightily this season.