Winnipeg Jets: Heinola and Nikkanen Win Bronze at World Juniors
Winnipeg Jets prospects, Ville Heinola and Henri Nikkanen faced off against Russia in the bronze medal game of the world juniors tonight and won.
On medal day at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, the bronze medal game featured Finland matching up against Russia. This game was of interest to the Winnipeg Jets because their 2019 first round pick, Ville Heinola, and fourth round pick, Henri Nikkanen, both represent Finland.
Heinola, Nikkanen, and Finland were coming into this game after suffering a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to the United States in the semifinals last night, but they knew that a win today would have them leaving the prestigious tournament full of joy and with a great consolation prize.
Russia started this game off great. They had the first eight shots of the game and took an early 1-0 lead. After that Finland did what they do best, they stayed persistent and stuck to their game.
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About five minutes into the second period, Finland was rewarded for their efforts and tied the game up, courtesy of an Anton Lundell goal. The teams went into the final frame tied 1-1.
Just over a minute into the final frame, Finland scored a goal to take the lead and did not look back. Finland then added two empty net goals to take home the 4-1 victory and the bronze medal.
Even though Heinola did not register a point in tonight’s contest, he performed extremely well. In 24:57 of ice time, he finished with a +3 plus/minus and six shots.
Nikkanen was held quiet tonight. He was held to just one shot and no points in 14:47 of time on ice. He played a solid game and was strong positionally.
This may be the last time for a while that Jets fans will get to see Nikkanen in action. The nineteen-year-old is still unsigned by the Jets and looks to be headed back to his club team, Jukurit, who compete in Liiga (Finland).
On the other hand, Heinola will be headed to Winnipeg to quarantine for seven days and then will join up with the Jets in training camp.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Should the Jets try and sign Nikkanen to an entry level contract now? Leave your comments below!
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*All Stats Provided by the IIHF*