WHL World Junior Roundup: December 27

It’s only day two of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, but WHL players are already helping write new chapters in their countries’ respective hockey histories.

Calgary Flames prospect and Vancouver Giants Captain Samuel Honzek scored his second-straight game-winning goal as Slovakia shut out Switzerland 3-0 in Wednesday’s opening match.

Seattle Thunderbirds forward Luca Hauf assisted German’s game-winning goal against Finland in a 4-3 upset, marking Germany’s first-ever win against the Fins at World Juniors.

Victoria Royals rookie Casper Evansen Haugen tipped a point shot to get Norway on the board and deny Czechia a shutout but assists from his Victoria teammate Robin Sapousek Prince George’s Ondrej Becher and Seattle’s Dominik Rymon helped Czechia snag an 8-1 victory.

Finally, the Canadian contingent contributed to an offensive explosion against underdog Latvia.

Arizona Coyotes prospect Conor Geekie scored not one, but twice. Fellow Western Leaguers Matthew Savoie and Fraser Minten stepped up with the helpers on Geekie’s second tally of the afternoon.

Captain Canada Fraser Minten dazzled Leafs Nation with his first goal and aforementioned assist of the tournament.

Moose Jaw Captain and Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick Denton Mateychuk kicked off another point streak with his second and third helpers.

His Warriors teammate and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Brayden Yager wowed with a seeing eye shot as he scored his first goal and assist as Canada sealed a 10-0 shutout and improved to 2-0 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Next up, there’s just two games on the docket on Thursday.

Lethbridge Hurricane Leo Braillard and Regina Pat Ewan Huet’s Team Switzerland looks for its first win against the United States at 9:00 a.m. MST, while Luca Hauf and Team Germany look to overcome the odds once again as they take on Sweden at 11:30 a.m. MST.