Not only are the Arizona Coyotes returning from the holiday break tomorrow against the Colorado Avalanche, but there are two highly-touted prospects competing in Sweden that are off and running the next morning after Christmas.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!2022 first-round NHL Draft picks Maveric Lamoureux and Connor Geekie both kickstarted their 2024 IIHF tournament run with Team Canada, winning 5-2 over Finland.
Lamoureux introduced himself to the Swedish faithful by receiving a pass at the point, pivoting and firing a wrist shot that was tipped by center Nate Danielson for a 1-0 Canadian lead.
Lamoureux's shot goes off Nate Danielson and in for Canada's opening goal!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/chfgP2WBHo
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 26, 2023
It was a tight battle between both teams throughout, but Canada would lead 3-1 going into the third period until the future ‘Yotes both got on the scoresheet once more.
Geekie recorded an assist on teammate Matthew Poitras’ empty-net goal before Lamoureux would also score en route to a 5-2 win for Canada.
Matthew Poitras gets the empty netter for Canada after BARELY staying onside.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/TmBE8STcRn
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 26, 2023
Maveric Lamoureux makes it 5 for Canada from mid-ice.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/8w4bCCfIUa
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 26, 2023
On the top defensive pair alongside Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Denton Mateychuk, Lamoureux collected the most time-on-ice out of any player on both teams with 24:50. Additionally, Lamoureux had a goal, an assist, two shots-on-goal and a plus/minus rating of +3.
As for Geekie, he finished with an assist, two shots, +1 and 16:54 TOI.
With this result, the reigning IIHF World Junior Championship winners are off to a perfect 1-0 start so far.
Up next on their docket, the Canadians collide with Latvia tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. MST.
Coyotes drop final game before Christmas Break, lose 4-1 to Avalanche
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Alec Cipollini is a reporter of the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
