The 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase (WJSS) opened with two competitive matchups on Sunday. USA White rallied past Finland in the first game, while USA Blue fell late to Sweden in Game 2. The day featured strong showings from several NHL-drafted players and a promising debut from Canadiens prospect LJ Mooney.
Showcase Game 1: USA White 5 – Finland 2
USA White opened the tournament with a convincing comeback win over Finland, sparked by the dynamic duo of Ryker Lee and Teddy Stiga.
Lee got the scoring started at 9:25 of the first period, forcing a turnover and finishing a give-and-go with James Hagens to make it 1-0. However, Finland responded quickly with goals from Roope Vesterinen and Jasper Kuhta, taking a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
In the second, Stiga powered to the net and tied the game with a determined individual effort. USA goaltender Nick Kempf came up with a huge toe save early in the frame to keep things close.
The third period was all USA. Shane Vansaghi capitalized on a bouncing puck in front to give his team the lead just two minutes in. Moments later, Lee struck again for his second of the game, and Stiga sealed the deal with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
Nick Kempf and Caleb Heil split the game and combined to stop 25 of 27 shots in a steady performance.
Game 1 – Standout Performances:
- Ryker Lee (Nashville Predators)Two goals and one assist in a dominant effort. Lee’s speed, strength, and puck control were key to USA’s surge.
- Teddy Stiga (Nashville Predators)Played with high energy and scored twice, including the game-tying goal. Added an assist and was relentless on the forecheck.
- James Hagens (Boston Bruins)Picked up two primary assists and drove play with elite vision and puck distribution.
- Shane Vansaghi (Philadelphia Flyers)Delivered the game-winner and was a physical presence all game.
Showcase Game 2: Sweden 5 – USA Blue 2
USA Blue held a 2-1 lead after two periods, but Sweden erupted in the third with four straight goals to claim the win. Ivar Stenberg was the star of the show, notching a hat trick to lead Sweden’s comeback.
Stenberg opened the scoring early in the second, tipping a Sascha Boumedienne point shot past USA goalie Jack Parsons. USA tied it when LJ Mooney found Luke Osburn (Buffalo Sabres) with a cross-ice feed that was buried from the left circle. Mooney then gave the Americans a 2-1 lead before the second intermission with a wrister past Harenstam’s blocker.
Sweden answered back in the third. Jack Berglund tied the game at 2-2, Stenberg converted on a penalty shot to give Sweden the lead, and added an empty-net goal to complete his hat trick. Felix Öhrqvist added another into the empty net to seal the 5-2 win.
Parsons and Kam Hendrickson combined for 27 saves, while USA Blue outshot Sweden 34–32.
????️ Watch Every Goal from Day 1
Catch all the goals from USA White vs. Finland and USA Blue vs. Sweden in this official highlight reel from USA Hockey:
???? Follow @usahockey for daily WJSS updates, game highlights, and player coverage.
Game 2 – Standout Performances:
- Ivar Stenberg (2026 Draft Eligible)A game-breaking performance. Scored the opener, buried a penalty shot, and completed a hat trick with the empty-netter.
- LJ Mooney (Montreal Canadiens)Electric with the puck. Set up USA’s first goal and gave them the lead with a beautiful shot late in the second. A standout in transition.
- Luke Osburn (Buffalo Sabres)Buried the tying goal off a great feed from Mooney. Displayed poise and confidence throughout the game.
- Jack Berglund (Philadelphia Flyers)Clutched up with the tying goal and made key plays down the stretch.
- Sascha Boumedienne (Winnipeg Jets)Initiated the opening goal and showed confidence leading the rush and quarterbacking Sweden’s power play.
???? Canadiens Prospect Watch:
- LJ Mooney (USA Blue)A strong debut for the 2024 fourth-round pick. Mooney recorded a goal and assist and was consistently dangerous on the puck. His skating and offensive instincts stood out every shift.
- Aatos Koivu (Finland)Quiet offensively, but played a responsible two-way game. Expect more from him later in the week.
⚫ Blackhawks Prospect Watch:
- AJ Spellacy (USA White)Played on the fourth line and saw limited minutes but was engaged physically. No points, but contributed on the forecheck.
- Sacha Boisvert & Marek VanackerDid not play Sunday. Expected to debut with Team Canada later this week.
Monday, July 29 Schedule:
- ???????? Finland vs. ???????? USA Blue — 1:00 p.m. ET
- ???????? Sweden vs. ???????? USA White — 4:30 p.m. ET
