Day 2 Recap – WJSS 2025 in Minnesota
Day 2 of the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase delivered another strong dose of competitive hockey, with Finland and Sweden both picking up victories in two tightly contested matchups in Minnesota. With all four teams getting a rest day on Tuesday, fans were treated to high-end performances — especially from Aatos Koivu and Brodie Ziemer, who each stood out in a big way.
In the opening game, Finland edged the United States 3–2 behind a pair of goals from Koivu, who scored both the opener and the eventual game-winner. Roope Vesterinen added the other marker for Finland, while Cole McKinney and Kamil Bednarik replied for the U.S. in a close battle.
The nightcap between Sweden and Team USA delivered even more drama. Alex Zetterberg opened the scoring for the Swedes, but the Americans answered with goals from Jacob Kvasnicka and Will Horcoff (PPG) to take the lead. Sweden responded with a tying goal from Filip Ekberg, and after third-period goals by Brodie Ziemer and Liam Danielson, the game appeared headed for overtime. But with just eight seconds left, Liam Ohrqvist buried the winner to give Sweden a thrilling 4–3 victory.
Top Performers – Day 2
Aatos Koivu, RW (Montreal Canadiens)
Koivu continues to impress at this year’s showcase. He struck on the power play to open the scoring and added the eventual game-winner. But beyond the goals, it’s been his consistent two-way effort that stands out. For the second straight game, Koivu showed an elite work ethic and awareness in all three zones. He looks more involved every shift and is building a strong case for Finland’s WJC roster.
Heikki Ruohonen, C (Philadelphia Flyers)
Ruohonen has quietly been one of Finland’s best forwards. His net-front screen on Koivu’s game-winner was textbook, and his ability to create space and chaos around the crease has stood out. His chemistry with Koivu is growing each game — a fun combo to watch.
AJ Spellacy, RW (Chicago Blackhawks)
Spellacy plays with energy and bite. He nearly scored late in the first and consistently won puck battles throughout the game. His stick work in the neutral zone and intensity along the boards make him a strong candidate for Team USA’s bottom six. He’s playing like a guy on a mission to earn a spot.
Alex Zetterberg, RW (Undrafted)
Zetterberg needed to make an impression, and he’s done exactly that. He scored Sweden’s opening goal and almost added another in the second. The 5’8” winger makes plays at high speed and consistently creates space with his edge work and vision. NHL teams will be watching closely.
Herman Liv, G (Undrafted):
Liv came up clutch for Sweden, making key saves throughout the game — including a flashy glove stop on Brodie Ziemer. He’s not tied to an NHL team, but he’s building a case to be Sweden’s starter at the World Juniors.
Brodie Ziemer, RW (Buffalo Sabres)
Ziemer has quietly been one of Team USA’s most consistent forwards. He finally got rewarded with a goal in Game 2 and was a threat all night, showing off his speed, creativity, and compete level. He was also robbed on another Grade-A chance — a breakout performance for the Sabres prospect.
Will Potter, C (Calgary Flames) & Ryan Lee, LW (Nashville Predators)
Both Potter and Lee turned in another strong effort after solid outings on Day 1. Potter was effective on the power play, displaying great vision, while Lee used his speed and size to drive the net and generate quality scoring chances. These two are trending upward.
Habs & Blackhawks Prospect Watch
Montreal Canadiens:
LJ Mooney suited up for Team USA against Finland and, while he didn’t register a point, he was active throughout the game. He created a few quality chances and was involved in the play, showing good anticipation and puck movement.
Looking ahead, Michael Hage and Sam Protz will both hit the ice on Tuesday during Team Canada’s intrasquad game between Canada Red and White.
Chicago Blackhawks:
AJ Spellacy had another strong outing for Team USA. He brought physicality, battled hard along the boards, and broke up multiple plays with his stick. He continues to make a strong case for a roster spot.
Meanwhile, Marek Vanacker and Sacha Boisvert are both scheduled to play in Tuesday’s Canada Red vs. White scrimmage — an important showcase for both Blackhawks prospects.
What’s Next
All four teams are off on Tuesday, but action continues with an intrasquad matchup between Canada White and Canada Red at 4:30 p.m. CT.
Expect key names like Michael Hage, Gavin McKenna, and Sacha Boisvert to take center stage in what should be a spirited internal battle.
Injury Updates
Team USA head coach Bob Motzko confirmed that Cole Hutson (Washington Capitals) will miss the remainder of the week due to injury.
Cole Eiserman (New York Islanders) is currently day-to-day and will be re-evaluated.
Meanwhile, Trevor Connelly (Vegas Golden Knights) is not expected to return this week, though no formal update has been issued yet.
