Jesse Ylönen was selected to Finland’s preliminary World Junior roster by coach Jussi Ahokas. The Montreal Canadiens prospect has featured on the third line in the Leijonat’s U-20 exhibition games leading up to the WJC selection and is expected to play in a similar role during the championships in Canada.
Ylönen has had an up and down year in Liiga with his team the Pelicans, scoring eight points (5G-3A) in 26 games, however Ylönen had three assists in three games during the tournament in Czech Republic a month ago.
Other notable names in the Finnish squad includes top prospect in the 2019 NHL draft Kaapo Kakko from TPS as well as two other draft eligible players Mikko Kokkonen (Jukurit), Anttoni Honka (JYP) and Ville Heinola (Lukko).
The team also includes Rasmus Kupari (LA Kings/Kärpät), Aleksi Heponiemi (Florida Panthers/Kärpät), Oskari Laaksonen (Buffalo Sabres/Ilves) and Toni Utunen (Vancouver Canucks/Tappara) who has captained the team leading up to the tournament.
Finland will play Denmark in Langley and Canada in Vancouver before the last cuts are made.
Ylönen may be joined by another Canadiens’ player depending on what the team decides to do with Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who obviously is still eligible for the tournament as well.
