Jake Virtanen scores in Canada / Belarus exhibition

Screencap via TSN

The Vancouver Canucks were hoping that Jake Virtanen would get a chance to flex his offensive game during this year’s World Junior Hockey Championships, and if today’s exhibition is any indication, they’ll get exactly what they want. In the midst of a 7-1 romp of Belarus, the Canucks loanee picked up a goal on his lone shot on net.

The goal was set up by Brayden Point, who eventually left the game with an injury but is expected to be back in time for the start of the actual tournament. Virtanen’s tally was one of five scored by Canada in the first period, equalling the shot total of Belarus just with goals.

Virtanen was happy with the game, calling it a well-rounded effort as the team searched for chemistry. Speaking of how shifting between levels has affected him, Virtanen was candid. “Its a lot different. The game in the NHL is a lot more structured,” said the 19-year-old to TSN’s Mark Masters. “You’ve got a lot more time down here to make plays, and when you’re feeling that, it’s pretty good. You can also work on things while you’re down here, which is what Vancouver wants me to do.”

Virtanen and Canada will play their next exhibition game tomorrow against the Czech Republic. The Czech’s have Lukas Jasek on their roster, meaning that a Canucks prospect is guaranteed a victory.