Jonathan Lekkerimäki captures bronze with Team Sweden at 2022 World Juniors

Vancouver Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki has won a bronze medal as a member of Team Sweden at the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Junior Championship.

Team Sweden defeated Team Czechia by a 3–1 score at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Saturday afternoon to capture the bronze. The Czechs outshot the Swedes 28–23 in the game, but Team Sweden goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 27 saves in the victory.

Fabian Lysell, Isak Rosen, and Linus Sjodin scored for Team Sweden, with Michal Gut notching the lone goal for Team Czechia. Lysell, a Boston Bruins prospect, opened the scoring in the contest with a fantastic individual effort.

Lekkerimäki logged a team-low 6:11 of ice time in the contest and took one shot on goal. He finished the tournament with three assists in seven games.

Rosen’s goal put the Swedes up 2–1 late in the second period and ultimately stood as the game-winner. Theodor Niederbach picked up the lone assist on the tally.

Lekkerimäki is the first Canucks prospect to pick up a medal at this year’s World Juniors (Team USA, featuring Canucks defence prospect Jacob Truscott, did not reach the medal rounds).

Joni Jurmo will become the second on Saturday evening, although it remains to be seen which colour his medal will be. The 2020 third-round pick will look to help Team Finland topple Team Canada in the gold medal game at 5:00 p.m. PT.