Arizona Draftees Prosper, Play Key Roles on Day One of WJC Tournament

Coyotes prospects shone bright on the national stage Thursday in what was a thrilling opening day to the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Three of Arizona's seven draft selections playing in the tournament, stat-sheet speaking, had major impacts in their respective country's opening day victories.

Jan Jenik helped drive the Czech Republic to a stunning win over Russia on home soil when he
scored the game-winning goal with just over two minutes remaining
in the second period, depositing a blistering wrist shot from the heart of the slot.
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The 19-year-old also assisted on the Czech's game opening goal to finish the game with two points (1G, 1A) in a 4-3 win in front of 8,693 at Ostravar Arena.
Barrett Hayton aided Canada's comeback effort over USA in a big way, scoring two goals - one in the second period and another in the third period.
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Both of Hayton's tallies came on the power play, each of which were set up by teammate Alexis LaFreniere.

, high to the short side to tie the game, 2-2, and

as he leaned into a drop feed while trailing a rush.
Victor Soderstrom pushed play up the ice to spring the eventual overtime game-winning goal in Sweden's 3-2 victory over Finland, retrieving the puck behind the net and
finding Jonatan Berggren in the neutral zone with a stretch pass
, which led to Alexander Holtz's ensuing goal.
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Valentin Nussbaumer registered an assist in Switzerland's 5-3 win over Kazakhstan. Ty Emberson took 30 shifts and totaled 16:13 TOI in USA's 6-4 loss to Canada. Matias Maccelli registered two shots on goal in Finland's 3-2 overtime loss to Sweden, his teammate and fellow Coyotes prospect Aku Raty finished the day with 12:19 TOI.

Lead Photo Credit [Jan Jenik]: Andrea Cardin - HHOF IIHF Images // Footer Photo Credit [Barrett Hayton, Canada Bench]: Andrea Cardin - HHOF IIHF Images //GIF Highlight Footage:TSN Sports, TSN4, IIHF Hockey