The Montreal Canadiens have four prospects taking part in the World Junior Championships Summer Showcase, and on Wednesday, two of them faced off as Team Canada took on Team Finland. Michael Hage was playing wing on the first line of the Canadian side, while Aatos Koivu was playing wing on the Finnish team. As for defensive prospect Owen Protz, he was a healthy scratch.

Koivu and Hage both got on the scoresheet. For the former, it was a second two-goal game in as many contests, while the latter scored his first goal in a real game after finding the back of the net in the Team Canada Red vs. White scrimmage.

Canadiens: 20 Years Ago…
Canadiens New Forward Is Prime Breakout Candidate
Canadiens: Laine In Top Form In LSHL Match

The Finn scored one goal on a one-timer on a power play, just like he did against the USA, and his second one was an even-strength effort, making the score 5-1 Finland. That’s when Hage struck for Canada, making it 5-2, but it was too little too late, and the Finns got a 6-3 win in the end.

At one stage in the game, the two Canadiens’ prospects had to be separated by a referee after a pushing and shoving match. In his post-game comments, Koivu explained that Hage had struck him at one stage in the game and that he started chirping him as a result, but there’s no bad blood there. He added that they were roommates at the Canadiens development camp, that they’re good buddies, and there was nothing personal.

Both teams will return to practice on Thursday and will have another game on Friday. Canada will be taking on Sweden while Finland will face the USA for the second time in the Showcase. So far, Koivu is the standout of the showcase, playing a crucial role for the Finns, although Hage’s and LJ Mooney’s efforts shouldn’t be discarded. As things stand, all three could be representing their country at the yearly tournament over the Christmas holidays.

Photo credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.  

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.