With the Penguins now down a top-four defenseman in Marcus Pettersson, there are two defensemen most likely to get the call from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton The Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/] already have two players headed to the 4 Nations Tournament in February [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/only-crosby-and-karlsson-will-represent-the-penguins-at-the-4-nations-face-off] - and it appears that they will be even more well-represented internationally this season. On Wednesday, the Penguins announced that forward prospect Tanner Howe will be representing Team Canada, and defensemen Emil Pieniniemi and Kalle Kangas will be representing Team Finland, at the IIHF 2025 World Junior Championship. Defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke - a second-round pick by the Penguins in 2024 - was also invited to Team Canada's World Junior camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-prospect-brunicke-not-skating-for-team-canada-at-world-juniors], but a broken wrist prevented him from participating in the camp and, therefore, squandered his chances of being selected. Howe, 19, was also drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft (46th overall) [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/tanner-howe-signs-entry-level-contract-with-the-penguins], the former Regina Pats captain was recently dealt to the Calgary Hitmen as part of a WHL deal. He is point-per-game this season between the two clubs with nine goals and 16 points in 16 games. Over 223 total WHL games, he has registered 101 goals and 249 points. The 6-foot-3, 19-year-old Pieniniemi was selected by the Penguins in the third round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, and he has four goals and 34 points in 32 games for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs. Kangas - who has played most of the season with HPK of Liiga, Finland's top men's league - has recorded five assists over 23 games this season. The tournament will take place at TD Place and Canadian Tire Center in Ottawa, Ontario from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwNjYwNDIwMDI3OTUwOTI5/thnpitbanner.png]
