Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Joona Saarelainen was named to Team Finland's U-20 roster for their home tournament.

Ahead of next week’s World Junior Summer Challenge in Minnesota, a series of games involving four U-20 teams will take place in Vierumäki, Finland, on Sunday and Monday. Two teams from Finland – essentially an A-team and a B-team – will host the Czech and Swiss national junior teams once each.

Saarelainen will feature on Team Finland's A roster, which includes several 2025 World Junior returnees and multiple players who will likely feature on Finland's 2026 roster.

The 19-year-old was a part of Finland's silver medal-winning team, recording one assist in seven games. The 5-foot-9 is known for his speed and two-way capabilities. His playmaking extends far beyond nifty passes into the slot, as he is a great puck carrier in transition. Despite being undersized, Saarelainen plays with a relentless motor, attempting to win pucks back at all costs. 

Helenius & Hemming Highlight Finnish U-20 Roster In Home Tournament Ahead of next week’s World Junior Summer Challenge in Minnesota, a series of games involving four U-20 teams is taking place in Vierumäki, Finland on Sunday and Monday. Two teams from Finland – essentially an A-team and a B-team – will host the Czech and Swiss national junior teams once each.

The Lightning selected Saarelainen in the fifth round (149th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft after he lit up Finland's U-20 league for 13 goals and 36 points in 43 games. His D+1 season saw him play in 21 Liiga games, Finland's top professional league, where he scored two goals and five points with KalPa. 

As a returnee, Saarelainen will likely see his role with the team increased after playing bottom-six minutes at last year's event. His speed and two-way game bode well for short tournaments like the World Juniors, and he could be a difference maker as they attempt to avenge their finals loss. 

New Lightning prospect named to Team USA roster for World Junior Summer Showcase Each summer, USA Hockey hosts the World Junior Summer Showcase, a key evaluation camp for players from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. Among those named to Team USA’s <a href="https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1342448">roster</a> this year is Tampa Bay Lightning goaltending prospect, Caleb Heil.