Montreal Canadiens rookie Aatos Koivu has a goal for next season and he is not lacking in confidence.
Saku Koivu’s son wants to emulate his father and take part in the World Junior Hockey Championship, which the former CH captain did twice. In 1993 and 1994 he scored 18 points in 14 games.
However, Saku has never won a medal in this tournament, something Aatos will try to do if he is selected. Finland has not won a medal in the last two editions of the competition and was defeated by the Czech Republic in the small final this year.
“I know he enjoyed it and he told me how special the World Juniors were,” the 18-year-old told NHL.com of his father. “He reminded me to go there for fun. They are very big tournaments and not everyone can play even if they want to.”
Selected in the third round (70e (overall) of the last National League Draft, Koivu was scheduled to play his first full season with TPS in the Liiga. He collected 53 points in 48 games with the organization’s junior teams in 2023-2024.
“I really want to show the coaches, the staff and everyone that I want to be part of this team. I believe that I can be a special and a good player,” Aatos said confidently.
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