Pittsburgh Penguins defensive prospects Emil Pieniniemi and Kalle Kangas were selected for Finland’s roster in the upcoming International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) World Junior Championship tournament.
The Finnish Ice Hockey Association announced the roster move Saturday.
Both players were selected by the Penguins in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Pieniniemi, 19, was a third-round pick (No. 91 overall) and signed a three-year entry-level contract in July of 2023. That contract will not begin until he turns professional.
Skating for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League this season, the left-handed Pieninemi (6-foot-3, 177 pounds) has appeared in 30 games and has 32 points (three goals, 29 assists).
Kangas, 19, was a seventh-round pick (No. 223) and has yet to sign an NHL contract. The left-handed Kangas (6-4, 205) has primarily played for HPK of Finland’s Liiga this season, appearing in 23 games and recording five assists.
Pieniniemi and Kangas were each part of Finland’s team in last season’s tournament.
On Friday, Penguins forward prospect Tanner Howe was selected to Canada’s roster.
The IIHF World Junior Championship tournament will be staged in Ottawa between Dec. 26 and Jan. 5.
