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World Junior Championships, Day 1: Kempe, Dergachyov on the Board

Let the (round-robin) games begin! All but one of the Los Angeles Kings prospects at the 2016 World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland were in action on Day 1 of the tourney. Early returns were positive!

  • Adrian Kempe, who left the Ontario Reign in order to represent his country, picked up an assist in Sweden’s opener. Unfortunately, he was also the victim of this dirty hit in the second period:


    Kempe left the game, but with Sweden up 6-2, that might have been precautionary. It appears he will be good to go for Sweden’s next contest against the United States, WHO ALSO WON THEIR FIRST GAME, OVER CANADA

  • Young winger Alexander Dergachyov, the Kings’ third-round selection in 2015, picked up an assist on Russia’s only regulation goal in their opener against the Czech Republic. Defenseman Damir Sharipzyanov, who signed with the Kings this year after a strong season with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack, also played for the Russians in their shootout win.

Tomorrow, the Kings’ top pick in 2015 takes the ice. Erik Cernak, who is wearing an A for Slovakia, will try to help his team take down Belarus at 6 AM Pacific.

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