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Canucks Prospect Report: Costmar scores, Podkolzin pointless in WJC kickoff

By Constantine Maragos

VANCOUVER , BC - JANUARY 4: Dylan Samberg #4 of the United States attempt to block a shot on goaltender Cayden Primeau #30 as Vasili Podkolzin #11 of Russia looks for the puck during a semi-final game at the IIHF World Junior Championships at Rogers Arena on January 4, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER , BC - JANUARY 4: Dylan Samberg #4 of the United States attempt to block a shot on goaltender Cayden Primeau #30 as Vasili Podkolzin #11 of Russia looks for the puck during a semi-final game at the IIHF World Junior Championships at Rogers Arena on January 4, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) /
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EDMONTON, AB – DECEMBER 26: Arvid Costmar #14 of Sweden battles against Filip Koffer #27 of the Czech Republic during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 26, 2020 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB – DECEMBER 26: Arvid Costmar #14 of Sweden battles against Filip Koffer #27 of the Czech Republic during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 26, 2020 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) /

The Canucks Prospect Report is a weekly segment on The Canuck Way, which profiles various prospects throughout their respective seasons.

The 2021 World Junior Championships kicked off this weekend, with Vancouver Canucks prospects Arvid Costmar and Vasili Podkolzin representing their respective nations.

Both players enjoyed successful starts in their quest for gold, as Sweden and Russia both won their first games.

Costmar shines in Sweden’s opener

Costmar, in particular, had a great start to his campaign in Sweden’s effortless 7-1 victory over the Czech Republic.

As chances came in droves for the Swedes, Costmar carried his share of the offensive load and was noticeable throughout the contest at even-strength.

Costmar scored Sweden’s first goal of the tournament, redirecting a slick Victor Soderstrom feed into the back of the net.

Seconds before, Costmar had another great opportunity in close, with Czech goaltender Nick Malik thwarting Costmar’s one-on-one backhand attempt.

Further, Costmar sprung linemate Simon Holmstrom with a great pass in transition, leading to another high-danger opportunity.

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Sweden’s win over the Czechs is a boon against what is this year’s group of death, which also features the United States, Austria, and Russia.

Costmar has found himself in a position to impress the hockey world, as the Canucks’ 2019 7th-round selection will see far more ice-time than initially expected.

Costmar’s play all but guarantees him an extended stay in the top-six, as Sweden’s centre depth is rather thin, due to a team COVID outbreak before the tournament.

Despite a weakened roster and tough competition, Sweden is very much in contention to top their group. Should they do so, Costmar will have played a pivotal role in getting them there.

Costmar hits the ice again tonight against Austria, where he will get another opportunity to rack up points against the group’s bottom feeders.

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