Though he didn’t get the result he was hoping for in the gold medal match Sunday, 18-year-old Finnish forward Patrik Laine was named MVP of the 2016 IIHF World Championship.
Laine put up the second most points by a U19 player in history with 12 points in 10 games, just short of Sidney Crosby’s 16 points. His seven goals were the most by any player in the tournament, and his 12 points ranked fourth.
Patrik Laine wins the MVP trophy. ? #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/CB8DRJzHHp
— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) May 22, 2016
Laine was also named the tournament’s top forward by the IIHF directorate.
He adds this tournament to an incredible World Junior Tournament and a playoff MVP honor in the Finnish playoffs.
Additionally, Canada’s Mike Matheson was named the top defenseman in the tournament and Finnish goaltender Mikko Koskinen was named goaltender of the tournament.
Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.
