Merrimack Incoming Freshman Sami Tavernier Competes For Finland’s World Junior Team

Incoming Merrimack freshman Sami Tavernier is currently in Finland preparing for camp with Finland’s World Junior Team. Tavernier will be competing for a spot as a forward on the roster, and could also join the team for a pre-tournament showcase in Michigan against the United States and Sweden next month.

Merrimack has never had a current player compete in a World Junior Championship. Former forward Stephane Da Costa did compete for France, but at the time, the French team was not in the top division.

The 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship will take place in Montreal and Toronto.

Tavernier came to North America last season. In 30 games with the Topeka Roadrunners (NAHL), he totaled 24 points (6 goals, 18 assists). In 2014-15, he scored 27 points (7 goals, 20 assists) in 45 games for HIFK U20 team in Jr. A SM-liiga.

Tavernier has previously played for Finland’s National U16, U17 and U18 teams, including playing in the prestigious Hlinka Memorial Tournament in 2014-15.

“Tavernier is a great playmaker with nice puck skills,” said Marco Bombino in a tweet. Bombino covers the NHL and Finnish prospects. “Saw him with HIFK [juniors] quite a bit. He’ll be good for Merrimack.”

Tavernier is a great playmaker with nice puck skills. Saw him with HIFK jrs quite a bit. He’ll be good for Merrimack https://t.co/KYEkeioH4i

— Marco Bombino (@marco_bombino) July 14, 2016

Mike McMahon

Mike McMahon is in his 13th year covering Merrimack College for The Eagle Tribune and is the founder and managing editor of The Mack Report. Mike also serves on staff as a senior writer at College Hockey News. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMcMahonCHN