Koivu, Ruutu Pace Finland to Silver

Finland entered the Gold medal game of the 2001 World Junior Championship in Moscow on a mission to complete its version of the Cinderella story, following victories over Canada, Slovakia and Russia. Playing integral roles in Finland's Silver medal finish were 17-year-olds Mikko Koivu and Tuomo Ruutu, each of whom are considered among the top European prospects eligible for the 2001 NHL Entry Daft.

Ruutu, a 6-foot, 185-pound center with Jokerit, centered Finland's top line between Jani Rita, Edmonton's first round pick in 1998, and Tuomas Pihlman, who is also eligible for the 2001 Draft. He tallied four points (one goal, three assists in six games played) to rank fifth in team scoring, including the game-winning goal in a 3-1 victory over Russia that clinched first place in Finland's Pool with a 3-0-1 record.

Koivu, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound center with TPS Turku, notched three points (0-3-3 in 6GP), including an assist on linemate Ville Hamalainen's game-winner against Canada -- a 5-2 semifinal victory that propelled Finland to the Gold medal game.

The talents of the Koivu family have long been familiar to the hockey world as older brother Saku was selected 21st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1993. Saku Koivu, a 5-foot-9, 165-pound center, played with TPS Turku and was rated sixth among European prospects before being drafted.

"Mikko plays for the same TPS Turku team that I did," said Saku, who now captains the Canadiens. "Half the time he plays with the junior club and half the time with the Division I team. He's getting a lot of games and much needed experience."

Hockey scouts have followed Koivu's development since he was 10, and now at the age of 17, they are marveling at his talent.

"Mikko's style of play is very much the same as his brother's," said Goran Stubb of European Scouting Service. "He is an excellent playmaker and likes to hold on to the puck. His overall skill level is extremely high. A bonus is that he's much bigger than his brother."

"Mikko is a little skinny right now, but he's a lot bigger than I am. He should have a good future in this game," said Saku Koivu.

Mikko Koivu has been a fixture in international play with Finland, participating in the 2000 Under-18 World Championship (0-4-4 in 7GP) and the 2000 Viking Cup tournament (1-1-2 in 4GP).

Ruutu gained much recognition last year, performing in the 2000 Under-18 World Championship in Switzerland. He was Finland's top scorer with eight points (6-2-8 in 7GP) and led them to a Gold medal finish. He also played in the 2000 Viking Cup (0-2-2 in 4GP).

Ruutu also comes from a family with NHL ties as older brothers Jarkko, 68th overall by Vancouver in 1998, and Mikko, 201st overall by Ottawa in 1999, have both been selected in the NHL Entry Draft. Jarkko, 25, is currently playing with Vancouver's International Hockey League affiliate in Kansas City, while Mikko, 22, is linemates with Tuomo on the Jokerit Division I team.

Based on his junior career, Tuomo could develop into the best of the three brothers. He is the only one to perform in the World Junior Championship and to appear on a Finnish Division I team under the age of 20.

"He is as tough and aggressive as his older brothers, but much more talented," said Stubb. "He is very strong and likes a physical game with lots of open-ice hitting. He's a solid playmaker with good hands and a good shot. Tuomo's high overall skill level and fine hockey sense make him an excellent prospect."