Day one of the 2026 World Junior Championship is in the books, and the Tampa Bay Lightning had three prospects participate for three different teams.

The first Lightning prospect to take the ice was Joona Saarelainen, the Lightning’s fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, who was representing Finland as they faced off against Denmark. Saarelainen got on the score sheet with a goal in the second period that put Finland up 5-1. He would end the night with one point and five shots on goal. 

Next up was goaltender Caleb Heil who was given the nod between the pipes for Team USA as they played against Germany. Heil, the Lightning’s seventh-round selection in the 2025, made 18 saves on 21 shots as the United States pulled off a convincing 6-3 win over the Germans. 

Lastly, Sam O’Reilly took the ice for Team Canada as they took on Team Czechia to close out the night for Lightning prospects. O’Reilly, the Edmonton Oilers’ first round pick in 2024, was acquired by the Lightning in a trade that saw Isaac Howard heading the other way. O’Reilly is regarded as a more defensive-minded forward, and as a result, it wasn’t surprising to see he didn’t end up on the score sheet but Canada came out on top in a high-scoring 7-5 game.Â