Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jake Virtanen puts on a team sweater after being selected as the number six overall pick to the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Vancouver Canucks fans anticipation to watch Calgary Hitmen prospect Jake Virtanen on national television during Game One of the WHL’s two game series against the Russian prospects started with a slight scare after a big hit appeared to had hurt the 2014 first round pick, who already has dealt with injury problems early in his Junior season in the WHL. However after Virtanen returned to the ice everything was fine as the first line player for the WHL team and likely Team Canada World Junior member was one of the best players on the ice in Saskatoon.

Virtanen would score the game tying goal to level things for the WHL at 1-1 before Russia had the last laugh in a shootout win that had plenty of drama. Even more promising was Virtanen’s ability to bounce back from an early hit to lay the body in addition to his goal, showing the two way ability that general manager Jim Benning hopes can one day translate to the NHL level.

Jake Virtanen scores and the WHL is tied 1-1 with Russia after 20 minutes of play in Game 1 of the Subway Super Series. #CHL — Sportsnet590 The FAN (@FAN590) November 11, 2014

Jake Virtanen. Definitely…having a strong night vs. Russia so far. — Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Metro) November 11, 2014

Jake Virtanen. Definitely…having a strong night vs. Russia so far. — Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Metro) November 11, 2014

Canucks fans will get another chance to see Virtanen under the spotlight tomorrow night as the WHL team will play their final game of their leg of the Super Series in Brandon, Manitoba in a game that will give more opportunity to showcase why Vancouver took the forward early a few months ago. Looking likely to contribute at the World Juniors later this winter, Virtanen has a chance to continue his development before attempting to make the Canucks next September. Scoring goals in high profile showcases of Junior talent will only continue to have ‘Nucks fans high on the talent pipeline that is growing in Vancouver.