Most people make mistakes at age 19. Few see their errors get the full-page newspaper treatment.
That’s what happened to Vancouver Canucks prospect Jake Virtanen on Sunday, as he was clearly scapegoated for Canada’s 6-5 loss to Finland in the 2016 World Juniors.
PHT’s Jason Brough ranked among those who shared this shot from the Vancouver Province:
Good morning, Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/bDNOJWtuNl
— Jason Brough 🙁 (@SadClubCommish) January 3, 2016
That’s easily the harshest treatment, but shortly after taking some bad penalties that put Canada in a bad position, he seemed to be the talk of the town on Twitter:
6 Billion people on the planet. No one is more alone than Jake Virtanen right now
— Gino Reda (@GinoRedaTSN) January 2, 2016
When your leaders (Virtanen) lack discipline, tends to trickle down.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) January 2, 2016
Virtanen doing his best to help his team lose when it matters most. Should fit right in for the Canucks
— Silver Seven (@silversevensens) January 2, 2016
Jake Virtanen's brain doesn't appear to be working
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) January 2, 2016
Jake Virtanen took two penalties on one play. That is difficult.
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) January 2, 2016
Jake Virtanen: "Personally, I think the refs were a little bit on their side, that's just how I think"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) January 2, 2016
This just in: the World Juniors tournament is kind of a big deal in Canada.
Virtanen (who, it feels worth repeating, is just 19) does indeed seem slated to return to the Vancouver Canucks.
Quick text convo with Jim Benning. He confirms that Jake Virtanen will rejoin the Canucks after returning from WJC.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) January 2, 2016
The Canucks are standing up for the young player.
"The Canadian fans are so passionate, they take losing hard, as the players do. Jake wasn't why we lost the tourny" - coach Desjardins
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 3, 2016
As painful as this can be, perhaps it will be a learning experience for the prospect, at least in the long run?
