🔗 Share this article

Finland's Arttu Välilä scored the decisive goal at two minutes and eleven seconds of extra time as Finland engineered a remarkable four to three win over the reigning two-time champion United States on Friday night in the world junior hockey last eight.

"Got to give credit to the US," remarked Finnish captain Aron Kiviharju. "They are a fantastic squad, full of exceptional players and a well coached team. But I mentioned we were seeking that revenge from the previous final, and I think we kind of earned it tonight."

In the semi-finals on Sunday, Finland will take on Sweden, while the Canadians will meet Czechia. The Swedes defeated the Latvian side six to three, Team Canada produced a five-goal first period in a seven to one romp over the Slovakian team, and the Czechs overcame Switzerland by a six to two score.

Thrilling Final Frame and Overtime

Michigan State’s Lee Ryker tied it for the U.S. team with 1:33 remaining in regulation and the Notre Dame netminder N. Kempf pulled for an additional skater.

Lee Tuuva and J. Saarelainen found the net in a fifty-five-second burst in the third to hand their team a 2-1 advantage. He leveled the score at two-all with 7:17 to go, then assisted on Saarelainen’s go-ahead goal with six minutes and twenty-two seconds remaining. J. Saarelainen also assisted on Tuuva’s goal.

Notable Performances and Post-Game Comments

The Boston University blueliner C. Hutson recorded a goal and an assist for the Americans after being struck in the back of the head versus Switzerland and sitting out two games.

"In my opinion we executed well for most of the game," the defenseman commented. "But the small details that they got, many of their high-quality chances came from our mistakes."

His university colleague Cole Eiserman handed the United States a 2-1 edge on a man advantage with nine minutes and forty-five seconds left in the second period. He accepted a pass from his teammate and fooled the Finnish goaltender with a quick shot from the right circle.

Hutson tallied on a rush 35 seconds into the second. Heikki Ruohonen tied it at four minutes and forty-six seconds on a snap shot from the left wing.

Goaltending Stats

• Rimpinen saved twenty-eight attempts.
• The American netminder made 21 saves.

The Americans lost their final two games – falling 6-3 to Sweden on Wednesday night in the final preliminary game – after starting with their first three.

"It has been an privilege to lead this team," stated the team's coach. "They played a terrific game today and fell just a bit short. Give Finland. It's an hollow feeling right now, but our guys gave it all they had."

Other Quarter-Final Action

In the second match in the host city, the Canadian team overwhelmed Slovakia with the aforementioned first-period explosion.

C. Reschny, T. Iginla, M. Misa, S. O'Reilly and B. Martin scored in the opening twenty minutes, and P. Martone and Cole Beaudoin scored in the following period. J. Ivankovic turned aside twenty-one shots.

"Just goes to show how dominant we can be," Martin said. "Going up 5-0 lead, it really kills their morale."

In the opening playoff game, A. Frondell scored twice for Team Sweden against Latvia. The defenseman L. Sahlin Wallenius contributed a goal and two helpers to help the Swedes stay perfect in five games.

In Minneapolis T. Galvas, S. Drancak, A. Jiricek, P. Sikora, J. Klima and Jakub Fibigr provided the goals for the Czech team.

Relegation Game Outcome

Germany triumphed in the consolation match, defeating Denmark eight to four. M. Schams scored twice to ensure his nation retain its place next year in the main event. Denmark dropped to the second tier.