In a stunning reversal of last year's final, Finland have eliminated the two-time defending champion United States from the IIHF World Junior Championship in a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory. The quarter-final clash, played on Friday night in St Paul, Minnesota, was settled by Arttu Välilä's winner just 2:11 into the extra period, sparking wild celebrations amongst the Finnish players.
Revenge Served in Overtime
The result avenges Finland's heartbreaking loss to the Americans in the 2023 gold medal game in Ottawa, which also finished 4-3 in overtime. Finnish captain Aron Kiviharju acknowledged the quality of the opposition but emphasised his team's desire for payback. "Got to give credit to the US," Kiviharju said. "That's a hell of a team, full of great individuals and a well-coached team. But I said we wanted that revenge from last year, and I think we kind of earned it tonight."
The game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. After a first period that ended 1-1, Boston University's Cole Eiserman gave the USA a 2-1 lead on a power play in the second. The third period, however, belonged to Finland for a spell. Lee Tuuva and Joona Saarelainen scored two goals in a blistering 55-second span to suddenly put Finland ahead 3-2. Tuuva first tied the game with 7:17 remaining, then assisted on Saarelainen's go-ahead marker just moments later.
Late Drama and a Sudden End
The reigning champions refused to go quietly. With their net empty for an extra attacker, Michigan State's Lee Ryker scored a dramatic equaliser with only 1:33 left on the clock in regulation time, forcing the contest into overtime. The Finnish resolve held firm, however, and Välilä found the net early in the extra frame to complete the monumental upset.
US defenseman Cole Hutson, who returned to the lineup after missing two games due to injury, reflected on the fine margins. "I thought we made good plays for a lot of the game," Hutson stated. "But the little bounces that they got, a lot of their Grade-A chances came from our mistakes." US coach Bob Motzko praised his team's effort in defeat, saying, "It was an honor to coach this group. They played a great game tonight and came up just short. Give Finland credit."
Semi-Finals Set as Canada and Sweden Cruise
With this result, the semi-final matchups for Sunday are now confirmed. Finland will face a perfect Sweden, who defeated Latvia 6-3 in their quarter-final. In the other half of the draw, Canada will play Czechia. Canada advanced with an emphatic 7-1 victory over Slovakia, powered by a five-goal first period outburst. Czechia secured their spot with a 6-2 win over Switzerland.
The defeat marks the end of the United States' title defence, having won their first three games of the tournament before losing their final two, including a group stage loss to Sweden. In the relegation bracket, Germany secured their place in next year's top division with an 8-4 victory over Denmark, who will be relegated to Division I-A.
