Canada celebrates World Cup gold – the country broke the Young Lions’ gold streak in a bitter way

Finland has lost to Canada in the final match of the Under-20 World Ice Hockey Championships. The host team won the match played in Edmonton 3–2 in overtime after dramatic stages.

Finland took the third set to overtime. The championship hit Canada Kent Johnsonwho was able to shoot his own loose puck into the net in 63.20.

The loss was bitter, because just a moment earlier, Finland’s world championship was inches away. The championship was prevented only by Canada’s number one star Mason McTavishwho missed his bat Topi Niemelän to the company.

The puck hit the goal line, but no closer than this. The situation was checked on video during the Canadian celebrations.

– We got an excellent Kir and the team did show a tough character. An extremely tough and persistent team. We got close, to the finish line. I guess it’s part of hockey, head coach Antti Pennanen regretted.

The match’s ice balance sparked discussion. Canada was sentenced to only one two-minute timeout, while Finland was sent to the ice shelf seven times.

– I really want to respect both teams and that game. I don’t want the judges to comment more than that, Pennanen said.

Also a defender Ruben Rafkin was silent about refereeing. He was sentenced to two suspensions in the second period.

– It’s probably better that I don’t comment on the referee’s line in any way. Let’s leave them alone, Rafkin said.

Naturally, Rafkin was very disappointed. According to Rafkin, who previously won World Championship bronze at the youth level, it takes time for the medal to shine.

– Two races and going home with a medal from each one, it couldn’t be worse. Three silver medals in the last two and a half years. It doesn’t warm the mind, but move on, Rafkin stated and pointed to his two SM silvers in the ranks of TPS.

Canada returned to winning ways at their home games, as in 2017, 2019 and 2021, other countries celebrated on Canadian soil. Canada’s previous World Cup gold at home was from 2015.

Finland’s gold streak, on the other hand, was broken, as the three previous finals in which Finland played had ended with the Young Lions’ celebrations. The last time the country lost to the Czech Republic in the final of the World Junior Championships was in 2001.

Canada started strong in front of their home crowd. Finland defended its own goal closely, but Canada rolled into Finland’s territory again and again with the strength of its first team, among other things.

In the end, Canada’s strong tempo and grit paid off when Mason McTavish took the puck away from the Finnish defense. Juha Jatkola parried McTavish’s shot but of Joshua Roy kuti from the loose puck passed the Finnish keeper.

After the goal, Finland got its first shot at Canada’s goal, after which Nuoret Leijonat got into the game. Captain Roni Hirvonen was the closest to succeeding, but Dylan Garand took the company.

The second set was also difficult for Nuori Leijon. Canada struck after only 48 seconds on the counterattack when William Dufour shot accurately to the bottom corner of the puck.

Finland got their first longer rotation of the evening at 25 minutes. However, the game was dulled by ice jams, as Nuoret Leijonat was forced into a two-minute ice shelf as many as five times. Finland stayed in the game thanks to its brilliant understrength.

In the final set, Finland took the lead in 44:09, when the defender Aleksi Heimosalmen the shot bounced past Garand from behind the mask. Made a great mask Samuel Helenius was in front of the goal again in the next exchange, but this time Garand kept his package together.

Nuoret Leijonat took control of the game and got the reward after the half of the set. Finished the equalizer Joakim Kemellwho received a button pass from Niemela.

In the overtime, Finland got a superior attack, which even led to the world championship. This time, however, Canada got to celebrate in front of their home crowd.

– It’s a big disappointment, of course. I have been able to travel with a great team. Everyone can be proud, including the management team. It’s very sad now, but it was a great trip. I am proud of the whole team, Kemell characterized.

Thus, the junior national team careers of those born in 2002 ended with World Championship silver. Pennanen says that the team has gone through an amazing and long journey to this point.

– The team’s winning percentage was more than 90. It says something, character and many things. We have talked about different things: values ​​and humanity and many other important things, not only hockey. That makes this (trip) really meaningful, Pennanen concludes.