Finland Edges USA 4-3 in Overtime to Reach World Junior Championship Semifinals
Finland defeated the United States 4-3 in overtime in the World Junior Championship quarter-finals, with Arttu Välilä scoring the game-winning goal at 2:11 of the extra period. The victory advances Finland to the semifinals, where they will face Sweden, while Canada will take on Czechia in the other semifinal.
The game took place in Minnesota, with the Finland-USA quarter-final held in St. Paul. Finland trailed 2-1 entering the third period but rallied with Lee Tuuva tying the game with 7:17 remaining and Joona Saarelainen scoring the go-ahead goal at 6:22.
For the United States, goals were scored by Cole Eiserman on a second-period power play and Cole Hutson. Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf made 21 saves, while Finland’s Petteri Rimpinen stopped 28 shots.
Other quarterfinal results saw Sweden defeat Latvia 6-3, Canada rout Slovakia 7-1, Czechia beat Switzerland 6-2, and Germany defeat Denmark 8-4 in a relegation game.
This win continues Finland’s pursuit of revenge following last year’s final where the U.S. won 4-3 in overtime in Ottawa. The semifinals are scheduled for Sunday, with Finland facing Sweden and Canada playing Czechia.
