Finland Stuns Two-Time Defending Title Holders the United States in U20 World Championship Quarterfinal Round.

Finland's Arttu Välilä netted the winner at two minutes and eleven seconds of overtime as Finland engineered a remarkable 4-3 win over the reigning two-time champion United States on Friday night in the IIHF World Junior Championship quarter-finals.

"Got to give credit to the US," remarked Finnish captain A. Kiviharju. "They are a hell of a team, loaded with exceptional individuals and a well coached team. But I said we wanted that revenge from the previous final, and I believe we kind of earned it tonight."

In the semifinal matches on Sunday, the Finns will take on Sweden, while the Canadians will meet the Czech Republic. Sweden defeated Latvia 6-3, Team Canada had a first-period five-goal outburst in a 7-1 romp over Slovakia, and the Czechs overcame Switzerland by a 6-2 score.

Dramatic Final Frame and Extra Session

The Michigan State Spartan L. Ryker tied it for the U.S. team with one minute and thirty-three seconds left in regulation and the Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf off for an extra attacker.

L. Tuuva and J. Saarelainen found the net in a 55-second burst in the third period to hand Finland a two to one advantage. Tuuva leveled the score at two-all with seven minutes and seventeen seconds left, then set up his teammate's go-ahead goal with 6:22 remaining. Saarelainen also earned a helper on Tuuva’s goal.

Key Performances and Post-Game Comments

The BU blueliner C. Hutson had a goal and an assist for the Americans after being struck in the back of the head versus Switzerland and missing two games.

"I thought we made good plays for a lot of the game," the defenseman commented. "But the small details that they got, many of their Grade-A opportunities came from our mistakes."

His BU teammate C. Eiserman gave the United States a two to one lead on a power play with 9:45 left in the second period. He took a feed from Hutson and beat the Finnish goaltender with a quick shot from the right side.

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

Between the Pipes Stats

• Finland's goalie saved twenty-eight attempts.
• The American netminder made 21 saves.

The U.S. squad lost their final two games – falling 6-3 to Sweden on Wednesday in the group finale – after starting with their initial three matches.

"It has been an honor to lead this group," stated the American bench boss. "They played a terrific game tonight and came up just short. All credit to Finland. It's an empty emotion at the moment, but our players gave it all they had."

Other Quarter-Final Action

In the second match in Minneapolis, the Canadians routed Slovakia with the five-goal first.

Cole Reschny, T. Iginla, M. Misa, Sam O’Reilly and B. Martin tallied in the opening twenty minutes, and P. Martone and Cole Beaudoin scored in the second. J. Ivankovic made 21 saves.

"This demonstrates how dominant we can be," B. Martin remarked. "Going up 5-0 advantage, it really kills their morale."

In the first quarter-final, A. Frondell scored twice for Sweden against Latvia. The defenseman Leo Sahlin Wallenius had a goal and two helpers to aid the Swedish side remain perfect in five games.

In Minneapolis T. Galvas, Samuel Drancak, A. Jiricek, P. Sikora, J. Klima and J. Fibigr scored for the Czechs.

Consolation Game Outcome

Germany won the relegation game, beating the Danes 8-4. Manuel Schams scored twice to ensure Germany retain its spot for the following season in the top division. Denmark was relegated to Division I-A.