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Finland wins Relegation Opener against Latvia at the 2017 World Junior Championships

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X January 2, 2017
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MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 2: Finland's Kristian Vesalainen #34 celebrates at the bench with teammates after scoring a third period goal against Latvia during relegation round action at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Kristian Vesalainen broke a third-period tie as Finland edged Latvia 2-1 to kick off the best-of-three relegation series in Montreal on Monday.

Vesalainen’s long shot with 11 minutes left deflected in off defender Deniss Smirnovs, and the Finns celebrated with relief.

“I just shot the puck to the net and I don’t know what happened,” said Vesalainen. “Pretty lucky goal.”

The underdog Latvians allowed a tournament-worst 29 goals in four group stage games, but hung tough here to keep this one close. Finland outshot Latvia 45-24, and Latvian starting goalie Marek Mitens was tremendous.

“It’s not easy when you have just one goal after 40 shots or something like that,” said Finnish captain Olli Juolevi. “Those guys got more confidence and their goalie was super-hot after that. But the good thing is we finished the job.”

Like Latvia, the snake-bitten Finns scored six goals in group play, also a tournament low. The Finns won gold at last year’s tournament in Helsinki, and originally expected to compete in the quarter-finals. However, they opened with three regulation losses to the Czechs, Danes, and Swedes, and were doomed to the relegation round after Switzerland’s 5-4 shootout win over Denmark.

In a surprising move, coach Jukka Rautakorpi was fired before Finland’s game against Switzerland and replaced by Jussi Ahokas, who coached Finland to U18 gold in April.

Game Two goes Tuesday at the Bell Centre. Game Three is Thursday (if necessary).

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X January 2, 2017
0 1 minute read
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