Finland Shocks Two-Time Reigning Champions US in U20 World Championship Quarterfinal Round.

Finland's Arttu Välilä netted the winner at 2:11 of overtime as Finland engineered a remarkable four to three win over the reigning two-time champion American team on Friday evening in the world junior hockey last eight.

"Got to give full credit to the United States," stated Finnish captain A. Kiviharju. "They are a fantastic squad, loaded with exceptional individuals and a superbly organized team. But I said we were seeking that payback from the previous final, and I believe we truly deserved it this evening."

In the semifinal matches on Sunday, Finland will face the Swedish team, while the Canadians will meet the Czech Republic. Sweden defeated the Latvian side 6-3, Canada produced a five-goal first period in a 7-1 romp over Slovakia, and the Czechs overcame Switzerland by a 6-2 margin.

Thrilling Final Frame and Overtime

The Michigan State Spartan Lee Ryker knotted the score for the United States with one minute and thirty-three seconds remaining in the third period and the University of Notre Dame netminder Nick Kempf off for an extra attacker.

L. Tuuva and Joona Saarelainen found the net in a fifty-five-second burst in the third period to give Finland a 2-1 lead. Tuuva tied it at two-all with 7:17 to go, then set up his teammate's game-leading goal with six minutes and twenty-two seconds on the clock. J. Saarelainen also earned a helper on Tuuva’s goal.

Notable Performances and Post-Game Comments

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

"In my opinion we executed well for a lot of the game," Hutson said. "But the little bounces that they got, many of their high-quality opportunities came from our errors."

His BU teammate C. Eiserman handed the United States a two to one edge on a man advantage with nine minutes and forty-five seconds left in the second period. He took a feed from Hutson and beat the Finnish goaltender with a one-timer from the right side.

Hutson scored on a rush thirty-five seconds into the second period. H. Ruohonen tied it at 4:46 on a quick shot from the left wing.

Between the Pipes Stats

• Rimpinen stopped twenty-eight attempts.
• The American netminder recorded 21 saves.

The Americans fell in their final two games – losing 6-3 to the Swedes on Wednesday in the group finale – after winning their first three.

"It has been an honor to coach this team," stated the American bench boss. "Our guys played a terrific game today and fell just a bit short. All credit to the Finns. It's an empty emotion right now, but our guys gave it all they had."

Other Playoff Action

In the second match in Minneapolis, the Canadians overwhelmed Slovakia with the aforementioned first-period explosion.

C. Reschny, T. Iginla, Michael Misa, S. O'Reilly and B. Martin tallied in the first period, and Porter Martone and C. Beaudoin connected in the second. Jack Ivankovic made 21 saves.

"This demonstrates how dominant we can be," B. Martin said. "Taking a 5-0 advantage, it really kills their confidence."

In the opening playoff game, A. Frondell scored twice for Team Sweden against Latvia. The defender Leo Sahlin Wallenius contributed a goal and two helpers to aid the Swedish side remain perfect in their five outings.

In Minneapolis T. Galvas, S. Drancak, Adam Jiricek, P. Sikora, J. Klima and Jakub Fibigr provided the goals for the Czechs.

Relegation Match Outcome

Germany won the consolation match, beating Denmark eight to four. M. Schams had two goals to ensure his nation retain its place next year in the main event. Denmark was relegated to Division I-A.