Finland looking to bounce back following disappointing season
By Radoslav Vavřina, Lead Writer, The Czech List
Following a great run to the finals two years ago, the Finns had a dissapointing tourney in Piešťany and Břeclav last year. Despite opening it up by a shootout win over Team USA, they ended fifth as they failed to beat Russia in the critical third game of the group stage. After all, they would go on to beat Switzerland in the fifth-place game.
This year, the Czech town of Břeclav will be their temporary home and they will face the Americans and Russians yet again in addition to the hosts, Team Czech Republic. Let’s take a closer look at their roster.
The situation is promising in the Finnish net where Veini Vehviläinen should be the starter and he’s an experienced netminder who has a full Under-20 liiga season under his belt. Also, Vehviläinen was stellar while playing for the Under-17 national team last year and added one appearance at the Under-18 level, too. Christian Heljanko of Helsinki-based HIFK organization should be his backup.
Finns are known for solid defense and this year should be no exception, even though there are no big names present. Jarkko Parikka should become the leader of the defensive corps and he proved he’s capable of that while playing at the Under-18 World Juniors in April in his home country. Right now, he’s transferring from USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers to OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs. Lapland-born Vili Saarijärvi of Green Bay should have a big role as well.
Up in the offense, recent Owen Sound draftee Petrus Palmu has a name worth remembering and paying attention to. Besides him, Sebastian Aho looks like a true leader and he’s already appeared in three Liiga games with Kärpät. Big forward Patrik Laine has proved that he’s got what it takes to be an elite goal-scorer by scoring 26 in 40 games last year in the Under-20 liiga. Swedish-born Jesse Puljujärvi is a similar kind of player.
Finland will open up the tourney on Monday at 3:30 local time when they meet Russia. Day later, Finns clash with Czechs and on Wednesday, they wrap up the group stage against Team USA.
Roster
Goaltenders
Veini Vehviläinen (JYP)
Christian Heljanko (HIFK)
Defensemen
Ville Järvinen (Ilves)
Jesper Mattila (Ilves)
Juuso Välimäki (Ilves)
Olli Juolevi (Jokerit)
Vili Saarijärvi (Green Bay)
Jarkko Parikka (Kingston)
Veeti Vainio (Blues)
Forwards
Sebastian Aho (Kärpät)
Kasper Björkqvist (Blues)
Joonas Niemelä (Blues)
Petrus Palmu (Owen Sound)
Arttu Ruotsalainen (Kärpät)
Jonne Tammela (KalPa)
Sami Tavernier (HIFK)
Jesse Puljujärvi (Kärpät)
Otto Mäkinen (Tappara)
Julius Nättinen (JYP)
Patrik Laine (Tappara)
Julius Mattila (Ilves)
Topi Piipponen (KalPa)
