Ice hockey | Defender Kasper Puutio took the Lions to the World Cup final with a wonderful goal: “The backbone or big brother’s kick bank became a distraction”

“Feeling is quite calm and relaxed”, said the head coach of Finland Antti Pennanen After Sweden fell in a thrilling thriller at the World Youth Hockey Championships in Edmonton.

“I am very happy for the players. The way they played and engaged. It’s been a wonderful journey with them so far.”

Tre Kronor did not give up easily. The semi-final match was an even fight until the end.

In the end, Finland was better with a score of 1–0. The goal was scored by a defender with superior strength Kasper Puutio in time 25.18.

“A direct attack on the goal, space was created in the lane, and “Kappe” took advantage of it”, head coach Pennanen praised and continued to incense.

“He plays excellently. Mature as a person, great character, our leading players. He takes good care of his team.”

The goal was defender Puutio’s fourth in the World Cup. Winning the goal exchange has not been in his mind.

“We were looking for speed in it, and Aatu Räty put a little higher putt”, described Puutio of his hit.

“I got the puck well in front of me with my hand, and then I realized I was through. Something in the spinal cord or big brother’s gimmick bank came as a distraction, I’ve not been a terrible drive-through guy in general,” said Puutio.

Young Alivoima of the lions worked well. In the second period, it managed to kill a dangerous five-on-three situation.

“We defended well”, said Samuel Helenius.

“The pucks were well protected. The blocks were of great value.”

“Sweden put up a really strong resistance,” said the attacker Eetu Liukas.

“Hats off to them for that. A really tough game, but we showed what our character is. The self-sacrifice on the field was insanely cool.”

In the third period of the match, Finland had more chances to score.

Defender Joni Jurmo brought the puck up and passed For Juuso Mäenpääwhose shot was deflected by goalkeeper Jby esper Wallstedt over the top bar.

Aatu Räty was able to drive through at eight minutes, but his shot stopped in Wallstedt’s kneepad.

Eetu Liukas shot at the left post at ten minutes. Kalle Väisänen snarled the defender of William Wallinder before the end and was able to shoot freely.

“The game was tight, but we were closer to scoring the second or third goal,” said Pennanen.

Keeper Juha Jatkola played excellently, made 23 saves and kept a clean sheet.

“I’ve always liked him. Juha is calm, reads the game well, and as we saw today, cool-headed in the goal”, head coach Pennanen praised.

“The fact that he made such a performance was not surprising.”

Young people The Lions will face host country Canada in the final match of the World Cup tournament.

The final marks a revenge for the lion group that lost to the maple shirts in the preliminary series.

“The guy was particularly effective in the last game. We have to be able to influence it, and be stronger in goal representation. They scored three of their five goals from goal kicks, so that’s one decisive thing.”

Finland had just under 24 hours to fully refuel its physical and mental resources before the final against the big advance favorite.

“Everyone’s tanks are already full,” said Samuel Helenius.

“We know what kind of game is coming. A really tough game. I don’t think we’ll be caught up tomorrow.”