WJC: Team Finland 2025 U20 WJC roster talk

[JustAPleb]

Good luck to those guys who trying to choise Finland's defenders after Kiviharju and Pieniniemi. Concretely, there is not even a single certain choice besides them.

 

[JabbaJabba]

Good luck to those guys who trying to choise Finland's defenders after Kiviharju and Pieniniemi. Concretely, there is not even a single certain choice besides them.

I don't know man. Nykyri and Nieminen seem like obvious choices.

 

[JustAPleb]

I don't know man. Nykyri and Nieminen seem like obvious choices.

Nykyri was perhaps Finland's worst defender in the Imatra tournament. Sure, he does have experience in the Liiga, but let’s be completely honest, the level of Liiga at the start of the season has been terrible. (It’s certainly not Nykyri’s fault but rather reflects the overall level of Finnish hockey.)

 

[bebl]

Nykyri was perhaps Finland's worst defender in the Imatra tournament. Sure, he does have experience in the Liiga, but let’s be completely honest, the level of Liiga at the start of the season has been terrible. (It’s certainly not Nykyri’s fault but rather reflects the overall level of Finnish hockey.)

How is level of Liiga has been any worse than last few seasons? Atleast by tactical and entertaining value Liiga has been imo way better than it has been in years. Finally playstyles are trending that could be useful for prospects that are looking to transfer to NA. Also Lassi Alanen liked what he saw from Nykyri on that tournament. And I have to add that I hope Nykyri is not in big role if he is chosen to WJC, he is not that good yet, but looks promising.

 

[Svedu]

I believe Kangas is a player that could get selected for third pairing. Don't believe all the "Best" D's when it comes to skill will get picked. So yeah, the third pairing and- or perhaps the second could consist of surprises.
Also, what about Soini? I mean isn't Ilves one of the most competitive teams or rosters for a young guy? Muhonen is another one like Kangas, could be a lower pairing D. Junkkari and so on. These guys could go before someone like Nieminen, Nykyri and Jokinen.
Otherwise like you've mentioned, very difficult to guess the D lineup in the end.

Hemming, Väisänen and Nurmi have pretty weak showings over the seas so far. Especially Hemming who probably gets more opportunities. Väisänen could likely have played himself out of the roster already.

For me right now:
Locks: Rimpinen, Vali and probably Saarinen because of Vinnis injury.

Kiviharju, Pieniniemi.

Kumpulainen, Miettinen, Helenius, Vesterinen, Saarelainen, Rautiainen, Halttunen, Hynninen, Kiiskinen.

Will probably get selected but not locks: Uronen, Koivu, Kuusla, Hemming.

Outsiders amongst forwards: Huttu, Alasiurua, Sinivuori.

Overall i have to write that the depth amongst the 2006 born players is pretty deep compared to earlier and following years. The 2007's just shouldn't be mention from a Finnish perspective lol.

 

[jaa]

I'm biased because he plays in my home town team, but I think that Saarelainen would be great bottom6 player in wjc. He is such a smart and mature player for his age, better than average junior A player in terms of smarts and defensive side of the game. Seems to fly under the radar for most people.

 

[Svedu]

I'm biased because he plays in my home town team, but I think that Saarelainen would be great bottom6 player in wjc. He is such a smart and mature player for his age, better than average junior A player in terms of smarts and defensive side of the game. Seems to fly under the radar for most people.

I actually agree without being biased. Saw him in the WJC-18 and everything you wrote feels pretty accurate and you forgot to mention he has a decent motor as well. I hope to see him and Vesterinen in the bottom6. Perhaps even Nurmi if he can step it up.