WJC: Team Finland 2025 U20 WJC roster talk

[Svedu]

To be honest, a complete disaster tournament would be better because that would (hopefully) start the changes in player development faster, than another QF loss. After another QF loss, coaching and FIHA would just repeat the old jargon, "small margins etc.. better luck next year etc.."

This is a good and valid statement. I probably agree even if I always wish for gold when Leijonat are playing.

 

[Svedu]

Two games so far and an early impression... Sorry this is going to be a long one but who knows someone could appreciate or share some similar opinions regarding this finnish team and Finlands current youth development.
Hemming should get benched one game. Reminds me a bit of Järventie back in the days. Even if he was worse perhaps.
Kumpulainen was better than Hemming in the first game and Hynninen should get better when he's bounced back after being sick.
Saarelainen had a tough and bad game like Pieniniemi against Canada. But I would rather see him in a third or fourth line than Hemming.

Overall Mikkolas lines are highly, highly questionable imho. I just don't think Pieniniemi and Kiviharju should play together. They should carry the offense by their own together with a defensively more sound D. Because I don't trust them together in our own zone against the better teams.
Also not picking Muhonen or say even Kiukas after seeing Nieminens performances and his actual defending in both games feels stupid. And while we are at it, why not try to use say Soini when neither Jokinen nor Nieminen impresses? Soini is right handed as well. Try him once at least, can't be that much worse?
Both Tuhkala and Väisänen are meh but trying. This makes me think about KooKoo, not a good organization for developing talent. I feel like both Väisänen and Nurmi stagnated for like 2-3 years. Leevi Aaltonen didn't take a single step there as well. Don't trust their developing system at all.

Only two positive surprises for me so far are: Rimpinen and Alasiurua.
I both hoped and wished Rimpinen to play tight and he's been so good this far and above expectations even. Loving see Finnish goalies like this. He's actually fun to watch as well because he reminds me a bit of a smaller Dostal and perhaps a bit of a bigger Saros. With that I mean his agility. He's lateral movement is fast and he seems to recover pretty good and as JabbaJabba mentioned, he's doing this wile giving the impression of staying calm and poised.
Alasiurua then? I honestly think he has been our best player so far. Not only good but also better than the rest. His skating is actually decent, he has some dekes in him and seems to be able to use them with good timing when needed- IQ. At least so far. He also puts effort in checking the D properly. I could see some fourth line potential in the NHL in him in the longer run. Very far from there now of course and everything has to go well with his development but he has something opportunistic in him in a good way. Perhaps a similar road like Kiviranta, who knows.

With that said you' ll understand the "Rest" have been pretty shit so far.
I expect so much more from following players: Helenius, you've been nothing special whatsoever. Quite the opposite. You need to lead your team. Kiviharju? Oh come on, they mention his confidence etc. Well you are the captain, show it and perform and don't only speak about being good. Show it against both the US and Latvia please. Pieniniemi had a bad game against Canada, if he's bad against the US it will mean he's weak against high forechecking and shit his pants when pressed. Pretty typical Finnish ability amongst D's against the NA teams in these WJC's. A decent game against Germany isn't something to brag about.
Kiiskinen, what is this? You are a complete non factor so far. Mr. anonymous himself like Hemming. You are supposed to be a first liner in this tournament, then freaking show it and start competing at least for f*ck sakes.
Besides Alasiurua being good Halttunen has at least competed. I hope Halttunen can score soon because he seems to have come here to battle. Before the tournament I wasn't sure but he has shut my mouth. Keep it going! Uronen bounced back against Germany and was the second best in that line. The fourth line against Germany is the only line that had some chemistry and performed. One out of two games and against the weaker opponent. Let's see against the US. Those other three lines feel pretty dead imo. Really underwhelming so far. Change them Mikkola, cause you've been shit so far with 1 and 1/5 of a tournament played. Convince us you have something worth mentioning.

Please, let Rimpinen rest one game! Important he's fresh when the playoffs begin. Doesn't matter if it's against the US or Latvia. Personally, I would rest him against the US. Why then? To wake the team up. To see if they can compete without Rimpinen saving their sorry asses. If not? Better to understand and get that insight before the playoffs rather than later. The other factor would be to see if Vali or Saarinen are with us if Rimpinen would have a bad game later on.
I remember when Bragin could be a bit cheeky with the goalie selection for team Russia back in the days. Sometimes even successful.

Lastly, regarding the forward lines:
I mean why have two centers on the wings when Ruohonen doesn't impress as a second center? He's not been any worse than others but still.

Keep the fourth line as it is for now.

Rautiainen-Kumpulainen-Halttunen
(Rautiainen has been a bit unlucky so far. Kumpulainen and Halttunen could be something. Wake Helenius and Kiiskinen because they are not leading the team so far.)

Miettinen-Helenius-Kiiskinen
(Instead of using Hynninen as a winger MIKKOLA!? When Miettinen is more used to it? Put him there, he can get his hand dirty and Helenius will need that because he and Kiiskinen have looked soft so far and Helenius trying to keep it too fancy, too often.

Vesterinen- Hynninen- Saarelainen
(Let these smallish players with decent motors show what they can do together. Vesterinen can be RW as well. If it doesn't work and Saarelainen can't figure it out? Then put Ruohonen there as a center instead and Hynninen to the wing. Thing is, I believe this line would work better than all top9 lines so far. But that's only my opinion or belief).

If someone read all this? Take a well deserved break lol.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I skimmed your post, Svedu!

I’m obsessed with Halttunen’s shot, but it actually needs to enter the net. Rest of the team aside from the goaltender has disappointed me.

 

[Svedu]

I skimmed your post, Svedu!

I’m obsessed with Halttunen’s shot, but it actually needs to enter the net. Rest of the team aside from the goaltender has disappointed me.

Agreed. I'm disapppinted as well. Always thought these 2006 born prospects would be if not huge at least big for Finland. Some depth is there perhaps, but besides Helenius having a good season last year and being a bit of a riser and surprise. They have so far not impressed me one bit nor has anyone showed anything special worth mentioning or getting excited over. I'm baffled over the individual skill and skating level as well.
I mean Latvia has many 2008 born prospects and they won against Canada in Canada. We got mostly outplayed. The thing that worries me the most is that plenty of players are playing in Liiga and some are doing well. But in the WJC's it becomes obvious they are lacking talent and especially in the skating department and perhaps even in skill.
I mean this have been going on for a while. It seems the NA junior leagues are a much better option for a lot of these youngsters nowadays.
Back in the days Teräväinen and Aho didn't have that much better numbers than some other youngsters and even if TT wasnt the fastest they both more or less dominated the WJC's with exceptional skill and IQ.
Even Lehkonen felt better than most participating today and he grew very late and was undersized and somewhat thin during his junior years.

Even if prospects like Pulkkinen and Hynninen who are born late 04-05 could end up in the NHL there are few positive surprises.

Niemelä, Heinola, Vaakanainen, Jokiharju, Laaksonen, Heimosalmi, Honka and all those 1-3 round picks amongst D's these last years not panning out worries me. Even "ERIKFIN" can't convince me or probably himself about anything else.
In all honesty, Finland are clearly the worst "Top" nation at developing D's by a very big margin. We are not only a lot behind Czechia in that department, I think we are at tops even with Slovakia. Perhaps having mediocre depth some years but not anything special after Heiskanen. Juolevi failed as well. I mean while am at it, I can mention Tuomisto and Viro as well.
I mean, we don't have anything much better than Strbak to be honest. And we sure hell don't have any Nemec kind of prospects amongst D's.
Liitto needs to wake up. Mikkola born 96 and Heiskanen 99 and after that there is not much else worth celebrating.

It's strange a player lika Ottavainen who was pretty mediocre as a prospect now is on a similar level to Topi Niemelä who seemed to be a top4 at the very least a couple of years ago. I mean Sedoff is probably as near NHL as Niemelä. What the actual hell is happening with these Finnish d's. Do you know what I see? Not a single offensive minded, or almost even a two-way D from Finland makes it nowadays. Only D's who can defend. And that's good and all but we do need another D besides Heiskanen in the future who can create plays. I really thought Heinola or Niemelä would be those but I guess not. Ant that there speaks volumes. It has to be structural and they need to wake the f*ck up. Skating and skill level amongst finns are at tops average and more often below average.

Pretty bummed and especially when this golden generation has not got many opportunities to show themselves because of greedy owners, Bettman and other creeps. Finlands chances will not get any bigger in 5 years and further on. Czechia could blow pass us anytime soon.

 

[king89]

Two games so far and an early impression... Sorry this is going to be a long one but who knows someone could appreciate or share some similar opinions regarding this finnish team and Finlands current youth development.
Hemming should get benched one game. Reminds me a bit of Järventie back in the days. Even if he was worse perhaps.
Kumpulainen was better than Hemming in the first game and Hynninen should get better when he's bounced back after being sick.
Saarelainen had a tough and bad game like Pieniniemi against Canada. But I would rather see him in a third or fourth line than Hemming.

Overall Mikkolas lines are highly, highly questionable imho. I just don't think Pieniniemi and Kiviharju should play together. They should carry the offense by their own together with a defensively more sound D. Because I don't trust them together in our own zone against the better teams.
Also not picking Muhonen or say even Kiukas after seeing Nieminens performances and his actual defending in both games feels stupid. And while we are at it, why not try to use say Soini when neither Jokinen nor Nieminen impresses? Soini is right handed as well. Try him once at least, can't be that much worse?
Both Tuhkala and Väisänen are meh but trying. This makes me think about KooKoo, not a good organization for developing talent. I feel like both Väisänen and Nurmi stagnated for like 2-3 years. Leevi Aaltonen didn't take a single step there as well. Don't trust their developing system at all.

Only two positive surprises for me so far are: Rimpinen and Alasiurua.
I both hoped and wished Rimpinen to play tight and he's been so good this far and above expectations even. Loving see Finnish goalies like this. He's actually fun to watch as well because he reminds me a bit of a smaller Dostal and perhaps a bit of a bigger Saros. With that I mean his agility. He's lateral movement is fast and he seems to recover pretty good and as JabbaJabba mentioned, he's doing this wile giving the impression of staying calm and poised.
Alasiurua then? I honestly think he has been our best player so far. Not only good but also better than the rest. His skating is actually decent, he has some dekes in him and seems to be able to use them with good timing when needed- IQ. At least so far. He also puts effort in checking the D properly. I could see some fourth line potential in the NHL in him in the longer run. Very far from there now of course and everything has to go well with his development but he has something opportunistic in him in a good way. Perhaps a similar road like Kiviranta, who knows.

With that said you' ll understand the "Rest" have been pretty shit so far.
I expect so much more from following players: Helenius, you've been nothing special whatsoever. Quite the opposite. You need to lead your team. Kiviharju? Oh come on, they mention his confidence etc. Well you are the captain, show it and perform and don't only speak about being good. Show it against both the US and Latvia please. Pieniniemi had a bad game against Canada, if he's bad against the US it will mean he's weak against high forechecking and shit his pants when pressed. Pretty typical Finnish ability amongst D's against the NA teams in these WJC's. A decent game against Germany isn't something to brag about.
Kiiskinen, what is this? You are a complete non factor so far. Mr. anonymous himself like Hemming. You are supposed to be a first liner in this tournament, then freaking show it and start competing at least for f*ck sakes.
Besides Alasiurua being good Halttunen has at least competed. I hope Halttunen can score soon because he seems to have come here to battle. Before the tournament I wasn't sure but he has shut my mouth. Keep it going! Uronen bounced back against Germany and was the second best in that line. The fourth line against Germany is the only line that had some chemistry and performed. One out of two games and against the weaker opponent. Let's see against the US. Those other three lines feel pretty dead imo. Really underwhelming so far. Change them Mikkola, cause you've been shit so far with 1 and 1/5 of a tournament played. Convince us you have something worth mentioning.

Please, let Rimpinen rest one game! Important he's fresh when the playoffs begin. Doesn't matter if it's against the US or Latvia. Personally, I would rest him against the US. Why then? To wake the team up. To see if they can compete without Rimpinen saving their sorry asses. If not? Better to understand and get that insight before the playoffs rather than later. The other factor would be to see if Vali or Saarinen are with us if Rimpinen would have a bad game later on.
I remember when Bragin could be a bit cheeky with the goalie selection for team Russia back in the days. Sometimes even successful.

Lastly, regarding the forward lines:
I mean why have two centers on the wings when Ruohonen doesn't impress as a second center? He's not been any worse than others but still.

Keep the fourth line as it is for now.

Rautiainen-Kumpulainen-Halttunen
(Rautiainen has been a bit unlucky so far. Kumpulainen and Halttunen could be something. Wake Helenius and Kiiskinen because they are not leading the team so far.)

Miettinen-Helenius-Kiiskinen
(Instead of using Hynninen as a winger MIKKOLA!? When Miettinen is more used to it? Put him there, he can get his hand dirty and Helenius will need that because he and Kiiskinen have looked soft so far and Helenius trying to keep it too fancy, too often.

Vesterinen- Hynninen- Saarelainen
(Let these smallish players with decent motors show what they can do together. Vesterinen can be RW as well. If it doesn't work and Saarelainen can't figure it out? Then put Ruohonen there as a center instead and Hynninen to the wing. Thing is, I believe this line would work better than all top9 lines so far. But that's only my opinion or belief).

If someone read all this? Take a well deserved break lol.

I agree with most of this except I think Kiviharju has been good nothing spectacular but solid. Hopefully we see different lines today because it's just plain stupid to not give yourself the best chance possible.

 

[SantosHalper]

Best game in the tournaments so far, guys grew a lot during this game. QF will be a massive challenge but confidence is high, if they lose, they go down fighting.

I'd do some line changes despite the win.

Alasiurua - Helenius - Rautiainen
Miettinen - Hynninen - Halttunen
Hemming - Kumpulainen - Kiiskinen
Nurmi - Ruohonen - Uronen
Saarelainen

 

[Jukurit]

Still expecting more from Helenius. He's been pretty good, but I think he could be better.

 

[llwyd]

Well, after all this doom and gloom we outplayed the tournament favourites. Had a hot goalie of course but also poor finishing, all in all a very justified result. We will always have a genuine, realistic chance of winning in a single game, no matter the opponents.

 

[Namejs]

I actually expected you guys to have a very close game against the US. Germany scored 4 on them and the Latvia-US scoreline does not tell the whole story of multiple Latvian 1 on 1 breakaways, a goal post, etc.

The US has defensive lapses in each game and you managed to use that to your advantage.

I for one believe that the tournament is wide open. Neither the US or Canada are these juggernaut teams that many expected them to be before the tournament.

Always been a fan of Finland, you guys have the same game philosophy as we do in Latvia. In fact, I consider Finland a deeper and more skilled Latvia, so it's always a treat when you take down these types of teams.

 

[Svedu]

Two group finals tonight! I expect Sweden to win their game and actually a Latvian victory against us.
Canada-USA is just impossible to predict. If USA would've beaten us I believe Canada after the Latvia game would've ben victorious but now...USA are humbled as well.

I don't know about the quarters really... Some say Sweden in a final makes Finland perform at their best but in a quarter? Also, even if the Czechs are really good I can't state anything else than Sweden being the best in that group and that they worry me the most. No matter the end result in tonights game. ASP is just a monster and will punish any team in PP. And the fact they have like 4 D's being amongst the 10 best in the whole tournament while we have none.
Soini impressed me but has played one game in this tournament so far. Sweden also have two good goalies.
Their stars have delivered so far as well. Sörum being a lot better than say Kiiskinen. Willander being just as good as ASP if not better. Them two combined give you 2 PPG, amongst D's? Crazy good.

On the other hand, playing against Slovakia gives med bad vibes as well. This team hasn't convinced and not being underdogs would probably only hurt this team because I don't trust Kiviharju nor Helenius so far. I also could visualize a game that doesn't suit Rimpinen. Not getting hot and then getting a PK and punished by Dvorsky who has a great shot and is one of the biggest stars in this tournament. Actually performing compared to Helenius.
They also have two decent goalies, good PP with Strbak, Radivojevic, Dvorsky and Pekarcik.
But of course, Finland "Should" have a lot more depth than Slovakia this year.

The Czechs then... I don't know here. They would be favorites against us but I think I prefer them the most in a quarter. Some players participated last year and they should have want revenge. Halttunen being one of them, Helenius and so on.
Also, Czechs have played really well but at the same time? Not having all their best D's? And performing so good... Makes me wonder, have they done a classic old school Sweden? Performed their best at the group stage? They are of course a lot better than Slovakia and have a lot more depth as well. Ande ven if Stancl Mastalirsky have been great so far I also feel like Sale could have another gear left in him as well.
Tough one, but I still think I rather be a underdog against them than being a small favorite against Slovakia.

Regarding the Finnish team then: Halttunen frustrates me. He's competing. Not necessarily bad or good. I still like his effort. But... His shot! Gives me such Kemell vibes from some tournament. I don't give a rats ass about his shot power. He misses the net too often. It's like he only focuses on shooting hard and with will.
No matter his performances in this tournament, for his own sake I hope focuses on mimicking Laine (impossible of course, currently probably one of the 5 best shots in the NHL). Focusing on the accuracy further on and trains repeatedly on that because I honestly believe that will be the most important factor in the end. If he'll be a top9 and PP player or not making it at all.
Uronen then, clearly skilled in the offense but does he play a winning game? Not convinced yet.
Alasiurua, our best player in every game. More or less. Love him.
Rimpinen, perhaps one of the 3 best individuals in the whole tournament together with ASP (or actually the majority of the Swedish D), McKenna, Dvorsky, Sörum and Stancl. I love Rimpinen. No pressure on him, he's already saved our asses a couple of times.
Nurmi skates like Hagelin but has never developed anything worth mentioning production wise. I Balme KooKoo a bit as well. neither him or Väsiänen took enough steps during the years there. Hope can be important for us with effort and work rate.
Helenius really underwhelming. Kiiskinen the same. Notice, the expectations before the tournament are just as relevant as their actual performances so far.
Miettinen, I like him. Simple.
Hynninen was better against the US and gives me the feeling that he's our second best player after Alasiurua right now.
Kumpulainen, has been better than Helenius and Kiiskinen imho.
Hemming? Just bench him already or wake him up. He's clearly this years Järventie so far. Not been decent in any kind of way. Neither effort or skill wise.
Kiviharju, very bad when defending. I don't trust him so far.
Pieniniemi good offensively but again, don't trust him when defending and especially not together with Kiviharju.
Rautiainen has blew a couple of chances in the early games. Tough start but not necessarily bad in the games like say Hemming.
Ruohonen, hmm... He missed his guy when the US scored their 3-3 equalizer. He's not noticeable in offense so therefor I expect more. He if anyone should be a guy who doesn't let those easy goals against us when on ice, otherwise he's loses his meaning quite frankly.
Saarelainen has been a letdown after being a personal favorite and surprise after seeing last years u18.
Soini really took his chance last game. They added one right handed D instead of the only one before him, lol.

So, that's all for now. Not all players mentioned but a couple. Happy new year ya' ll!

Still expecting more from Helenius. He's been pretty good, but I think he could be better.

First time I've read something a bit too forgiving and optimistic from you. Jokes aside. I'm actually disappointed with him. Hynninen has clearly been better for me.
Helenius should be able to be on say Dvorskys level and have the same importance for his team.

 

[Svedu]

Best game in the tournaments so far, guys grew a lot during this game. QF will be a massive challenge but confidence is high, if they lose, they go down fighting.

I'd do some line changes despite the win.

Alasiurua - Helenius - Rautiainen
Miettinen - Hynninen - Halttunen
Hemming - Kumpulainen - Kiiskinen
Nurmi - Ruohonen - Uronen
Saarelainen

This looks really good to me! You have a sense. Alasiurua could wake Helenius a bit more. His energy is high. Helenius should be able to find passes to both of these players who can finish.
That second line could be lethal and even the best. Miettinen and Hynninen were good against the US. Halttunen needs to find his accuracy though.
Kumpulainen is good. Kiiskinen needs to show more but I do believe they could be a fit. Hemming, who knows... Perhaps the other guys can ignite something in him.
Ruohonen needs to keep it together in the fourth line then. Nurmi can work hard and skate like a horse. Uronen is clearly the skilled guy in this line.
Well thought of you!

 

[SantosHalper]

Well thought of you!

I have my moments but yeah 1st line could use a player that drives to net and create space for both Helenius and Rautiainen, them have some chemistry. Kumpulainen-Kiiskinen Lahti connection, there i actually though someone else but Hemming has upside, so maybe indeed they can ignite him. Miettinen-Halttunen, "powerforwards" create space for Hynninen and look for empty spot for Hynninen to make crisp passes. 4th is high energy line, dump and chase, straight forward pucks to the net, skate-skate-skate like the coaches say. Saarelainen on PK duty.

 

[Antiillafire]

Congratulations on advancing to the semifinals!