WJC: Team Finland 2025 U20 WJC roster talk

[SantosHalper]

That's no mean feat. Only two other Finnish coaches in the history of the tournament have achieved the same - Erkka Westerlund and Antti Pennanen.

Hannu Aravirta and Raipe have two WJC semifinal berths on their belts as well, but they didn't come on consecutive years.

Tournament system was different but Jortikka also won B2B medals '87 gold & '88 bronze. Great achievement by Mikkola anyways and i wouldn't be surprised to see him re-signed.

 

[FiLe]

It was more to say that I'm surprised we did because I don't have a massive fate on him as a coach.

That's kind of what makes this funny. On this list, you have these names everyone recognizes, and then you have... Lauri Mikkola.

I admit, I didn't have much faith in him either after last year's performance, but... he actually seems to have grown into the job. Somewhat.

 

[Jukurit]

Have to remember that there's no Russia. Making past quarter-finals is easier now. But still, positively surprised by Mikkola. Seems like he's a lot better coach than what people thought.

 

[Svedu]

Have to remember that there's no Russia. Making past quarter-finals is easier now. But still, positively surprised by Mikkola. Seems like he's a lot better coach than what people thought.

True. I think Demidov could've toyed with our D's just like Dvorsky. With the difference that Russia would have a lot more depth too.

With Russia not participating I won't be as forgiving as you guys because the way we lost that bronze game was miserable in a historical fashion. I'll join you guys if he can win against Sweden even if we are big underdogs. For me, he needs to compensate for last year. And... I think you guys are being a bit generous. Mostly because of? Rimpinen. With last years Kokko we wouldn't have been in the semis this year... We wouldn't have won against the US with that goaltending and could've faced Sweden in the quarters.
Also, I'm not sure Slovakia was a lot better than Latvia this year and we struggled badly. And how come it reminded me of that bronze game last year? Is that a Mikkola thing? When losing momentum, lose it all? There is a valid question there. Especially when the Slovaks lacked heavily on the depth department this year. Rimpinen still needed to save our asses.
They mostly had two individuals toying with whole our team when on ice. Let's not forget that. And during the game I didn't feel Mikkola had a recipe against them. Dvorsky even had a shot on the rim. And both guys both scored and really dominated. Same Slovaks had a tough time against the weakest nation and team in tournament, Kazakhstan.

Hope he proves me wrong tonight!

 

[king89]

Have to remember that there's no Russia. Making past quarter-finals is easier now. But still, positively surprised by Mikkola. Seems like he's a lot better coach than what people thought.

He's better than Lämsä at least. Under Lämsä nothing worked now we at least have a BP that works and a system that seems to have gotten better. PP is still dogshit but that's mostly because Helenius plays on of the off wing. That screws everything up.

 

[king89]

WE ARE THROUGH TO THE FINALS

Yet again no one believed in us but we keep on grinding and grinding and in the end we are victorious

 

[FinPanda]

I can't believe it. I am sooo happy, I didn't know this team had what it takes. We taking home a medal wooooo!

 

[SantosHalper]

Here we go again and i love it!

 

[behemolari]

WE ARE THROUGH TO THE FINALS

Yet again no one believed in us but we keep on grinding and grinding and in the end we are victorious

they never learn, and its so much fun

 

[Past Considerations]

Have to remember that there's no Russia. Making past quarter-finals is easier now. But still, positively surprised by Mikkola. Seems like he's a lot better coach than what people thought.

When Russia was playing Czechia wasn't seen as a gold medal contender so in a way the amount of so called big nations has remained the same.

 

[Eye of Ra]

Please win the final. So boring with north Americans always winning.

 

[danisonfire]

Finland is once again going to be one of the teams "with the grrreeastest placement avvvvveragggge". The song holds true to this day.

 

[JJTT]

Didn't even realise how young this team is. 13 players could be back next year.

 

[FinPanda]

Didn't even realise how young this team is. 13 players could be back next year.

Rimpinen is one of them too, so we are set for goaltending.

 

[Svedu]

I hoped for Czechia against us because I like them more. Also felt we would've been underdogs, but only with say 40-60.
But against USA I feel like it's 20-80. They are so damn much faster. Leonard and Hutson just flies out there and Hagens is a rollercoaster and moves and changes directions like a magician. Both with his skates and stickhandling, very fluid.

It worries me because they've only lost one game and it was against us. I just can't see us beating them twice in the same tournament. Is that possible against them?
Rimpinen, has that guy any energy left? Is it even possible after that OT? No matter what, I love you. What a young guy.
I actually often root against the US mostly because of various reasons, so if they could deliver the biggest upset ever and win a gold against them? No, will not happen. It would be too big to even dream about.

We had a tougher game yesterday. I'm thankful and proud over the guys. How they got through the third period is a sport mystery. And then a 4 vs 3 PP against the best PP in the tournament in OT? No, you can't even write that. But Rimpinen oh Rimpinen, I would probably shed a tear if you and your team could win the gold medal. Because if anyone deserves it in this tournament it sure hell is you.

Peukut pystyyn!

 

[Erikfromfin]

Didn't even realise how young this team is. 13 players could be back next year.

Thats why I mentioned back to back gold is reality. 13 players back as 19 year old good luck rest of the teams. Top3 centers the same including 5 defenders and Rimpinen. I doubt Helenius will be cancelled because NHL duties next season.

 

[Svedu]

Thats why I mentioned back to back gold is reality. 13 players back as 19 year old good luck rest of the teams. Top3 centers the same including 5 defenders and Rimpinen. I doubt Helenius will be cancelled because NHL duties next season.

Helenius is playing as a first center for Rochester. Buffalo have been horrendous as well. Could be up for some trades.
I think there is a possibility he plays top9 for Buffalo next year. Even if he's under Kulich, Peterka and others he's a smarter player than say Krebs and so on. I mean if Benson can get so much ice time then wouldn't be surprised if Helenius could as well. Nothing against Benson btw. Besides Tage Thompson, Tuch, Peterka and Kulich there really isn't that much competition.
Their fans seem to hate Cozens and wish to trade him already. Helenius is able to play wing as well.

But, I hope you are right of course. He will be needed next year when a couple of this years teams best players won't be able to participate. (Kiiskinen, Kumpulainen, Rautiainen, Alasiurua, Uronen, Hynninen, Halttunen, Nurmi, Pieniniemi).
And imo Kumpulainen and Alasiurua have been our best players so far in this tournament. With perhaps Kiiskinen being on third and Rautiainen with a good semifinal game.

I mean Westergård, Kotajärvi and Boelius are the only 2007's I see having a chance making the roster lol. Personally I hope Westergård leaves Sweden for a Canadian junior league or Liiga next year. With his ability to skate and shoot he could become a important piece if he takes big steps next year.

 

[SantosHalper]

Team that had QF exit written all over it, comes home with a silver medal. Kiitos Leijonat and that "Lion" title is well deserved. Truly a team full of Lions. Dominant USA was better with only 1 goal and needed couple lucky bounces to get back in game.

We can be proud but hopefully FIHA took notes, that pace, it didn't last until end of the game. If it would have lasted, Finland would have won. We did quite well in the boards battles, so i think we have improved there or at least this age group did. Hopefully we continue on that path but that skating, nearly there so to speak. Get pace going for 60 minutes and Finland will be in the medals every year.

Until next time and im optimistic, this team had 10(?) '06 born players. Team core is there already and coach Mikkola is on the right level. Next year we beat USA's diving team in the finals.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

This team was full of winners.
They exceeded all expectations to making this far and winning U20 WJC silver.

The best one.
13 guys of this team will be back next year.

 

[FinPanda]

Good tournament but silver feels diappointing now. But there is a big issue on conditioning, just just can't run out of gas in 3rd period.. hockey game lasts 60 mins not 40.