Finland Stuns U.S. in OT to End American Reign at World Juniors
Jimi Karttunen’s overtime heroics sealed a 3–2 comeback win, snapping the United States’ 28-game win streak and sending Finland to the World Junior final.
Drama in Halifax: Finland Dethrones U.S. in Extra Time
HALIFAX, Canada — The horn at the Scotiabank Centre had barely stopped echoing when the Finns piled into the corner, sticks flung skyward, their golden jerseys a blur of joy after Jimi Karttunen’s wrist shot slipped past American goalie Trey Augustine 3:42 into overtime.
The Moment That Mattered
It was a play born of patience. Down 2–1 late in the third, Finland pulled goalie Noa Vali for the extra attacker. With 1:17 left, defenseman Aron Kiviharju threaded a pass through the slot to Oiva Keskinen, who roofed it to force sudden death.
“We never doubted,” Keskinen said, still catching his breath. “We’ve been dreaming of this since we were kids on the outdoor rinks in Tampere.”
U.S. Dynasty Snapped
The United States arrived in Nova Scotia chasing a third straight title and boasting 18 returning players from last year’s roster. They out-shot Finland 38–25, dominated the face-off circle, and got a highlight-reel goal from Cutter Gauthier, who went bar-down late in the second.
But hockey is cruel to the team that can’t finish. A too-many-men penalty in the final frame gave Finland the opening it needed.
What Comes Next
Finland advances to Saturday’s final against host Canada, itself fresh off a 4–3 semifinal thriller over Sweden. The U.S. will play for bronze against the Czechs, a medal that feels hollow after 28 consecutive wins at this tournament.
- Key stat: Finland’s power-play clicked twice on six chances.
- Save of the night: Vali’s glove robbery on Gauthier’s one-timer midway through OT.
- Historic note: First time since 2016 the U.S. fails to reach the gold-medal game.
Inside the mixed zone, American coach John Wroblewski tipped his cap: “They earned it. We’ll be back, but tonight belongs to Finland.”
As snow began to fall outside the rink, Finnish fans belted out “Maamme”, their anthem echoing down the icy streets of Halifax—proof that on this night, the underdogs rewrote the script.