2014 WJC Video: Julius Honka, Finland Photo: Finland defenseman and 2014 prospect Julius Honka has been a top rookie in the WHL during the 2013-14 season (courtesy of LUDVIG THUNMAN/AFP/Getty Images) To look at the stat line for Finland defender Julius Honka following the completion of the 2014 World Junior Championship, it would be easy to assume that the offensive defenseman didn't have an effective showing at this event. 2014 WJC Video: Teuvo Teravainen, Finland
Finnish forward and team captain Teuvo Teravainen has turned in an impressive performance so far at the 2014 World Junior Championship. He has worn the “C” with great distinction, and now has helped to bring his country to their first gold medal game appearance at this tournament in 13 years. 2014 WJC Video: Juuse Saros, Finland Photo: Team Finland goaltender Juuse Saros has been leading the way for his country at the 2014 World Junior Championship, with his 1.53 goals-against average and .942 save percentage both being tops among goaltenders at this tournament (courtesy of ANDREAS HILLERGREN / TT/AFP/Getty Images) For the first time since 2001, Finland will be playing for the gold medal at the World Junior Championship. The Finns landed in that game by knocking off Canada, 5-1, in a semi-final game. Now, they must defeat Sweden in that country if they want to take home gold. 2014 WJC Podcast: Sweden attempts perfect run to gold in final against Finland Photo: Team Sweden forwards Filip Forsberg (L) and Jacob de la Rose (R) celebrate Forsberg’s goal in their semi-final win over Russia at the 2014 World Junior Championship (courtesy of LUDVIG THUNMAN/AFP/Getty Images) While there were some concerns that playing as the host team might create too much pressure for Sweden, the team has instead played as if it didn't matter where the 2014 World Junior Championship was being contested. The Swedes have so far made an undeated run through this tournament, but they must now defeat their greatest rival, Finland, a second time to take their second gold medal in three years. 2014 WJC Podcast: Wrap-up of the semi-final games Photo: Sweden forward Oskar Sundqvist scores what proved to be the game-winning goal in the third period of Sweden’s 2-1 semi-final win over Russia at the 2014 World Junior Championship (courtesy of LUDVIG THUNMAN/AFP/Getty Images) Two very different games played on during the semi-finals of the 2014 World Junior Championship. The first game of the day pitted Sweden against Russia, while the second featured Canada facing off against Finland. |
