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Arttu Välilä scored the decisive goal at two minutes and eleven seconds of extra time as the Finnish squad pulled off a stunning four to three victory over the two-time defending champion United States on Friday night in the IIHF World Junior Championship last eight.

"We must give full credit to the US," stated Finland's leader A. Kiviharju. "That's a hell of a team, loaded with great individuals and a superbly organized team. But I said we wanted that revenge from last year, and I think we truly deserved it tonight."

In the semi-finals Sunday, the Finns will take on the Swedish team, while the Canadians will play Czechia. Sweden defeated Latvia 6-3, Team Canada had a first-period five-goal outburst in a seven to one romp over the Slovakian team, and the Czechs topped the Swiss by a 6-2 margin.

Dramatic Final Frame and Extra Session

Michigan State’s L. Ryker knotted the score for the U.S. team with 1:33 left in the third period and the University of Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf pulled for an additional skater.

Lee Tuuva and Joona Saarelainen scored in a 55-second span in the third to hand Finland a 2-1 lead. He tied it at two-all with seven minutes and seventeen seconds to go, then set up Saarelainen’s go-ahead goal with 6:22 on the clock. Saarelainen also assisted on the first goal.

Notable Contributions and Reactions

The Boston University blueliner C. Hutson had a goal and an assist for the Americans after taking a shot in the back of the head versus Switzerland and missing two games.

"In my opinion we made good plays for a lot of the game," the defenseman said. "But the little bounces that they got, many of their high-quality chances resulted from our mistakes."

His university colleague Cole Eiserman gave the United States a 2-1 edge on a man advantage with nine minutes and forty-five seconds remaining in the second period. He took a feed from his teammate and fooled Petteri Rimpinen with a quick shot from the right circle.

C. Hutson scored on a fast break thirty-five seconds into the second period. Heikki Ruohonen tied it at four minutes and forty-six seconds on a quick shot from the left wing.

Between the Pipes Summary

• Rimpinen stopped twenty-eight attempts.
• The American netminder recorded 21 saves.

The U.S. squad lost their last two games – falling six to three to Sweden on Wednesday night in the group finale – after winning their first three.

"It was an honor to coach this group," said the team's coach. "Our guys played a terrific game tonight and fell just a bit short. Give the Finns. It's an empty emotion right now, but our players left everything on the ice."

Other Playoff Results

In the late game in Minneapolis, the Canadian team routed Slovakia with the five-goal first.

C. Reschny, T. Iginla, M. Misa, Sam O’Reilly and B. Martin tallied in the first period, and P. Martone and C. Beaudoin scored in the following period. Jack Ivankovic turned aside 21 saves.

"Just goes to show how powerful we can be," B. Martin said. "Taking a 5-0 advantage, it really kills their confidence."

In the first quarter-final, A. Frondell scored twice for Team Sweden against Latvia. The defenseman Leo Sahlin Wallenius contributed a goal and two helpers to help the Swedish side remain perfect in their five outings.

In Minneapolis T. Galvas, S. Drancak, A. Jiricek, Petr Sikora, J. Klima and Jakub Fibigr provided the goals for the Czech team.

Relegation Match Outcome

Germany won the consolation match, beating Denmark eight to four. Manuel Schams scored twice to help his nation retain its place next year in the top division. Denmark was relegated to Division I-A.