Finland ousts USA at WJHC with OT win in quarterfinal
The United States' gold-medal streak at the World Junior Championship is over after Finland knocked off the tournament host with a 4-3 victory in Friday's quarterfinal matchup.
Arttu Valila scored the overtime winner after a frenetic ending to the third period in which Finland took the lead with two goals in 55 seconds, only to set the stage for Ryker Lee's equalizer with 1:33 left in regulation.
ARTTU VALILA IS THE OVERTIME HERO! FINLAND CRUSHES THE UNITED STATES' HOPES OF A THREE-PEAT AT THE #WORLDJUNIORS! 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/RGOAX0dTw5
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 3, 2026
The United States entered the event as back-to-back champions and defeated Finland in last year's gold-medal game. James Hagens, Will Zellers, and Brodie Ziemer were named the top American players of the tournament following the loss.
Finland's semifinal opponent has yet to be determined. If Canada defeats Slovakia on Friday, Finland will play Sweden. If Slovakia wins, Finland will face Czechia.
Finland last won a gold medal in 2019. It's captured one bronze and two silver medals since.
HEADLINES
- Mitchell scores 33 to help Cavs sneak past undermanned Nuggets
- Report: Jaguars, Van Lanen agree to 3-year, $51M extension
- Report: Clippers' Zubac available Saturday vs. Celtics
- Caleb eyes 4K yards as Bears try to clinch NFC's 2-seed vs. Lions
- GM Borgonzi to lead coaching search as Titans restructure front office