Finland Wins World Title Over Russia

Niklas Hagman’s goal at 13:41 of overtime gave Finland a 2-1 victory over Russia for the World Junior Hockey Championship title Saturday.

Switzerland took the bronze medal, with goaltender David Aebischer stopping all four penalty shots after the Swiss and the Czech Republic finished 3-3 in overtime.

The United States defeated Sweden, 3-2, for fifth place, with defensemen Nikos Tselios and Mike Mottau and tournament scoring leader Jeff Farkas getting the goals. Kazakhstan beat Canada, 6-3, for seventh, and Slovakia sent Germany to the B category, winning the relegation game, 8-3.

In the final, Russia’s Dimitri Vlasenkov opened the scoring at 17:10 of the second period. Finnish defenseman Pasi Puistola scored on a power play at 3:25 of the third period, tying the game and forcing overtime.

Hagman also scored the winner in Finland’s first game, a 3-2 victory over Canada. He is the son of Finland’s first NHL player, Matti Hagman, who played for the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers.

Russia’s Denis Khlopotnov stopped 41 shots, while Mika Noronen had 25 saves for Finland.

The U.S. had the tournament scoring leader for the second consecutive time. Farkas, who plays for Boston College, had six goals and four assists.