Tied Series Forced Decisive Fifth Period
Team Finland U21 – Team Canada U21 3-4 (3-1)
The second final day of the Ringette World Championships continued with the second match between the under-21 national teams. The atmosphere was electric, and the 3,300 fans at Wemasto Arena kept the energy high from the very first whistle. The patron of the championships, former President of Finland Tarja Halonen, gave a short speech in both Finnish and English, emphasizing ringette’s exemplary role in promoting tolerance, equality, and equity. She wished everyone unforgettable moments during the tournament.
Canada Takes Early Control
The intensity of the match matched that of the first final, but the tension of the championship being decided added a unique layer. Canada entered the second final more relaxed and game-ready, controlling much of the first period. About eight minutes in, Canadian captain Kaylee Armstrong crossed the blue line and, with skillful skating, drove into the slot to score the opening goal.
At the start of the second period, Canada continued to dominate. After sustained pressure, Isabelle Beech broke through Finland’s defense and scored with a backhand shot. Finland gained extended possession during a delayed penalty, creating several attacking opportunities, but Canada’s defense held firm under Armstrong’s leadership and with key saves from goaltender Aeva Lott. Even while shorthanded, Canada controlled the game calmly and generated new offensive chances. Finnish goalie Veera Tilander made a crucial save on a breakaway attempt by Morgan Forrest. Canada’s third goal came late in the period, when Tessa Galandy capitalized on a rebound and scored into open space.
Momentum Shifts in the Third Period
Between the second and third periods, Canada’s Lauren Schoenhofen was being interviewed. She shared happily, that their team is winning small battles all over the ice and it shows on the scoreboard. Finland’s Enni Suokas shared Finland’s plan for the next periods: “We’ll score goals and skate harder, and that’s how we’ll win this game.”
As the third period began, Finland took control of the ring. At 41:37, Siiri Lahtinen broke through on a breakaway and was pushed from behind, resulting in a penalty shot. Lahtinen faked to her forehand, shifted her weight, and scored with a backhand, narrowing the score to 3–1. Soon after, Ella Tarssanen passed to Enni Suokas, who found Hilla Haataja near the bottom corner. Haataja’s shot sailed over Lott’s shoulder into the top corner.
In the fourth period, Canada scored fourth time. Dylan Pighin delivered a behind-the-back pass to Schoenhofen, who was moving through the center of the defensive triangle. Finland responded at 48:18, when Emma Kainiemi and Tuuli Laakkonen advanced from the defensive zone. Kainiemi received the ring in the offensive zone and skated past defenders to score, bringing the game to 3-4. Canada held on to win the match, tying the series 1–1 and forcing a decisive fifth period. All statistics were reset for a full fifteen-minute showdown, with the winner claiming the World Championship trophy.
Finland Seals the Victory in Overtime
As the match entered overtime, Finland returned to the ice with renewed energy. Lott shut down several Finnish scoring attempts, while Canada created a dangerous chance following a successful forecheck. Finnish defender Ilona Rinne knocked the ring off the Canadian attacker’s stick, and Tilander handled the loose ring confidently.
Finland found its scoring precision when Haataja’s behind-the-back pass reached Maria Kohonen at the far post, giving Finland a 1–0 lead at 8:50. Shortly after, Kainiemi scored into the top near corner, using a screen set by Noora Sillgren. Roosa Vuosalmi added Finland’s third goal with a shot into the top corner. Canada responded after a timeout, with Charlotte Anderson lifting the ring into the scoring zone for Morgan Forrest to finish. The match ended in a 3–1 victory for Finland — crowning them U21 World Champions!
Awards Ceremony Highlights
At the end of the match, the best and most valuable players of the game and tournament were recognized:
Suek’s Fair Play Award: Kaylee Armstrong
Best Players of the Match: Siiri Lahtinen and Aeva Lott
Most Valuable Players of the Tournament: Siiri Lahtinen and Tessa Galandy
Best Player of the Tournament: Tessa Galandy
