TEAM FINLAND TAKES WINS IN BOTH FAST-PACED SAM JACKS AND JUUSO WAHLSTEN POOL EXHIBIT GAMES AGAINST CANADA
Sam Jacks Pool Exhibition Game Canada – Finland 6–9
Finland and Canada delivered a tight and fast-paced matchup in the opening exhibition game of the Sam Jacks Pool. Team Canada started strong, taking an early two-goal lead with goals from Vail Ketsa and Émilie Brule.
In the second period, Team Finland found its rhythm. Krista Lanteri scored Finland’s first goal with a backhand finish from the front of the goal, and midway through the period Camilla Ojapalo tied the game after Ida Adler intercepted a pass at the center of the ice to launch a quick counterattack. The teams headed to the long break tied 2–2.
During the break, both Canada’s Britney Snowdon and Finland’s Moona Passila emphasized the importance of goal scoring in the second half of the game – and both teams managed to find success. The game remained even, but Finland proved to be more efficient on power plays and ultimately secured the win with a final score of 6–9. The players of the game were Maija Väyrynen (2+3) for Finland and Vail Ketsa (2+0) for Canada.
The next Sam Jacks Pool exhibition game will be played on Thursday in Helsinki, giving both teams another chance to fine-tune their tactics before the weekend’s final matchups. In the next game both sides will likely aim to reduce penalties – total of 22 infractions provided plenty of practice on playing shorthanded, but Thursday’s goal will most probably be a more disciplined and cohesive performance for both of the teams.
Juuso Wahlsten Pool Exhibition Game Canada – Finland 3–5
Also in the Juuso Wahlsten Pool, the Finnish and Canadian U21 teams delivered an even and fast-paced game. The first goals came late in the opening period, when Emma Kainiemi put Finland ahead at 12:28 after a clever behind-the-back pass from Hilla Haataja. Canada quickly equalized through a great shot by Charlotte Anderson. In the second period the first penalties of the match were seen, as both teams sequentially served for tripping. Neither side were able to score on the power plays. The goaltenders shared the workload on the second period evenly, reflecting the balance of play.
Early in the third period, Maria Kohonen led Team Finland to a two-goal lead, scoring just 21 seconds after the first whistleblow of the period. Canada then controlled much of the period, maintaining long stretches of possession in Finland’s defensive zone, but goaltender Veera Tilander and the Finnish defense stood firm.
In the fourth period, Finland scored twice and Kélyane Boucher narrowed the score to 3–5 for Canada with a well-executed power-play goal off a beautiful passing sequence. Canada pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker in the final minutes but could not close the gap. Ella Tarssanen from Team Finland U21 and Alyssa Perreault from Team Canada U21 were named players of the game. Both teams can take confidence from a solid, well-balanced performance as the next Juuso Wahlsten Pool matchup takes place on Thursday!
