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Arttu Välilä netted the winner at 2:11 of overtime as the Finnish squad engineered a remarkable four to three win over the reigning two-time champion United States on Friday night in the world junior hockey quarter-finals.

"Got to give credit to the United States," remarked Finnish captain Aron Kiviharju. "That's a hell of a team, loaded with exceptional individuals and a superbly organized team. But I mentioned we were seeking that revenge from the previous final, and I think we truly deserved it tonight."

In the semifinal matches on Sunday, Finland will take on the Swedish team, while Canada will play Czechia. Sweden defeated Latvia 6-3, Canada had a first-period five-goal outburst in a seven to one rout over Slovakia, and Czechia topped the Swiss by a 6-2 margin.

Dramatic Final Frame and Overtime

Michigan State’s L. Ryker tied it 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.

L. Tuuva and Joona Saarelainen found the net in a fifty-five-second span in the third to give Finland a 2-1 lead. Tuuva leveled the score at two-all with 7:17 left, then set up Saarelainen’s go-ahead goal with 6:22 remaining. Saarelainen also assisted on the first goal.

Notable Contributions and Reactions

The BU blueliner C. Hutson recorded a goal and an assist for the Americans after taking a shot in the head against the Swiss and missing the next two contests.

"In my opinion we made good plays for most of the game," Hutson said. "But the small details that they got, many of their Grade-A opportunities resulted from our errors."

His university colleague C. Eiserman handed the U.S. a two to one lead on a man advantage with 9:45 remaining in the second period. He accepted a pass from Hutson and beat Petteri Rimpinen with a one-timer from the right side.

C. Hutson tallied on a fast break thirty-five seconds into the second period. Heikki Ruohonen equalized at 4:46 on a quick shot from the left wing.

Between the Pipes Summary

• Finland's goalie saved twenty-eight attempts.
• The American netminder made twenty-one stops.

The U.S. squad lost their last two games – falling six to three to Sweden on Wednesday in the group finale – after starting with their initial three matches.

"It was an privilege to lead this team," stated the American bench boss. "They played a great game tonight and came up just short. Give Finland. It's an empty feeling at the moment, but our players left everything on the ice."

Additional Quarter-Final Results

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

Cole Reschny, T. Iginla, M. Misa, S. O'Reilly and Brady Martin tallied in the first period, and Porter Martone and C. Beaudoin connected in the second. Jack Ivankovic made 21 saves.

"This demonstrates how dominant we are," B. Martin said. "Taking a 5-0 lead, it really kills their confidence."

In the opening playoff game, A. Frondell netted a pair for Sweden against Latvia. The defenseman L. Sahlin Wallenius contributed a goal and two helpers to help the Swedish side stay perfect in their five outings.

Meanwhile, in Minneapolis T. Galvas, Samuel Drancak, A. Jiricek, Petr Sikora, J. Klima and J. Fibigr scored for the Czech team.

Consolation Match Outcome

Germany triumphed in the relegation game, defeating the Danes 8-4. M. Schams scored twice to help Germany keep its place for the following season in the top division. Denmark was relegated to Division I-A.