Finland delirious with joy, President Halonen met team
Lasse Kukkonen, Tuomo Ruutu, Sami Lepistö, Mikko Koivu brought a special guest – the championship trophy – to the Helsinki Market Square. Photo: Jukka Rautio / HHOF-IIHF Images
HELSINKI – Just like in 1995, an estimated 100,000 people gathered in downtown Helsinki to welcome the 2011 World Champions home, and to celebrate Finland’s win over Sweden, just like in 1995.
World champion Finland improves from fourth to second place
Alexander Ovechkin and his Russian team mates remain on top of the 2011 IIHF World Ranking, but Anssi Salmela and his Finnish world champion colleagues are close behind now. Photo: Matthew Manor / HHOF-IIHF Images
BRATISLAVA – Russia remains first in the 2011 IIHF World Ranking, but Finland follows just 20 points behind after winning the 2011 Worlds. The groups for 2012 will be determined shortly.
Five-goal third period lifts Finns to first world title since 1995
Captain Mikko Koivu hoists the championship trophy after Finland's 6-1 gold medal win over Sweden. Photo: Matthew Manor / HHOF-IIHF Images
BRATISLAVA – It is a great day in Finnish hockey history. In the latest chapter of hockey’s classic Nordic rivalry, Finland demolished Sweden 6-1 in the gold medal game of the 2011 IIHF World Championship. Petteri Nokelainen scored the first of five third-period Finnish goals.
Highest-scoring bronze game ever sees Czechs top Russia, 7-4
Team Czech Republic celebrates their 7-4 bronze medal win over Russia. Photo by Matthew Manor/HHOF-IIHF Images
BRATISLAVA – In one of the most entertaining bronze medal games of all time, the Czech Republic claimed third place with a 7-4 win over Russia. Roman Cervenka led the way with three goals and an assist.
BRATISLAVA – The first season behind the Tre Kronor bench ended with a tough defeat to archrival Finland and the silver medal. But Pär Mårts wants more and he’s on the right path.
World Champion Finland hosts both Canada and United States
ZURICH – The two groups for the 2012 IIHF World Championship in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden (May 4-20, 2012) have been announced by the IIHF.
ZURICH – Finnish broadcaster YLE had one of its best days ever. The ratings peaked at 2.6 million viewers when Finland poured in five goals during the third period against rival Sweden. That’s half of Finland’s population.
