Finland before the World Championship: only four NHL reinforcements, a former Hradec Kralove player and a number of gold medalists

Several gold medalists from the last World Championships and the Chinese Olympics were brought to the Czech Republic by Finns. The Nordic team nominated only four players from the NHL, but also a former Hradec Králové forward. And one name you will definitely remember, you will hear about him again.

Published

2 weeks ago

8. 5. 2024

Michal Sedláček

Jukka Jalonen, Finsko — Zdroj: Jan Chalupa, Ruik

Twice in the last five years, they’ve taken gold at the World Championships. At the last Olympics, too. The Finnish hockey school is having its best period ever and would like to confirm that in Prague, where they will play the main group of this year’s championship.

Although coach Jukka Jalonen nominated only four NHL players, the Finns have a very strong and, above all, experienced team, including five winners from the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

The Czech team’s first opponent will rely on Olli Määttä from Detroit and forwards Jesse Puljujärvi and Valtteri Puustinen from Pittsburgh. In addition, Mikael Granlund, who has twelve seasons in the top league, will arrive from San Jose.

Oksanen scored 49 points for Hradec Kralove

Goaltender Harri Säteri, defenseman Mikko Lehtonen and forwards Hannes Björninen and Saku Mäenalanen had their best year in Finnish history, winning gold at the Beijing Olympics and the World Championships in Tampere.

Ahti Oksanen from Oskarshamn in Sweden is also part of the 25-member Nordic team. He played for Hradec Králové in the 2021/2022 season. He scored 49 points (25+24).

In the list of great Finnish hockey players, we must not forget Konsta Helenius, still only 17 years old, who plays for Jukurit Helsinki. Remember this name. The right winger or center will be one of the hot commodities in the upcoming NHL draft.

Coach Jalonen really has a lot to choose from. The Finns would certainly like to go further this year than last year, when they were stopped by Canada in the quarterfinals (4: 1). On Friday night they will take their first test against the Czechs.

Finland’s nomination for the 2024 World Cup:

BRANKERS:
Emil Larmi (Växjö, Sweden)
Lassi Lehtinen (MoDo Hockey, Sweden)
Harri Säteri, Biel (Sweden)

DEFENDERS:
Juuso Riikola (Langnau, Switz.)
Vili Saarijärvi (Langnau, Switz.)
Jesper Mattila (KalPa Kuopio, Finland)
Veli-Matti Vittasmäki (Tappara, Fin.)
Oliver Kaski (HV 71, Sweden)
Mikko Lehtonen (Zurich, Switzerland)
Rasmus Rissanen (Örebro, Sweden)
Olli Määttä (Detroit, NHL)

FORWARDS:
Mikael Granlund (San Jose, NHL)
Jesse Puljujärvi (Pittsburgh, NHL)
Valtteri Puustinen (Pittsburgh, NHL)
Konsta Helenius (Jukurit, Fin.)
Pekka Jormakka (Jukurit, Fin.)
Patrik Puistola (Jukurit, Fin.)
Juha Jääskä (IFK Helsinki, Fin.)
Iiro Pakarinen (IFK Helsinki, Fin.)
Arttu Hyry (Kärpät Oulu, Fin.)
Oliver Kapanen (KalPa Kuopio, Fin.)
Hannes Björninen (Örebro, Sweden)
Jere Innala (Frölunda, Sweden)
Saku Mäenalanen (Langnau, Switzerland)
Ahti Oksanen (Oskarshamn, Sweden)
Jesse Puljujärvi (Pittsburgh, NHL)