The final game on opening night of this year’s World Juniors tournament was between the neighboring countries of Sweden and Finland. Every showdown between the two countries is loaded with emotion, and regardless of the status of either national program, they always bring their “A” game.
Finland was bolstered by the addition of Eeli Tolvanen, Urho Vaakanainen, and Henri Jokiharju. Sweden’s big add before the tournament was that of Isac Lundestrom, who would solidify the forward core. In net Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen took his starting spot for the Finns,and opposing him for Sweden was Samuel Ersson.