Finland has won a medal in three consecutive years and will be aiming for another one in Russia. Finland recently won the Five Nations tournament played in Russia and they have the capability to succeed on an even bigger stage.
Justus Annunen, the top goalie prospect of the Finnish U20 league season, is the likely starting goalie. While he may not be as talented as last year’s starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Finland’s goaltending will not be an issue this year, either.
POPRAD, SLOVAKIA - APRIL 22: Russia's Ivan Muranov #23 battles with Finland's Toni Utunen #2 for the puck during semifinal round action at the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)
The defense will be led by three stable prospects in Toni Utunen, Santeri Salmela and Peetro Seppälä . All three have a solid chance to be selected in this year’s draft. As for the younger blueliners, late 2000’s Lassi Thomson and Anttoni Honka both are strong skaters with offensive upside.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
The offense not has not only quality offensive players, but also good depth. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Niklas Nordgren, Lenni Killinen, Sampo Ranta and Kristian Tanus will be counted on to produce. Kaapo Kakko is a highly talented forward who will be an early pick in next year’s draft. Keep an eye on Ville Petman and Arttu Nevasaari as well.
Since the Liiga quarterfinals have just begun, Kärpät forward prospect Rasmus Kupari could be added to the roster later. It would undoubtedly be a big boost to have the extremely strong skater on the team as soon as possible.
TOP 10 to watch:
An undersized, highly skilled playmaking center who distributes the puck well. Is a very smooth skater with great acceleration. Has some interesting long-term potential, but can he overcome his lack of size in the pro ranks?
A pure goal-scorer who shoots the puck with precision and can beat goalies from a distance. Has soft hands. Needs to work on his skating and play away from the puck in particular to have more of an impact.
Ville Petman at 2017 Ivan Hlinka Tournament. Photo by Jan Sukup.
The physically strong center is a rugged competitor and reads the game well without the puck. Not the most flashy prospect, but is smart and plays a good, reliable two-way game. Showed promise during his stint in the second highest men’s league.
A stable blueliner whose development is trending upwards. Is mobile, poised with the puck and makes a good first pass out of the zone. Has become more active offensively this season than in the past.
A highly intelligent defenseman that reads the developing play well in all three zones. Does not stand out as much in other aspects of the game. Needs work on his physicality and shot in particular. Logged lots of minutes at the second highest men’s league.
Salmela is more of a defensive defenseman with impressive hockey sense and solid physical tools. Shows good positioning and defends effectively with his stick. Not known for his offense, has only adequate puck skills. Is at his best when keeping the game simple.
A tall puck stopper with significant potential, Annunen has very good overall quickness and is mentally strong. Some aspects of his game – such as rebound control, play reading and puck handling - need to be polished. The raw skills are certainly there, though.
Lenni Killinen at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka tournament. Photo by Jan Sukup.
Killinen is a powerful, strong skater who has plenty of skill and good offensive instincts. The winger has an above-average shot and the ability to cut to the net, causing havoc in the opposing defense. He has a big body however is not overly physical.
A highly skilled and instinctive winger with impressive stickhandling skills and a pass-first mentality. He processes the game quickly in the offensive zone and has no trouble to find the back of the net. Will be a big part of this Finnish team.
The top prospect on his team with some leadership qualities. Kotkaniemi plays a complete, strong all-around game. Smart, skilled and highly competitive. Must learn to become a more effective skater, but has good mechanics to build on.