In a fierce Nordic rivalry matchup, Roni Hirvonen (2020, 59th overall) provided last-minute heroics, scoring the game winning goal to cap off Finland's comeback over Sweden. Fighting for a loose puck, Hirvonen quickly raced behind the net and finished off the wrap-around to send Finland through to the next round. The goal was Hirvonen's first of the tournament and now gives him five points (1G, 4A) in five games.
Hirvonen is joined by two other Leafs prospects on the Finnish squad in the next round: Topi Niemela (2020, 64th overall) and Mikko Kokkonen (2019, 84th overall). Niemela leads all defencemen in points at the tournament (2G, 5A) while Kokkonen (0G, 1A) has been formidable on the Finnish blueline.
In the earlier game, Russia defeated Germany 2-1 to advance to the semifinals. Rodion Amirov (2020, 15th overall) fired three shots on net in the win but was held off the scoresheet. He remains Russia's top scorer in the tournament, recording six points (2G, 4A) in five games so far.
Artur Akhtyamov (2020, 106th overall) served as backup goalie for Russia while Mikhail Abramov (2019, 115th overall) was out of the lineup to serve a one-game suspension.
The semifinals take place Monday but both teams will have to await the results of the remaining quarterfinal games to know their opponents. Canada faces the Czech Republic while Slovakia takes on the United States later tonight.
