2025 World Juniors: Top standouts from Finland vs. Germany

OTTAWA – After losing in the tournament opener against Canada, Finland managed to get their first victory after beating Germany 3-1 on Friday.

Both teams will get the day off on Saturday before returning on Sunday. The Finns will meet up with the United States in the earlier game at 2:30 PM ET, while Germany will take on Canada at 7:30 PM ET.

The Finns had plenty of close looks early in the first, but they finally capitalized at 17:30. Emil Pieniniemi would make no mistake after some great puck movement between Konsta Helenius and Aron Kiviharju.

The Finns would double up the lead at 25:10. Jesse Nurmi, Tuomas Uronen and Arttu Alasiurua made some solid passes on an odd-man rush, with Alasiurua finishing the play off. But two minutes later, the Germans got on the board. Clemens Sager would convert on a feed from Julius Sumpf to make it 2-1, keeping the game close.

Germany was the better team in the third, forcing Finnish goaltender Petteri Rimpinen to work extra hard. Fortunately for the Finns, their undrafted goaltender stood on his head, helping to secure the victory. An empty-netter from Jesse Kiiskinen with 1:17 left helped seal the deal for the Finns, who got the much-needed three points.

Here’s a look at the top performers from Friday:

Finland

#33 Aron Kiviharju, D (Minnesota Wild): Kiviharju was Finland’s best defender, playing the two-way game we know he’s capable of. His awareness and patience with the puck allowed him to set up the 1-0 Finland goal after awaiting a two-play German attack near the blue line. When he’s on his game, Kiviharju is one of the best playmaking defenders you’ll find at a tournament like this. I also thought he held his own physically and had good gap control, too.

#29 Arttu Alasiurua, LW (Undrafted): Alasiurua had a fantastic first half, showing a good mix of speed and toughness. He nearly scored twice in the second and had a couple of good hits, too. Everything came together when he scored the 2-0 goal in the second, finishing off a great passing play between Tuomas Uronen, Jesse Nurmi and himself. The double undrafted forward had a rough opening game, being on the ice for all three of Canada’s 5-on-5 goals. But today’s effort saw a strong, rejuvenated winger looking to prove something.

#30 Petteri Rimpinen, G (Undrafted): The 2-1 German goal was one Rimpinen would probably like to have back, but he didn’t look tired whatsoever after playing against Canada yesterday. He made a big left pad save that could have ended badly near the end of the second to keep the Finns in front. That’s the type of goaltending Finland needs, especially as their offense seems to have dried up completely.

Germany

#10 Timo Ruckdaschel, LW (Undrafted): Ruckdaschel was Germany’s hardest-working player for the second straight game. His speed and competitiveness make him dangerous because he can beat you from just about anywhere. He also has nice hands, although simplifying his game could do him wonders. Still, I’ve liked his game since the pre-tournament because the effort is always there.

#29 Linus Viellard, G (Undrafted): Viellard had some oopsie-daisy moments earlier in the game, but once he got comfortable handling shots from just about everywhere, he started to really dial himself in. Viellard is an athletic goalie who moves quickly and fluently, but he can make a last-second reaction when needed. Viellard had no chance on the first goal, but I still liked how he stayed with the play as the Finns rolled in their moving screens.

#26 Julius Sumpf, C (Undrafted): Germany’s No. 1 center was the team’s best puck distributor tonight. He assisted on the 2-1 goal with a great feed and had a few decent looks on the power play himself, too. Sumpf is a strong, competitive forward who scouts are interested in as a potential bottom-six forward. He’s defensively responsible and is a battler – and Germany needs someone who can bring the energy like he can.

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