Finland has emerged as a super-country in the world of hockey, joining the ranks of other nations like Canada, the USA, Russia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
The Scandanavian country has produced hockey superstars such as Teemu Selanne, Patrik Laine, Aleksander Barkov, and the Koivu brothers. What they’re really known for though is goaltending. Finland pumps out elite goaltenders.
Pekka Rinne, Tuukka Rask, Antti Raanta, Mikko Koskinen, Antti Niemi, Joonas Korpisalo, Juuse Saros, and Kari Lehtonen are a few names from around the NHL you may recognize. Finland has also produced former NHLers Miikka Kiprusoff, Vesa Toskala, Karri Ramo, and Antero Niittymaki.
Something about the country produces save-makers, and current World Juniors goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is hoping to become another one of those recognizable names.
He is doing a good job so far. While Finland couldn’t pick up the win against Sweden in their tournament opener, he stopped 32 of the 34 shots thrown at him. Additionally, he made a few highlight reel saves – including the following two consecutive beauties – to give his guys a chance.
The first save is nuts, but often those kinds of saves leave a goalie out of position to make any sort of follow up save. That wasn’t a problem for Luukkonen, who stoned the Swedish attack once again.
We look forward to many more of these moments as the Juniors unfold. Make sure you follow along on TSN!
