Finland captured its fifth Ice Hockey World Championship after a tense overtime showdown with Switzerland, edging the hosts 1-0 in a game that will be remembered for its defensive grit and clutch finishing.
The decisive goal came from forward Konsta Helenius, who redirected a rebound past Swiss netminder Joonas Korpisalo to spark jubilant celebrations in the Finnish camp. Goaltender Justus Annunen stood tall with 22 saves, preserving the shutout and earning the tournament's best save percentage.
Overtime Drama Defines the Final
Captain Aleksander Barkov, returning from an NHL season cut short by injury, anchored Finland's attack with a blend of leadership and skill, contributing three goals and eight assists throughout the competition. His presence proved pivotal in a lineup that otherwise missed several star players.
Switzerland, playing on home ice in Zurich, fought valiantly to extend its streak of consecutive runner‑up finishes to three, but a disciplined Finnish defense limited their chances and forced the game into sudden death.
In the bronze‑medal match, Norway secured its first ever podium finish by defeating Canada 3-2 in overtime, while the Canadian squad, featuring veterans such as Sidney Crosby and rising star Macklin Celebrini, fell short of expectations despite a strong roster.
Finland entered the final with only a single defeat in the group stage, a 4-2 loss to Switzerland, and eliminated both the Czech Republic and Canada en route to the championship, underscoring a tournament that blended established powerhouses with emerging contenders.