Finland becomes world champion in ice hockey
Sakari Manninen became a huge hero when he scored 4-3 in a “sudden death” and secured Finland a 4-3 victory over Canada in the ice hockey World Cup final on Sunday.
Matches must be decided in games of three against three for 20 minutes. Canada was sent off and in four against three, Manninen scored the winner after 6.42 minutes into extra time.
After a goalless and even first half, Dylan Cozens sent reigning champions Canada ahead four minutes into half-time.
Finland had to play five against three after Canada’s two quick and debatable expulsions in the third period. They took advantage of the situation to make it 1-1 early on by Nashville star Mikael Granlund. The same man was put in 2-1 in game five against four shortly after.
Joel Armia then leveled it at 3-1 with six minutes remaining. Canada then sent off a goalkeeper, and Zach Whitecloud made it 2-3 with two minutes remaining.
Canada continued without a goalkeeper and applied pressure. Max Comtois put it 3-3 with 1.24 minutes remaining so the final had to be decided in a “sudden death”.
This is Finland’s fourth World Cup title in ice hockey, and the team also became Olympic champions earlier this year. Norway finished in 13th place at the World Cup for the second year in a row, but have three semifinalists Finland, Czech Republic and the United States in their group. (NTB)
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