WJC - Finland Early Cuts / Surprises

[Press Reporter]

Reporting from Helsinki, and right in the thick of :WJC: camps. We caught the Team Finland camp scrimmage today, and we’re quite surprised by some noticeable absences already

G Ukko-Pekka Luukonen HYB 77 (22)

And

LD Robin Salo TWD 73 (23)


Both appear to have been released from camp. When reached for comment Finland GM miiko was quoted as saying

“ We’re gonna do what’s best for the future of Team Finland, and the Finnish development program. Some egos might be hurt, but I’m not here to help pad stat totals” miiko - Finland GM


Although a bit surprising in Salo’s case, and perhaps shocking in the case of Luukkonen, this spells a bit of a transition for Finland. As they look to focus on younger players, and perhaps an eye on future medals. Hard to really blame them as their camp hopefuls were a bit lackluster

Perhaps Luukkonen catches a job with the team? An interesting story line to watch as both and are in Pool B


Here are some of my locks to make the team



RD Anttoni Honka TWD 75 (22) -

Macon Whoopee GM

Has been giving the role of “mentoring” 2023 Draft hopeful RD Niklas Talvikunnas. Honka is a longtime veteran of representing Finland, and this could be his last go around in jr hockey


RD Niklas Talvikunnas DFD -

Impressive camp. He is looking to boost his draft profile, and this tournament could do just that. At 6’4 200+ lbs, he’s an imposing force on the backend. Trying to maybe prove he’s more than just a DFD, Talvi is a great skater and quite mobile for his frame. Could he be a top 5 pick?


C/RW Aleksi Heponiemi PLY 72 (23)

Atlanta Thrashers GM

Given the Captaincy, he will look to have a breakout tournament, stat wise, as his WJC eligibility comes to end this year. With SNP Vesalainen most likely to be riding shotgun, that’s strong possibility. One of the few “older”guys who look to mentor a young squad


C Oliver Kapanen SNP 67 (19) FA

Given the ties to and assistant coach Sami Kapanen, it is not so surprising that incoming Free Agents Oliver and Konsta Kapanen remain in camp. Incredibly weak on C depth Oliver Kapanen looks to be holding down the 2nd line, while Konsta appears to be the extra F on reps at the moment


G Juho Markkanen HYB 68 (20) Finland

Dinamo Riga GM

Juho appears to have the starting job, for now. Given both GM Miiko and Head Coach Mikko Koivu’s eagerness to see what Finland’s future holds in net, this leash is gonna be short.


While not likely to make a ton of noise, this could be an interesting team to watch. Look for a roster announcement in the coming days as this team looks to head to Russia soon