The Finns won the opening game of the World Junior Hockey Championship by beating the Germans 3-1 on Sunday at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
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The main players in the victory were forwards Brad Lambert and Samuel Helenius, who each had two points. Teammates with the JyP de Jyvaskyla, the two hockey players have logically been reunited within the same trio and this decision has borne fruit.
Helenius, a 6’6 ” colossus, threaded the needle twice, each time aided by Lambert. The latter showed his talent as a passer by finding his sidekick between three defenders for the insurance goal, in the third period.
Joel Maatta was Finland’s other goal scorer, while Luca Munzenberger ensured Germany’s response with a precise shot from the blue line.
Goalkeeper Leevi Merilainen was not busy, facing just 13 pucks in the game. On the German side, Nikita Quapp gave in twice on 17 shots.