Finland has completed its team for the 2024 IIHF World Championship, featuring a mix of players including NHL talents Jesse Puljujarvi and Valtteri Puustinen, and top draft prospect Konsta Helenius, aiming for its third gold medal in the last five tournaments under the guidance of head coach Jukka Jalonen and GM Jere Lehtinen.
Team Finland’s ready for the 2024 IIHF World Championship. They’ve locked in their squad, adding Jesse Puljujarvi and Valtteri Puustinen to complete a team of 23 skaters and three goalies.
The roster’s not overflowing with NHL stars. But, it does boast Konsta Helenius, a hot prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft. Fresh from the World U18 Championship, Helenius racked up seven assists in just five games.
He’s set to learn a lot from Mikael Granlund, the San Jose Sharks’ center. Granlund’s known for his quick, pass-first game. Together, they’re aiming to snag Finland’s third gold in the last five championships.
Here’s who made the team:
– Forwards: Hannes Björninen, Mikael Granlund, and Konsta Helenius, to name a few.
– Defensemen include Oliwer Kaski and Mikko Lehtonen.
– Goalies: Emil Larmi, Lassi Lehtinen, and Harri Säteri.
The championship’s starting on May 10, in Ostrava and Prague, Czechia.
Finland’s team will be under the experienced eye of Jukka Jalonen. It’s his 10th World Championship as head coach. Jalonen’s resume includes stints at the World Juniors, plus coaching roles in the KHL and Liiga.
Working alongside him is GM Jere Lehtinen. With a career spanning 875 NHL games and a Stanley Cup win, Lehtinen’s been shaping Finland’s men’s team for nine seasons.
