United States upset by Finland in world juniors quarterfinals

The two-time defending champions will not be competing for a medal at the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The United States were upset by Finland in Friday’s quarterfinal, losing 4-3 in overtime after leading 2-1 late in the third period.

Arttu Valila scored the winner for Finland, which avenged its loss to the United States in last year’s gold medal game.

The United States led 2-1 before Finland got goals from Leo Tuuva and Joona Saarelainen less than one minute apart to swing the game in their favour with less than eight minutes to play. But the Americans forced overtime on a goal from Ryker Lee with less than two minutes to play.

The U.S. team, which was hosting the tournament in Minnesota, had won the last two gold medals and three of the last five overall.

In earlier quarterfinal action, Sweden beat Latvia 6-3 and Czechia beat Switzerland 6-2. Canada was set to play Slovakia in the final quarterfinal later Friday.