Heponiemi helps Finland stun Tippett and Canada at World Juniors
Denisenko and Russia also advance to the semifinals
Aleksi Heponiemi scored the game-tying goal when Eeli Tolvanen’s centering attempt deflected in off his shin with 47 seconds left in regulation and then drew the secondary assist on Toni Utunen’s winner in Finland’s 2-1 overtime stunner over Owen Tippett and defending champion, Canada.
In addition to his two points, Hepomiemi finished the game with two shots on goal and a +2 rating in 22:12 TOI.
Finland will advance to semifinals where they will face pesky Switzerland, who shocked Sweden by a 2-0 count, thanks to a 41-save performance from Luca Hollenstein.
Tippett logged 18:35 of ice time and failed to produce a point or shot on goal as the Finn’s clamped down on Canada’s top line.
Grigori Denisenko scored a goal and added two assists as Russia cruised to the final four with an 8-3 rout of Slovakia.
Denisenko registered three shots and a +1 rating in 16:06 TOI.
Russia will take on the United States, who posted a solid 3-1 win over the Czech Republic in Victoria.
The two semifinal games will take place on Friday in Vancouver.
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