Switzerland Earns Third Place at Four Nations Tournament

Press Release

Finland and Switzerland met for the second time in as many days in today’s battle for third place at the 2012 Under-18 Four Nations Tournament. Despite notching the games first two goals, Finland was bounced by Switzerland, 5-2.

The Finns scored first just 58 seconds into the opening frame when Niko Ojamaki corralled a rebound and launched a shot from the slot for the score. Eetu Koivistoinen and Janne Puhakka collected assists on the play. Finland’s Otto Rauhala doubled the score at 4:31. Felix Westermarck earned the lone assist.

Switzerland then cut the Finnish lead in half at 8:58 of the first period. Michael Hugli’s initial shot was kicked away by Juuse Saros, but the save left the netminder out of position, creating a tip in situation for Switzerland’s Patrick Bandiera. The Swiss knotted the game at 14:11 when Tim Wieser wristed a shot into the net.

After a scoreless second stanza, Switzerland controlled the tempo throughout the third period before pulling away late in the contest. Luca Hischier scooped up the puck off a Finnish turnover and broke free for a shot and score. Switzerland regained the advantage, 3-2. In an attempt to tie the game, Finland pulled Saros, but Switzerland’s Jason Fuchs netted the empty net goal to seal the victory. Off the faceoff, Fuchs scored just ten seconds later and Switzerland claimed the 5-2 victory.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)