Finland a confident squad despite tough group at World Cup of Hockey
TORONTO — Finland is in a tough group at the World Cup of Hockey with the powerhouse Swedes, a strong Russian side and a North America team that is loaded with young talent.
It’s a position that might intimidate some teams at a major international hockey tournament, but this collection of Finnish players doesn’t seem the least bit fazed.
Perhaps it’s because Finland seems to consistently reach the hockey podium or maybe it’s because the country boasts a deep one-two punch in net. Either way, when the Finns open against Team North America on Sunday, they’ll enter play expecting to win.
“We know that we can beat anybody if we manage to do our own things and play as best as we can,” said forward Patrik Laine. “I think we can even win this tournament. I’m not afraid to say that.”