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Finland hold on to beat Sweden and claim Nocco Hockey Games title

Janne Kuokkanen of Finland holds of Karl Henriksson of Sweden
Janne Kuokkanen of Finland holds of Karl Henriksson of SwedenMikko Stig / Bildbyran Photo Agency / Profimedia

World champions Finland strengthened their claim to be the top national team in ice hockey by winning 3-2 against Sweden in the de facto final of the Nocco Hockey Games on home ice in Helsinki.

The two rivals had both taken five points from their opening two matches in the four-team tournament against Switzerland and Czech Republic, respectively, meaning the winner of the final match of the round robin would take the title.

Finland only needed five seconds of the match's first powerplay to make the advantage count, as Mikko Lehtonen struck with just over five minutes gone. The home side then survived Sweden's first powerplay, but soon after getting back to full strength, they conceded an equaliser to Emil Bemstrom.

Frolunda's Samuel Fagemo struck with just over a minute played in the second to give Tre Kronor the lead, but once again it was the sixth minute of a period when the Finns came to life, as Jere Innala levelled on another powerplay - this time only six seconds after Arvid Lundberg was sent to the box.

Having assisted the Innala goal, Iiro Pakarinen then completed the turnaround, scoring Leijonat's third after a pass from Henrik Borgstrom, who notched his second assist of the evening. Both sides had multiple powerplay chances in the third, but Sweden couldn't force an equaliser, as Finland held on in style in front of their home crowd, even taking more shots on goal despite protecting the narrow lead.

The 3-2 win was enough for Finland to top the group with eight points and win the tournament, with Sweden having to settle for second place. 

Earlier the same day, Czech Republic came from 2-0 down to win 4-2 against Switzerland to seal third place, while the Swiss finished with zero points in what was a drop-off for the side who finished second to the Finns at this year's world championship.

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