Ice Hockey: Finland are world champions, Switzerland's final trauma continues

Finland has been crowned Ice Hockey World Champions for the first time since 2022, defeating host nation Switzerland 1-0 in a tense overtime final. The victory denies Switzerland a long-awaited world title and extends their history of heartbreak in championship games.

The decisive goal came from Konsta Helenius of the Buffalo Sabres in the extra period, securing Finland's fifth world championship title. This loss marks Switzerland's fifth defeat in a final, having previously lost in 2013, 2018, 2024, and 2025.

Throughout the tournament in Zurich, the Swiss team had largely dominated their opponents, bolstered by strong home crowd support. However, Finland's disciplined defense and physical play proved a formidable challenge. Germany's NHL star Moritz Seider described the Finnish team as "like robots" due to their structured approach.

Switzerland struggled to generate significant scoring chances, even during two power-play opportunities early in the second period. Their inability to score in the final mirrored previous championship game performances under former coach Patrick Fischer. Despite periods of pressure in the second and third periods, they could not break down the Finnish defense, with Swiss keeper Leonardo Genoni facing considerably more action than his Finnish counterpart, Justus Annunen.

The game remained scoreless through 60 minutes, forcing it into overtime. Both teams hit the posts in the extra period before Helenius found the net, clinching the championship for Finland. In the bronze medal match, Norway secured their first-ever Ice Hockey World Championship medal by defeating Canada 3-2 in overtime.

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They are like robots