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Ice Hockey: Konsta Helenius grew from prospect to Leijonat hero

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Konsta Helenius, 20, proved his mettle by delivering crucial goals and assists in the latter stages of the Ice Hockey World Championship, including the overtime winner in the final.
  • His performance validated his confident pre-game assertion that he performs better in high-pressure situations.
  • Teammates and coaches praised Helenius's personality, confidence, and clutch performance, with one coach comparing him to an NHL prototype center.

Konsta Helenius, at just 20 years old, transformed from a promising talent into a hero for the Finnish national ice hockey team, Leijonat, during the World Championship. His confident declaration before the quarter-final match against the Czech Republic – "When the games get tougher, it gets easier" – proved prophetic.

When the games get tougher, it gets easier.

· Konsta HeleniusSaid before the Ice Hockey World Championship quarter-final match against the Czech Republic.

Before that statement, Helenius had not scored in the tournament. However, he ignited in the playoffs, netting a goal in the quarter-final, adding a goal and an assist in the semi-final, and ultimately scoring the overtime winner in the championship final. His performance was a masterclass in clutch play, fulfilling his own bold predictions.

This pattern of performing under pressure was evident earlier in his career. As a 17-year-old, Helenius confidently told his then-coach Olli Jokinen that he would score if given the chance to take a penalty shot. He proceeded to execute a skillful move, scoring against HIFK's goalie Roope Taponen. Jokinen lauded the young player, calling him a prototype NHL center.

Of course I will take it and score a goal.

· Konsta HeleniusResponding to a coach's question about taking a penalty shot in a 2023 game.

Known for his outspoken nature, Helenius has been described by those close to him as a cheerful, talkative, and reliable individual who always gets the job done. Teammates echoed these sentiments after the final. Mikael Granlund expressed his admiration, calling Helenius a "natural child" who brings a lot to the team both on and off the ice. Granlund also playfully noted Helenius's strong self-confidence during the tournament, advising him to "take it easy, kid" at times.

Konsta is heading towards what I see as the NHL prototype center.

· Olli JokinenPraising Konsta Helenius after a game in 2023.

Born in Ylöjärvi, Helenius comes from a hockey-playing family. His older brother, Kalle, plays in the Mestis league, and his younger brother, Kasperi, plays in a youth team. The entire family was present at the World Championship final, witnessing Helenius's game-winning goal, which led to an emotional moment in the stands with his mother, Maiju.

Now you can praise the guy. I love that guy! What a personality he is, happy and such a natural child.

· Mikael GranlundCommenting on Konsta Helenius after the World Championship final.
About this summary

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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