ICE HOCKEY: Helenius is the hero as Finland beat Swiss in world final

ZURICH — Konsta Helenius scored the only goal of the game in sudden-death overtime as Finland defeated Switzerland 1-0 to capture the gold medal at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on Sunday, breaking the hearts of the hosts, who lost their third consecutive final.

After suffering an overtime loss to the United States in last year’s final, the Swiss were thwarted again—this time by a disciplined Finnish side that kept its cool until Helenius struck 10:42 into the extra period.

Finland had a goal disallowed for high-sticking in the first period. A pair of penalties with just five seconds left in the frame forced them to start the second period with two men in the penalty box, but the Finns expertly killed the power plays despite a raucous home crowd roaring on the Swiss.

More penalties followed in the third period, but neither side could break the deadlock in a tense, tactical affair, sending the game into a frenetic period of sudden-death, 3-on-3 overtime.

Jesse Puljujarvi hit the post for the Finns within the first 30 seconds, and the action surged from end to end until the 20-year-old Helenius drifted out of the left corner and across the ice. He unleashed an unstoppable shot into the net before throwing off his gloves and helmet to celebrate.

The victory secured a fifth world title for the Finns. Meanwhile, Switzerland has now played in six world championship finals without ever winning the gold medal.

Earlier in the day, Norway pulled off a sensational 3-2 overtime victory over Canada in the bronze-medal game to secure its first-ever medal in the tournament. Noah Steen scored the game-winner 3:32 into the extra period to stun the top-seeded Canadians and send them home empty-handed. -Reporting by Philip O'Connor; editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters