What league does Finland U18 play in?

Finland U18 play in the WJC-18.

When was Finland U18 founded?

Finland U18 was founded in 1928.

Who is the head coach of Finland U18?

The head coach of Finland U18 is Mikael Kotkaniemi.

Who is the captain of Finland U18?

The captain of Finland U18 is Julius Saari.

Who is the general manager of Finland U18?

The general manager of Finland U18 is Kimmo Oikarinen.

Finland U18

WJC-18

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2024-2025

2024-2025 Season

Finland U18 were 2-1-1 in the 2024-25 WJC-18 season with 7 points, 3rd in the A and 5th overall.

2024-2025 Finland U18 Club Stats

Finland U18 — 2024-2025 Club Stats — Skaters
Skater	Team	League	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-
Max Westergård (LW/RW)	totals		51	22	41	63	93	30
	Frölunda HC J20	J20 Nationell	41	19	31	50	87	28
	Frölunda HC J18	J18 Region	4	2	6	8	0	-
	Frölunda HC J18	J18 Nationell	2	1	4	5	4	2
	Frölunda HC	SHL	4	0	0	0	2	0
Matias Vanhanen (F)	totals		47	17	30	47	24	20
	HIFK U20	U20 SM-sarja	42	17	30	47	22	21
	HIFK	Liiga	5	0	0	0	2	-1
	HIFK U18	U18 SM-sarja	0	0	0	0	0	-
Totti Kangasniemi (RW)	totals		45	12	32	44	12	8
	Jokerit U20	U20 SM-sarja	24	4	9	13	4	8
	Jokerit U18	U18 SM-sarja	21	8	23	31	8	-
Jere Somervuori (LW)	totals		45	10	25	35	8	11
	HIFK	Liiga	4	0	0	0	0	1
	HIFK U20	U20 SM-sarja	41	10	25	35	8	10
	HIFK U18	U18 SM-sarja	0	0	0	0	0	-
Atte Joki (C)	Lukko U20	U20 SM-sarja	40	15	17	32	8	10
Rasmus Pakarinen (F)	totals		41	17	12	29	8	-2
	KalPa U20	U20 SM-sarja	39	15	11	26	8	-2
	KalPa U18	U18 SM-sarja	2	2	1	3	0	-
Jeremi Virtanen (F)	totals		46	12	17	29	8	4
	TPS U20	U20 SM-sarja	42	10	15	25	8	4
	TPS U18	U18 SM-sarja	4	2	2	4	0	-
Aapo Katavisto (RW)	totals		43	13	14	27	12	2
	Kiekko-Espoo U20	U20 SM-sarja	40	12	14	26	12	3
	Kiekko-Espoo U18	U18 SM-sarja	1	1	0	1	0	-
	Kiekko-Espoo	Liiga	2	0	0	0	0	-1
Jasu Mensonen (LW)	Lukko U20	U20 SM-sarja	40	5	21	26	28	-2
Rasmus Kämäräinen (F)	totals		40	14	11	25	28	-2
	Ässät U20	U20 SM-sarja	38	14	9	23	26	-2
	Ässät U18	U18 SM-sarja	2	0	2	2	2	-
	Ässät U18	U18 Mestis	0	0	0	0	0	-
Eetu Orpana (C)	totals		38	9	15	24	12	9
	Tappara U20	U20 SM-sarja	38	9	15	24	12	9
	Tappara U18	U18 SM-sarja	0	0	0	0	0	-
Jesse Pärssinen (C/LW)	totals		47	10	12	22	20	-4
	TPS U18	U18 SM-sarja	16	9	8	17	14	-
	TPS U20	U20 SM-sarja	31	1	4	5	6	-4
Aapo Vanninen (C)	totals		47	8	14	22	10	9
	Örebro HK J18	J18 Region	1	0	1	1	0	-
	Örebro HK J20	J20 Nationell	46	8	13	21	10	9
	Örebro HK J18	J18 Nationell	0	0	0	0	0	-
Lasse Boelius (D)	totals		41	4	16	20	18	-2
	Ässät	Liiga	7	0	2	2	2	1
	Ässät U20	U20 SM-sarja	34	4	14	18	16	-3
	Ässät U18	U18 Mestis	0	0	0	0	0	-
Lauri Kouhia (LW)	totals		34	5	12	17	14	10
	Jokerit U20	U20 SM-sarja	32	5	9	14	12	10
	Jokerit U18	U18 SM-sarja	2	0	3	3	2	-
Jesper Kotajärvi (D)	totals		42	9	7	16	46	0
	Tappara	Liiga	12	1	0	1	2	-2
	Tappara U20	U20 SM-sarja	30	8	7	15	44	2
	Tappara U18	U18 SM-sarja	0	0	0	0	0	-
Juho Piiparinen (D)	totals		40	2	14	16	24	4
	Tappara U20	U20 SM-sarja	40	2	14	16	24	4
	Tappara U18	U18 SM-sarja	0	0	0	0	0	-
Veeti Ruotsalainen (D)	totals		46	2	10	12	26	2
	Kärpät U20	U20 SM-sarja	44	1	9	10	26	2
	Kärpät U18	U18 SM-sarja	2	1	1	2	0	-
Vertti Svensk (D)	totals		29	2	7	9	34	-5
	JoKP	Mestis	2	0	0	0	4	1
	Jokipojat U20	U20 Mestis	4	0	2	2	2	-
	SaiPa U20	U20 SM-sarja	23	2	5	7	28	-6
Julius Saari (D)	totals		39	4	1	5	38	19
	Jokerit U20	U20 SM-sarja	34	3	1	4	36	17
	Jokerit	Mestis	5	1	0	1	2	2
Samu Alalauri (D)	totals		29	2	3	5	2	9
	Pelicans U20	U20 SM-sarja	26	2	3	5	2	9
	Pelicans U18	U18 SM-sarja	3	0	0	0	0	-
Ossi Sippola (D)	totals		40	0	1	1	10	1
	HIFK U18	U18 SM-sarja	5	0	0	0	0	-
	HIFK U20	U20 SM-sarja	35	0	1	1	10	1

Finland U18 — 2024-2025 Club Stats — Goalies
Goalie	Team	League	GP	GAA	SV%	SO	W-L-T	TOI
Jooa Sammalniemi (G)	totals		32	1.84	.923	5	23-6-0	1925:35
	Lukko U20	U20 SM-sarja	16	1.94	.918	3	12-3-0	960:02
	Lukko U18	U18 SM-sarja	16	1.74	.928	2	11-3-0	965:33
Jester Rossi (G)	totals		30	2.75	.896	4	16-11-0	1724:30
	Kärpät U20	U20 SM-sarja	28	2.76	.895	4	15-10-0	1606:59
	Kärpät U18	U18 SM-sarja	2	2.55	.911	0	1-1-0	117:31
Patrik Kerkola (G)	totals		33	3.14	.882	0	15-15-1	1931:57
	KalPa U20	U20 SM-sarja	31	3.14	.883	0	15-14-0	1813:02
	KalPa	Liiga	1	3.13	.842	0	0-1-0	57:29
	IPK	Mestis	1	2.93	.880	0	0-0-1	61:26

2024-2025 Finland U18 Staff

Head CoachMikael Kotkaniemi
Asst. CoachNiko Halttunen
Asst. CoachArto Laatikainen
Asst. CoachVille Suovalkama
Asst. CoachVille-Vesa Vainiola
Goaltending CoachOlli-Pekka Äijälä
General ManagerKimmo Oikarinen
Team ManagerKimmo Happo
Equipment ManagerNiko Kuisma
Equipment ManagerKalevi Metsävainio
Physical TherapistHenri Keskilohko

Team Staff History

2024-2025 Finland U18 Captains

"C"

Julius Saari

"A"

Team Captaincy History

Stories

Insights and analysis from EP Editorial team

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2026-05-15, 15:17

Film Room: Oliver Suvanto's physical skills, two-way maturity make him a high-certainty NHLer

2026-05-12, 15:03

Film Room: Juho Piiparinen's well-roundedness makes him the most promising Finnish defenceman in years

2026-05-06, 15:55

Standout performers from the 2026 U18 World Championships

2026-04-20, 16:10

2026 NHL Draft prospects with the most to prove at the IIHF U18 World Championship

All Articles

2024-2025 Finland U18 Demographics

Finland U18 Facts

Plays in: U18 World Championship
2027: WJC-18 -
2026: WJC-18 Quarterfinal loss
2025: WJC-18 Quarterfinal loss
2024: WJC-18 Quarterfinal loss

2024-2025 Finland U18 Roster Facts

Nationalities

25 players

Experience

Finland U18: 107 GP
SHL: 4 GP
Liiga: 32 GP

Affiliated Team(s)

Finland (WC)
Finland Olympics (OG)
Finland U20 (all) (International-Jr)

Finland U18 Games

Finland U18 — 2024-2025 Games
date	home	visiting	score	league
04/29/2026 10:00 AM UTC	Czechia U18	Finland U18	2 - 1	U18 WJC
04/27/2026 12:00 PM UTC	Finland U18	Canada U18	0 - 7	U18 WJC
04/25/2026 04:00 PM UTC	Slovakia U18	Finland U18	4 - 5 (OT 61:50)	U18 WJC
04/24/2026 04:00 PM UTC	Finland U18	Latvia U18	2 - 0	U18 WJC
04/22/2026 12:00 PM UTC	Norway U18	Finland U18	1 - 6	U18 WJC

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Finland U18 History and Standings

Finland U18 — Season History
season	league	GP	W	L	T	OTW	OTL	GF	GA	PTS	PPG	rank	postseason
2026-2027	WJC-18	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2025-2026	WJC-18	4	2	1	-	1	0	13	12	8	2	3	Quarterfinal loss
2024-2025	WJC-18	4	2	1	-	0	1	18	9	7	1.75	3	Quarterfinal loss
2023-2024	WJC-18	4	3	1	-	0	0	18	10	9	2.25	2	Quarterfinal loss
2022-2023	WJC-18	4	3	1	-	0	0	23	14	9	2.25	2	Quarterfinal loss
2021-2022	WJC-18	3	2	1	-	0	0	13	7	6	2	2	Bronze game win
2020-2021	WJC-18	4	2	0	-	1	1	24	13	9	2.25	1	Bronze game loss
2019-2020	WJC-18	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Tournament Cancelled
2018-2019	WJC-18	4	1	3	-	0	0	20	13	3	0.75	4	Quarterfinal loss
2017-2018	WJC-18	4	4	0	-	0	0	21	8	12	3	1	Champion
2016-2017	WJC-18	4	4	0	-	0	0	23	10	12	3	1	Final loss
2015-2016	WJC-18	4	2	1	-	1	0	13	9	8	2	2	Champion
2014-2015	WJC-18	4	3	1	-	0	0	14	6	9	2.25	2	Final loss
2013-2014	WJC-18	4	2	1	-	0	1	14	10	7	1.75	3	Quarterfinal loss
2012-2013	WJC-18	4	3	1	-	0	0	14	7	9	2.25	2	Bronze game win
2011-2012	WJC-18	4	3	1	-	0	0	15	9	9	2.25	2	Bronze game loss
2010-2011	WJC-18	4	2	2	-	0	0	16	15	6	1.5	3	Quarterfinal loss
2009-2010	WJC-18	4	3	0	-	1	0	21	11	11	2.75	1	Bronze game win
2008-2009	WJC-18	4	3	1	-	0	0	27	9	9	2.25	1	Bronze game win
2007-2008	WJC-18	4	2	2	-	0	0	15	15	6	1.5	3	Quarterfinal loss
2006-2007	WJC-18	4	1	2	-	0	1	6	10	4	1	5	Saved in relegation
2005-2006	WJC-18	4	3	0	1	-	-	12	7	7	1.75	1	Final loss
2004-2005	WJC-18	4	1	3	0	-	-	6	13	2	0.5	4	Saved in relegation
2003-2004	WJC-18	4	1	1	2	-	-	14	8	4	1	4	Saved in relegation
2002-2003	WJC-18	4	1	2	1	-	-	14	15	3	0.75	4	Saved in relegation
2001-2002	WJC-18	5	2	3	0	-	-	14	15	4	0.8	4	-
	WJC-18	5	4	1	0	-	-	22	7	8	1.6	2	Final group
2000-2001	WJC-18	4	4	0	0	-	-	17	3	8	2	1	Bronze game win
1999-2000	WJC-18	4	3	1	0	-	-	19	9	6	1.5	2	Champion
1998-1999	WJC-18	5	3	1	1	-	-	12	12	7	1.4		-

Where Are They Now?

Played in the team during season

Finland U18 — Where Are They Now
#	player	season	team	league	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
1.	Kristian Tanus (F)	2026-2027	HC Ajoie	NL	14	5	14	19	4
2.	Emil Järventie (F)	2026-2027	Tappara U20	U20 SM-sarja	13	15	3	18	10
3.	Paavo Fugleberg (F)	2026-2027	TPS U20	U20 SM-sarja	12	10	7	17	2
4.	Sami Tavernier (F)	2026-2027	Angers	Ligue Magnus	11	8	9	17	20
5.	Julius Nättinen (F)	2026-2027	HC Ajoie	NL	14	7	8	15	6
6.	Sami Päivärinta (F)	2026-2027	HPK	Liiga	15	6	9	15	4
7.	Samu Markkula (F)	2026-2027	TUTO Hockey	Mestis	10	4	11	15	2
8.	Roni Hirvonen (F)	2026-2027	Kärpät	Liiga	16	4	11	15	4
9.	Sebastian Aho (F)	2026-2027	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL	11	6	8	14	12
10.	Eelis Uronen (D)	2026-2027	HIFK U20	U20 SM-sarja	11	5	9	14	39

View Complete List

Average Height, Weight, Age Per Season

Finland U18 — Roster Demographics
Season	Roster	Height	Weight	Age
2025-2026	View Roster	6'0"	187 lbs	17.76
2024-2025	View Roster	6'0"	181 lbs	17.88
2023-2024	View Roster	6'0"	185 lbs	17.96
2022-2023	View Roster	6'0"	183 lbs	17.65
2021-2022	View Roster	6'1"	192 lbs	17.68

View 20 Latest Seasons

Regular Season

Franchise All-Time Points

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Points
#	Player	GP	G	A	TP
1.	Teemu Pulkkinen (F)	12	17	11	28
2.	Mikael Granlund (F)	12	6	20	26
3.	Toni Rajala (F)	12	13	11	24
4.	Artturi Lehkonen (F)	14	10	9	19
5.	Kristian Vesalainen (F)	14	8	11	19

Franchise All-Time Goals

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Goals
#	Player	GP	G	A	TP
1.	Teemu Pulkkinen (F)	12	17	11	28
2.	Toni Rajala (F)	12	13	11	24
3.	Matti Hagman (F)	10	12	4	16
4.	Sean Bergenheim (F)	14	11	5	16
5.	Artturi Lehkonen (F)	14	10	9	19

Franchise All-Time Assists

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Assists
#	Player	GP	G	A	TP
1.	Mikael Granlund (F)	12	6	20	26
2.	Aron Kiviharju (D)	16	0	16	16
3.	Jose Pekkala (F)	10	4	13	17
4.	Markus Granlund (F)	12	3	13	16
5.	Mika Välilä (F)	13	7	12	19

Franchise All-Time Penalty Min.

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Penalty Min.
#	Player	GP	G	TP	PIM
1.	Tomek Valtonen (F)	6	0	0	52
2.	Ilmari Pitkänen (F)	6	1	2	46
3.	Jari Munck (D)	15	3	7	41
4.	Jesperi Kotkaniemi (F)	14	4	15	37
5.	Mikael Aaltonen (D)	6	3	6	37

Franchise All-Time Games Played

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Games Played
#	Player	GP	G	A	TP
1.	Aron Kiviharju (D)	16	0	16	16
2.	Seppo Urpalainen (F)	15	10	6	16
3.	Esa Keskinen (F)	15	9	4	13
4.	Tapio Koskinen (F)	15	6	3	9
5.	Jari Munck (D)	15	3	4	7

Franchise All-Time Points Per Game

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Points Per Game
#	Player	GP	G	TP	PPG
1.	Tero Toivola (F)	5	6	17	3.40
2.	Teemu Selänne (F)	6	7	16	2.67
3.	Sami Wahlsten (F)	5	7	13	2.60
4.	Vesa Viitakoski (F)	6	8	15	2.50
5.	Teemu Pulkkinen (F)	12	17	28	2.33

Franchise All-Time Points Per Season

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Points Per Season
#	Player	Season	League	GP	G	A	TP	PPG	PIM
1.	Toni Rajala (F)	2008-2009	WJC-18	6	10	9	19	3.17	6
2.	Tero Toivola (F)	1985-1986	EJC-18	5	6	9	17	3.40	6
3.	Teemu Selänne (F)	1987-1988	EJC-18	6	7	9	16	2.67	8
4.	Teemu Pulkkinen (F)	2009-2010	WJC-18	6	10	5	15	2.50	10
5.	Vesa Viitakoski (F)	1988-1989	EJC-18	6	8	7	15	2.50	6

Franchise All-Time Goals Per Season

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Goals Per Season
#	Player	Season	League	GP	G	A	TP	PPG	PIM
1.	Toni Rajala (F)	2008-2009	WJC-18	6	10	9	19	3.17	6
2.	Teemu Pulkkinen (F)	2009-2010	WJC-18	6	10	5	15	2.50	10
3.	Matti Hagman (F)	1973-1974	EJC-19	5	10	2	12	2.40	0
4.	Vesa Viitakoski (F)	1988-1989	EJC-18	6	8	7	15	2.50	6
5.	Keijo Säilynoja (F)	1987-1988	EJC-18	6	8	4	12	2.00	4

Franchise All-Time Assists Per Season

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Assists Per Season
#	Player	Season	League	GP	G	A	TP	PPG	PIM
1.	Jose Pekkala (F)	1978-1979	EJC-18	5	2	11	13	2.60	0
2.	Mikael Granlund (F)	2008-2009	WJC-18	6	2	11	13	2.17	0
3.	Miro Heiskanen (D)	2016-2017	WJC-18	7	2	10	12	1.71	0
4.	Toni Rajala (F)	2008-2009	WJC-18	6	10	9	19	3.17	6
5.	Tero Toivola (F)	1985-1986	EJC-18	5	6	9	17	3.40	6

Franchise All-Time Penalty Min. Per Season

Finland U18 — Franchise All-Time Penalty Min. Per Season
#	Player	Season	League	GP	G	A	TP	PPG	PIM
1.	Tomek Valtonen (F)	1996-1997	EJC-18	6	0	0	0	0.00	52
2.	Ilmari Pitkänen (F)	2007-2008	WJC-18	6	1	1	2	0.33	46
3.	Jesperi Kotkaniemi (F)	2017-2018	WJC-18	7	3	6	9	1.29	37
4.	Mikael Aaltonen (D)	2008-2009	WJC-18	6	3	3	6	1.00	37
5.	Miro Hovinen (D)	2009-2010	WJC-18	6	1	0	1	0.17	33