Finland scored a controversial goal that survived a Canadian challenge to even the game in the first period of their Group B clash at the World Junior Championship on Wednesday.
With the Finnish side on the power play, Lasse Boelius took a shot from distance that got past Carter George in the Canadian net.
George immediately waived for a challenge, as replay showed Finnish forward Joona Saarelainen made contact with George’s glove as the goaltender reached out to make the save.
After a quick review, the referee motioned to the centre of the ice to indicate the goal stood, despite clear evidence the Finnish player interfered with the goaltender, knocking his glove away from the airborne puck.
The referees gave an explanation of the call after the first period: Because George’s glove was outside of the crease when contact was made, it was ruled inadvertent contact, as Saareleinen was also attempting to tip the puck out of mid-air.
Per the IIHF’s ruling, if George’s glove had been in the crease, the goal would have been waived off for interference.
With the goal, Finland evened the score at 3-3 – the third time in the first period that Finland scored to answer after Canada took a lead. The failed challenge also put Canada on the penalty kill again, but the Canadian defence would hold up to keep the score even.
The victor of this game between Canada and Finland will earn the top spot in Group B at the World Juniors.