For a large part of sport enthusiasts, the definitive highlight of the upcoming Vancouver Olympics is the men’s ice hockey. And the stage is truly set for a thriller: the absolute best players on the planet gather in Canada, hockey’s homeland, and go head-to-head in a frantic two-week chase for the coveted Olympic gold. Once again, Finland are not among the favourites, but with three medals from the last four games, we can’t be counted out either.

Team Finland’s biggest chance lies in our goaltending and zealous team play, the traditional cornerstones to our not-so star-studded team’s success. NHL heavyweight goalies Miikka Kiprusoff and Nicklas Bäckström bear comparison to any team’s netminders, but admittedly, the defence in front of them could be stronger. Somewhat lacking in size and skill outside the top four, the Finnish defence is bound to struggle against the favourite nations, namely Canada and Russia.

In the offense, Vancouver marks the final chapter for many of the nation’s greatest hockey legends. At least Teemu Selänne, Saku Koivu, Jere Lehtinen and Ville Peltonen are going into their last Olympic tournament, and hope to wipe out the painful memories of losing the gold-medal match in Turin 2006. The attacking line-up, now led by Koivu’s younger brother Mikko, could use some extra firepower, but Finland once again has a hardworking mix of potential goal scorers and role players, ready to put up a fight in the blue-and-white jerseys.

So, be sure to join the crowds for some joyous moments and tormenting tension as the icy battle commences. A Finn is rarely as emotional as when watching national team hockey, and as the games draw nearer, suspense is truly mounting.

Veli-Matti Peltola -HT