Milan, February 15, 2026 – The Europe Today: Finland delivered a dominant performance in their final men’s Olympic ice hockey group match, defeating Italy 11–0 and setting a new Olympic single-game record with 62 shots on goal.
The previous record of 60 shots was held by Sweden. Finland surpassed that mark in the closing minutes when Joel Kiviranta netted the team’s 11th goal, sealing both the victory and the historic milestone.
The emphatic result leaves Finland with six points and a goal difference of +11, placing them in a strong position to advance directly to Wednesday’s quarter-finals as the best group runner-up.
Finland required a three-point win to remain in contention for automatic qualification to the quarter-finals, and goal difference was expected to be decisive among second-placed teams. The commanding margin over Italy significantly reshaped the standings in Group B.
Slovakia finished top of the group, while Sweden dropped to third following results elsewhere. A late Slovak goal against Sweden earlier in the day proved pivotal, as without it Finland’s scoring advantage would not have carried the same impact.
Head coach Antti Pennanen commended his team’s disciplined approach and efficiency.
“The players did a fine job again today. They prepared themselves and were efficient,” Pennanen told Yle.
He also acknowledged Italy’s efforts in the tournament, noting that the team is coached by former Finland head coach Jukka Jalonen.
“Italy have played well and credit to them for how they have fought in this event. Today they hit a wall,” Pennanen said.
Finland led 6–0 after two periods, having outshot Italy 38–8. The third period saw five additional goals and the record-breaking total of 62 shots on goal, compared to Italy’s 15.
The 11–0 victory ranks among Finland’s largest wins in Olympic history, though it falls short of their biggest Olympic triumph — a 19–2 win over Australia at the 1960 Winter Games in Squaw Valley.
Finland will learn their quarter-final opponent after the completion of the remaining group-stage matches.
