James Nichols
Lenni Hameenaho showed the New Jersey Devils a bit of moxie amid his recall in the 2025-26 season, and he’s carrying that momentum to the IIHF World Championships for Finland.
Hameenaho put together a strong performance for Finland in their 6-2 win over the United States on Monday in Zurich.
The 21-year-old Devils forward finished with two goals and an assist as Finland stayed unbeaten at 3-0 in Group A.
Hameenaho opened the scoring at 6:06 of the first period. He stripped Ryan Leonard of the puck in the neutral zone, carried it into the U.S. zone on the left wing, and beat Joseph Woll with a wrister high to the glove side, setting the stage for a dominant Finnish performance.
It was the same kind of responsibilty Hameenaho displayed outside of the offensive zone for the Devils this season, which converted to offense for Finland.
Patrik Puistola made it 2-1 later in the first after taking a short pass from Hameenaho and beating Woll high. Aatu Raty added a shorthanded goal before the period ended, giving Finland a 3-1 lead on just eight shots. Matt Coronato had tied it briefly for the U.S. at 7:44.
In the second period, Hameenaho scored again at 1:26 on the power play, one-timing it home on Finland’s first shot of the frame to make it 4-1. Saku Maenalanen followed 31 seconds later, chasing Woll from the net. Devin Cooley came on in relief for the Americans.
Ryan Leonard scored for the U.S. on a 5-on-3 power play early in the third to cut the deficit to 5-2. Anton Lundell answered on the man advantage a few minutes later to close out the scoring. Justus Annunen stopped 30 of 32 shots for Finland.
Hameenaho, who had two goals and six assists in 33 NHL games with the Devils this past season, played on a line with Anton Lundell and Patrik Puistola. Finland outscored the U.S. despite the Americans holding a 32-28 edge in shots.
The win keeps the undefeated Finland rolling while the U.S. sits at 1-2.
It’s certainly an encouraging game from Hameenaho who showed out vs. a USA team stacked with NHLers.
More performances like this from the Devils forward could certainly propel him through the summer and to training camp to help kickstart a big 2026-27.
