2001 IIHF World Junior Championship

First string goalie Ari Ahonen, whose rights belong to the New Jersey Devils, has a fine 2:62 GAA with IFK Helsinki of the Finnish League, even though he's only 19. Backing him up is 17-year-old Kari Lehtonen, who literally stole the gold medal from the Russians at last season's World (Under-18) Junior Championship in Switzerland. Winger Janni Rita , Edmonton Oilers' top choice in the 1999 draft, is expected to provide both offense and toughness. Defenceman Tero Maatta was the first draft choice of the San Jose Sharks in 2000. Centre Miiko Koivu, younger brother of Montreal Canadiens' Saku, is only 17 but ready to play. Teemu Sainomaa, a 6-3, 209-pound winger with the Ottawa '67s, and Tony Salmelainen, third choice of the Edmonton Oilers in 1999, are solid players. Kari Jalonen, who played 37 NHL games for Calgary and Edmonton, is the new Finnish coach. Finland will be shooting for its third gold medal since the championships started in 1977.