Finland’s men’s ice hockey team are returning home on Monday after winning the world championship with a 1-0 overtime victory over Switzerland in Zurich.

The title was Finland’s fifth in men’s ice hockey. The winning goal came from Konsta Helenius, who ended the final at 70 minutes and 42 seconds.

The result left tournament host Switzerland with silver for the third successive time. Switzerland has not scored in any of those three finals.

Finland had earlier put the puck into the Swiss net in the first period, but officials ruled out the goal after a video review for a high stick.

The final stayed goalless through regulation time before Helenius settled the game in overtime with a solo move and finish. Finland’s previous world titles came in 1995, 2011, 2019 and 2022.

Norway took bronze earlier on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Canada. The medal was the first in Norway’s ice hockey history.

The Finnish team is travelling back from Zurich on a Finnair charter flight on Monday. The flight number, AY7516, refers to captain Aleksander Barkov’s shirt number.

The flight drew attention online. According to Flightradar data, it became the most followed flight in the world during the return journey, with more than 10,000 people tracking it as it passed over the Baltic Sea.

The plane is due to land at Helsinki-Vantaa in the afternoon. Fans will not have access to the arrival area because the team used the VIP terminal.

The players’ first stop after landing is Mäntyniemi, where President Alexander Stubb will host the team at 16.30, according to the Office of the President.

A public celebration is scheduled to begin at 18.00 outside Helsinki Olympic Stadium, at Mäntymäki field and Stadion Square. Organisers are expecting the team to appear on stage at around 19.30. The event is due to end at 21.00.

The celebration line-up includes JVG and Haloo Helsinki, Nelli Matula, Linda and Pete, Käärijä, Raptori, Samuell, Ellinoora and Vesala.

Public authorities are preparing for large crowds in Helsinki after celebrations had already continued overnight across the country.

Helsinki Rescue Department warned people against climbing on traffic signs, roofs, structures and vehicles. It also warned against alcohol misuse and careless use of fireworks.

“Risks in celebrations include climbing on traffic signs, structures and roofs, travelling on top of or outside vehicles, excessive alcohol use and careless use of fireworks,” fire officer Timo Ustinov said in a statement.

Paramedic field supervisor Henrik Rehnström said falls linked to such behaviour risk long-term injuries. He said most people celebrate and behave with restraint.

The rescue department said typical incidents on large celebration days include injuries linked to intoxication, falls and people dropping from structures.

In Helsinki, the aftermath of overnight celebrations was visible around Kauppatori, Esplanadi and the Havis Amanda statue on Monday morning. Rescue crews helped police remove ropes used by people to climb onto the statue, despite protective barriers around it.

HT