Ylonen: Soaking in a special accomplishment

MONTREAL - Where does winning the World Junior Hockey Championship rank on Jesse Ylonen's list of accomplishments?

"Number one, of course," replied the 19-year-old forward, who opened the scoring for Finland during Saturday night's 3-2 gold medal victory over the United States in Vancouver.
It was by no means an easy win, though, as Ylonen and company surrendered a two-goal lead in the third period before Kaapo Kakko lit the lamp with just 1:26 remaining in regulation time to clinch the top spot on the podium.
"It was a great moment. When we scored that last goal, there was still a little bit more than a minute to go, so I was still very nervous that they might get a few chances. When the game finally ended, it was a huge relief and I was so happy," said Ylonen. "We were a very, very tough team. We never gave up in any game, even when it was a tough situation like that. We just continued playing and we knew that if we played as good as we can, we will get the result."

Ahead of going toe-to-toe with the Americans, the Finns downed the host Canadians in overtime in the quarterfinals before besting Switzerland in the semis.
Ylonen opened the scoring in the Swiss game as well, finishing the tournament with three goals, six points and a plus-5 differential in seven games.
"It was a very special group. We had players from many different age groups and everyone played a very good tournament. That was the biggest thing, that we had four very good lines and everyone was thinking about our team and not about their own points or own goals," explained Ylonen, who was selected in the second round, 35th overall by the Canadiens last June. "Everyone just played for the team."
Understandably, it was difficult for the Habs' hopeful to put the significance of Saturday's triumph into words.
"It's hard to describe, but it's an unbelievable feeling for what we accomplished here," said Ylonen, after helping his country secure their third World Junior title in the last six years. "Especially winning it here in North America, it makes it even tougher and harder to win. It was very special."

While Ylonen's parents - former NHLer Juha Ylonen and his wife Minna - weren't in British Columbia to witness the tournament in person, the talented youngster felt their incredible support from 7,500 km away.
"They watched it on television from back home. They watched all of my games," mentioned Ylonen, whose father played 341 career NHL games with Phoenix, Tampa Bay and Ottawa. "I just phoned them this morning. It was great. They were very happy for me and proud of me."
No doubt the Canadiens' Finnish contingent of goaltender Antti Niemi and forwards Joel Armia, Artturi Lehkonen and Jesperi Kotkaniemi was, too.
Ylonen even received a congratulatory text message from Kotkaniemi, his former teammate at the Under-18s.
"It's great having the support in Montreal as well," said Ylonen.

Heading home
It's safe to say the upcoming championship celebrations in Finland will be nothing short of tremendous.
Ylonen fully expects the entire country to be rejoicing right along with them when they return.
"I think it's going to be crazy. I saw some pictures on the news and all of Finland was going nuts. All of Finland was watching," said Ylonen. "We had great support. It's a big hockey country, so it's a very big thing."

Once the festivities are over, though, Ylonen is hoping to pick up right where he left off with the Lahden Pelicans in his freshman Liiga campaign.
Before heading to Canada, he was enjoying his most productive month of the year with three goals and six points in six games in December.
"I didn't play that well at the start of the season, but it's been going better and better all the time. I've been getting more ice time and feeling more confident," explained Ylonen, who has eight goals and 13 points in 31 games. "I think the biggest thing has been working hard every day, listening to the coaches and other players, and playing a smarter game."
A strong showing at the World Juniors should provide him with a bit of a boost, too.

"It's been helping me to play good here as well. I think the level in Liiga is pretty much the same. The game is a little bit different here, but not that much," said Ylonen. "Now, I just have to continue playing the same. It's not going to get any easier playing in the Liiga, but I think I got confidence here and now I just have to start focusing on the next game with Pelicans."
Eyes on Montreal
According to Ylonen, the biggest strides in his game so far this season have come on the defensive side of things. He has also made an effort to improve his shot.
Six months down the road, he'll have the opportunity to put those specific improvements - and others - on full display at the Canadiens' annual Development Camp with team brass looking on.

It's just another journey back to Canada he can't wait to make.
"It's a big thing. It's my dream to play in Montreal one day. Every time I go there I can show the coaching staff what I can do. I want to get better every time I go, so I have to get better in Finland and show them that," concluded Ylonen. "I just have to continue working every day."