Erik Haula has turned a breakout playoff performance with the Wild into a spot on his country’s national team.
The 23-year-old has been added to Finland’s roster for the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Minsk, Belarus. Finland is currently 1-2 in the tournament with preliminary play scheduled through May 20.
The Pori, Finland native recorded seven points (4-3=7) in 13 playoff games with the Wild leading NHL rookies in goals and shots (29) and ranked tied for third in scoring. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound forward tallied 15 points (6-9=15) and a franchise rookie record plus-14 rating in 46 games with Minnesota this season and 27 points (14-13=27) in 31 games with the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League (AHL).
This will mark the fourth time Haula has represented Finland in international competition. He collected seven points (4-3=7) in six games for Finland at the 2011 World Junior Championship. He helped Finland claim the bronze medal at the 2009 Under-18 World Championship totaling four points (3-1=4) in six games. Haula also played for Finland at the 2008 Under-18 World Championship and recorded four points (1-3=4).
The top four teams from each eight-team group will advance to a crossover quarterfinal game on May 22. Semifinal games will be played on May 24, and medal games will be played on May 25.