Breaking: In an Unprecedented IIHF First, Finnish Brothers Eeli Tolvanen and Goaltender Atte Face Off as Opponents in World Championship; Eeli’s Team Clinches Historic 2-1 Victory!
Head-to-Head: Tolvanen Brothers Make Historic IIHF Debut
The 2025 World Ice Hockey Championship kicked off with a bang yesterday, but it was an off-ice story that truly captured the imagination. When Austria faced off against Finland, it wasn’t just another game; it was a historic sibling showdown.
Unprecedented Bros Before Hos
For the first time in IIHF history, a forward faced off against his goalie brother. Finnish twins, Eeli and Atte Tolvanen, turned their family rivalry into a global spectacle.
"We grew up on the same backyard rink, playing endless hours together," Eeli remembered, a nostalgic smile visible behind his face mask. "Now, here we are, representing our countries on the world stage."
Tracing the Tolvanen Paths
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Atte, the elder by five years, started his career in Finnish juniors, migrated to North America, played one season in the AHL, and has been tending nets in Austria since 2021. His IIHF debut was a dream come true.
- Eeli, two years his junior, followed a similar path, but with a detour through the USHL. Drafted by Nashville Predators in 2017, he’s been an NHL regular ever since. He’s already won gold with Finland’s U18 and World Junior teams.
A Game of Familiarity & Surprises
Yesterday’s match-up was about much more than wins and loses. It was about sibling rivalry on the ice, with a global audience watching.
"He’s just another goalie out there," Eeli said, Surprisingly, he wasn’t bluffing. He tried to deke Atte on a breakaway in the third, but the wily goalie denied him.
"That was a sweet save," Atte recalled later. "Growing up facing his shots, I had a feeling what was coming. But then, he’s got a bag of tricks. Every chance is something different."
Advantage: Neither
So, does being the brother of your rival give you an edge? Not really, they say. While growing up together might help read each other’s moves, ice hockey is a game of anonymous moments, and nothing is a given.
"There’s no playbook for facing your brother," Atte said. "Every chance is unique. You just have to read what he’s planning to do, and adjust."
"It’s Just Another Game… Until it’s Not"
Off the ice, they’re brothers. On it, they’re opponents. But at the end of the day, it’s all part of their shared journey.
"We might be rivals on the ice, but we’re best friends off it," Eeli insisted. "We’ll catch up in the summer, and work on making each other better."
Could this Happen Again?
The Tolvanen brothers’ match-up could be a one-off phenomenon. But as more countries embrace ice hockey, and families like the Tolvanens blaze trails, stranger things could happen.
"When in Doubt, Ask a Bro" – Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Have brothers faced each other at the Olympics or World Championships before?
A: Yes, but never a goalie versus skater. In 1960, the Tikal brothers (Frantisek and Zdenek) faced off at the Olympics. And in 2002, the Reichel brothers (Robert and Martin) met several times at the World Championships. - Q: Will Austria’s coach, Roger Bader, face his son, Thierry, this tournament?
A: Unlikely. Switzerland plays in Herning, and Austria isn’t in their crossover group. They’d need to meet in the playoffs, a long shot this year.
Ice Breaker: Familiar Frenemies
Next time you’re at a hockey game, look at the benches. You might see familiar faces going at it on the ice, but off it, they’re just brothers-in-arms. The Tolvanens have proven that no matter where life takes you, family is always worth a smile, even on the ice.
Keep the Rivalry Going
What do you think? Should the Tolvanens face off again? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to explore our other hockey stories! And if you loved this read, sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive sports content!