INNSBRUCK, Jan 13 - Kasperi KAPANEN (FIN) figured it was just a matter of time before Finland scored against Austria goalkeeper Thomas STROJ and he was right.

The impressive STROJ kept the Finns at bay for two periods but KAPANEN netted the opening goal around 20 seconds into the third period en-route to a 3-0 victory on Friday in Men's Ice Hockey at the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

And, after beating the host nation in the Men's Competition's opening match, KAPANEN was quick to praise the keeper who had proved so hard to beat.

"He was incredible," KAPANEN said. "We knew we were going to get one but he just played incredible. He made so many big saves."

The Austrians were outshot 41-8 but what they lacked in talent they made up for in work ethic. In the end, however, the pace set by the Finns wore them down.

"They went very hard," Austria captain Lucas TELSNIG said. "They are very quick."

STROJ refused to get too down after the defeat and looked for a silver-lining in the scoreline.

"The last two times we played Finland we lost 12-0 and 12-3 and now it was only 3-0 so I think we are getting better," he said. "Now maybe we will make a miracle and beat Canada and the USA."

YIS aa/rm