Michael Hrabal started in goal for the Czech Republic, but conceded two goals on three shots and was sent off eight minutes into the match. Jakub Vondras stopped 17 of 20 shots as a reliever.
The United States and host Sweden, looking for their first victory in their home competition, met late Friday for gold.
Leni Hamenaho scored twice for Finland. Jani Nyman added a goal and an assist.
Rasmus Kumplainen and Konsta Helenius anchored the rest of the Finnish attack, but the Finns also missed out on the podium 12 months ago after winning silver in 2022.
Aleksanteri Kaskimäki and Kasper Kronunmi added two assists, and Niklas Kokko made 23 saves.
The Czech Republic defeated Canada in the quarterfinals and lost to Sweden in the semifinals. The Czech Republic lost to Canada in the 2023 final. Finland, on the other hand, lost their gold medal match against Canada two years ago.
Down 5-4 late in regulation, Boettcher tied the game with a rebound with 1:56 remaining.
Hamara then made a point shot 15 seconds later, and Lymon and Boettcher added empty-netters.
Finland, seeking its 18th medal in world junior history, jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period.
The Czechs tied the game with goals on either side of the intermission, but Helenius made it 3-2 8:52 into the second half, and Hameyenaho scored his first goal of the day just 19 seconds later.
The New Jersey Devils prospect added his second goal of the game at 14:32 for a 5-2 lead.
Becher got one point back for the Czech Republic with 55 seconds remaining, and the gap was reduced to two points after 40 minutes. Couric scored his second goal at 4:41 of the third game to make it 5-4, but in the final stages The momentum propelled the Czech Republic to the podium. 5th time.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 5, 2024.
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Joshua Clipperton, Canadian Press