Finland: Nokelainen Rising

Correspondent Mikko Vuori reviews some recent performances from Finland’s top 2004 draft prospects, including Petteri Nokelainen and Lauri Tukonen, both impressing on the senior SM-Liiga circuit, as well as elite juniors’ Pasi Salonen, Jarmo Jokila and Lauri Korpikoski.

Petteri Nokelainen, C-W, SaiPa, (2004)

Due to strong recent showings, Nokelainen has been promoted to SaiPa’s first line ... looks like a solidly-built player and full measure for his 6-foot-1, 190-pound listing … did not play an overly physical game tonight, yet he didn't back down from contact either ... scored one goal with a deft deflection on the power play and made some nice plays in the offensive zone, one of which led to a goal ... must learn to keep moving on the ice more, as he has a tendency to stop and wait for the play to develop ... however, that was the only negative on what was a mature overall performance from Nokelainen … an intriguing prospect, who in no way looked like a 17-year-old rookie out there tonight.

Lauri Tukonen, RW, Blues, (2004)

The top-ranked Finn was promoted to the Blues’ first line for a recent game against HPK ... Tukonen put on an impressive display and looked to be the most skilled player on his line tonight ... showed some flashes of high-end puck skills in the offensive zone ... scored an opportunistic goal, following up smartly on his own rebound ... despite looking very strong on the puck, he wasn’t much of a factor away from it, particularly off the forecheck where he created few, if any, turnovers ... did not show much of a physical side to his game, but was not really out-muscled either … a strong skater who had no difficulty keeping up with the pace of the game at the senior level.

Pasi Salonen, LW, HIFK Jrs, (2004)

Salonen was returned to his spot on IFK Jr’s first line ... played a typical ‘Salonen’ game, rarely dumping the puck into the offensive zone, and preferring to use his speed and skills to carry the puck in ... like a striker in soccer, Salonen likes to poach in the neutral zone, waiting for a long outlet pass, a strategy his team often employs ... did get an assist on a goal that was started by one of these ‘home-run’ passes ... nearly scored a goal on a breakaway, hitting the post after making a slick deke on the goalie ... however, in a 5-2 losing effort, it was an underwhelming performance from Salonen, who didn’t really show everything that he is capable of tonight.

Jarmo Jokila, C-W, TPS Jrs, (2004)

Jokila played a major role for his club, the TPS juniors ... listed at just 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds which seems to be about right – he looks that small on the ice ... an elusive player who showed off some neat tricks to avoid getting hit by bigger players ... likes to agitate and get under the other team’s skin, and was often yapping with opponents after the whistle, one such situation resulting in a penalty for both players ... ran the power play for his team and showed excellent poise, never rushing his decisions and usually making the best pass ... a talented puckhandler, he displayed some nifty skills ... also demonstrated that he reads and sees the ice very well ... however, despite a solid showing tonight, he was held off the scoresheet.

Lauri Korpikoski, LW, TPS Jrs, (2004)

Another undersized '04-eligible winger, Korpikoski took a regular shift on the third line for the TPS juniors ... the most notable thing about his game is his excellent speed, which he used to create some scoring chances for himself ... showed good balance on his skates and had a couple of chances to score, but was unable to get a clean shot away ... like Jokila, Korpikoski was held scoreless in the game ... needs to learn to be more aggressive, as he did not put forth the kind of physical presence that was needed to help his team.

News from around Finland

MOVING RIGHTS ... The St. Louis Blues acquired the rights to Ilves Tampere winger Erkki Rajamaki from Tampa Bay ... Rajamaki was selected to play for Finland in November’s Karjala Cup earlier the same day ... expect the Blues to offer a contract to the hardworking Rajamaki next summer ... PARSSINEN ON FIRE ... Former Mighty Duck Timo Parssinen has put up some Herculean performances during the first quarter of the SM-Liiga campaign ... Parssinen leads the league with 13 goals and 10 assists in 18 games, a pace that will certainly get him another NHL opportunity ... Parssinen, who considered returning to North America last summer, is looking for a one-way deal to return ... SCOUTS VISITING ... Red Wings’ draftee Tomek Valtonen has made an impressive start this season, however, when Detroit’s scouts arrived for a look-see, Valtonen had lost his place on Jokerit's first line thanks to the arrival of Todd Warriner ... another player who has been drawing plenty of scouting interest has been Lukko's young defenseman Ilkka Heikkinen ... at least the Boston Bruins’ staff have been visiting the often-underscouted Rauma club ... BACK FOR WJC? ... The Finnish Ice Hockey Association is trying to negotiate the release of two important players for their World Junior roster ... Sean Bergenheim (NYI) and Hannu Toivonen (Bos) would like to play for Finland, the host country for this year’s top junior tournament, however, their NHL clubs hold the last call on the situation.