Teemu Hartikainen & the World Junior Championships
The tournament of small sample sizes went almost as expected this season, except for the pesky Americans. While all of the hype was focused on Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle, The Copper & Blue focused on the big Finn, Teemu Hartikainen. You're all flabbergasted, I can tell. I hate to base any opinions such a small sample size, as Jonathan derides in the linked post, but I think his numbers in the World Juniors are a significant addition to the other parts of the scouting report that we've already built.
Hartikainen was Finland's leading scorer and +/- leader over the two year span. In 2010, it seemed that Hartikainen was the only Finn with the stature and physical skills to play against the Americans and the Canadians. And though his footspeed continues to get attention, he didn't look out of place in any of the games against the big three countries. He was strong on the forecheck and his open ice game seemed to match the pace of his opponents. He certainly gained confidence from the tournament:
C&B: You seemed to play a very physical game in your own end, in front of the net and on the forecheck. Were you comfortable with the style of the North American game?
Teemu Hartikainen: I liked that style in the tournament. It was very physical tournament and every game was really hard on me because I played so many minutes, but I saw that I can play well there with my strength.
Johan has implored Hartikainen to come to the AHL next year to continue his development. After seeing him in the World Juniors, I think that Hartikainen would be able to compete on this continent as well. He's been on fire since the military commitment ended - if he keeps this pace up and KalPa makes it deep into the SM-Liiga playoffs, it might be time to make the jump.
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It would be nice to see him in Oklahoma City in the next year or two!
by HF4L on Jan 28, 2010 7:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Johan thinks that he has to come over. We have a Finnish commenter that should chime in.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
by Derek Zona on Jan 28, 2010 6:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Me perhaps? :)
Yeah, I think AHL would do good for him. KalPa’s home rink is one the biggest in league (nicknamed Niirala airfield). Smaller rink and faster paced action would probably suit Hartikainen even better. It’s sad to see him go but hey, that’s just reality.
BTW. Game winner today against physically tough Espoo Blues. Empty netter but winning goal anyway.
by Waker on Jan 30, 2010 9:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

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