Finland and the NHL Draft - Following Koskinen

[Cubanpuckstopper]

I'm sure there is a Finnish version of this topic, but to make sure
I'll cover it here, Congratulations on the first goalie taken in the NHL draft, Mikko Koskinen, being from Finland!

Here is a good article from the New York Times Hockey Blog

http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/ ... nhl-draft/

In the comments section, when the author is challenged about the rise of Finnish goaltending, there is reference to Jukka.

[Pete]

Just coming from there (the Finnish section of draft discussion)

Very intresting article and discussion. Considering that Isles drafted another goalie (Anders Nilsson from Sweden) it seems that they are heading into direction of no RDP between the pipes. How soon that might be reality?

I'd be really interested in seeing Mikko play as no. 1 for the Isles. Let's see what happens.

Pete

PS. Opposite to what they say about Devils fans in the discussion part, only the other one is on holiday

[Jukka Ropponen]

Mikko's story / career so far is amazing. I am the first one to admit that he has done a lot better than I would have ever guessed. Truly hope that he does well at AHL next season. I think that his style (and size) works even better at North America than it worked at Finnish game. His coach (Marko Torenius) must be real proud of Mikko.

Jukka

[Cubanpuckstopper]

Some comments from New York Islanders coach Scott Gordon on Mikko Koskinen

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2009/07/go/

[Cubanpuckstopper]

As a follow up to this thread, Mikko Koskinen got the start last night under difficult circumstances.

The circumstance - Islander goalie injured in warmup.
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=96761

Mikko in action (some goals, some saves)
http://video.islanders.nhl.com/videocen ... ent=NYI432
http://video.islanders.nhl.com/videocen ... ent=NYI520
http://video.islanders.nhl.com/videocen ... ent=NYI141
http://video.islanders.nhl.com/videocen ... ent=NYI369
http://video.islanders.nhl.com/videocen ... ent=NYI449

Koskinen is expected to start against Montreal Thursday

[Cubanpuckstopper]

This article just released on 07.07 indicates that Mikko is alread looking forward to the 2011-12 seasion.

http://www.soundtigers.com/ViewArticle. ... =205179733

[Jukka Ropponen]

Met Mikko at lunch couple of weeks ago and unfortunately he can't start normal workouts until sometime late August as his operated wrist needs healing time. Good thing is that he has hired a great conditioning /private coach and is working out with Timo Loukio all summer.

Jukka