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Former NHLer Antero Niittymäki Calls It A Career
After spending the last 14 games of his professional career with TPS in the SM-Liga, Antero Niittymaki has announced his retirement at the age of 32 because of recurring hip-problems. Remember this guy? On the first day of free agency in summer 2010, Niittymäki replaced long time San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov because of salary cap considerations. Niittymäki played strongly at the beginning of [...]
Johan Backlund Out In Kärpät? Jussi Rynnas In?
According to Finnish website Kavela.fl, Kärpät, a team in the SM-Liga, will likely sign Toronto Marlies goaltender Jussi Rynnas, replacing former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Johan Backland who is expected to leave at the end of the season. As a younger player, Rynnäs was never considered a prime talent and was, for example, never drafted in the [...]
AHL Journeyman Brian Willsie Signs Deal with TPS
After having a successful tryout with TPS of SM-Liga, Brian Willsie has signed a one-year deal with the club. Brian was drafted 146th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. After starring for the Storm in the following two seasons, Brian was named to the OHL First All-Star team and represented Canada at the 1998 World Junior Championships. After spending [...]