Played on Oct 24, 2025
Game Played in Lappeenranna Jaahalli I
General Game Notes: The game was played in Espoo, where the visiting Pelicans were the better team throughout the match. Even though Kiekko-Espoo had some stretches where they were more active and pushed the pace, it was only enough for one point. The team from Lahti presented an active, fast-skating style of hockey and deservedly worked their way to the win.
Oskari Ahmajarvi (G, L, 5’11”, 166, Kiekko-Espoo U20, 07/25/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Oskari is a left-catching goalie of medium size. He kept his team in the game from start to finish and was one of the main reasons they were able to take at least one point from this matchup. He made several important saves, for example during a 4-on-1 situation against his team. He covered his angles well and moved quickly, especially during the penalty kill. His skating was good, and he showed strong positioning towards the shooter. He had fast post-to-post movements and handled rebounds very effectively, shutting down second chances with confidence.
Ville Arkiomaa (D, R, 6’2″, 196, Kiekko-Espoo U20, 03/25/2005)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Ville is a right-shot defenseman with above-average size who played in the second defensive pair, was used on the penalty kill, and also took shifts in overtime. He delivered a consistent performance throughout the whole game and was clearly a tough player to play against. Overall, he presented strong physical play, and his active approach on the penalty kill was something his team really benefited from. He used his size and strength well, along with an active stick. He also played smart hockey – very solid on the boards, strong in battles, and he knew how to approach them. When necessary, he was able to freeze the game effectively. He showed very good movement, both with and without the puck. Even under pressure he didn’t panic, stayed calm, wasn’t afraid to hold onto the puck, or moved it quickly through hard and accurate passes, including good backhand passes. In the third period he supported the offense, which we could see through his offensive jumps, being active in the slot area and sliding into open spaces for passes. This eventually paid off when he scored, finishing with a quick and accurate shot from the high slot into the top corner with no chance for the goalie. In overtime he recorded one successful block and nine takeaways throughout the game.
Max Laatikainen (D, R, 5’11”, 173, Kiekko-Espoo U20, 09/14/2008)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Max is a right-shooting defenseman of medium size who played on the first defensive pair and was used on the power play, penalty kill, and also in overtime. He wasn’t very noticeable in the first period, but his performance improved as the game went on. He has good, smooth movement both with and without the puck and played calmly with the puck on his stick, especially in the defensive zone. He wasn’t afraid to turn the play to find a better-positioned teammate, and he was very effective in starting breakouts, moving the puck through quick passes. He was solid on the boards, where he played actively and physically. He recorded two successful blocks, including one important block in overtime. Overall, he finished the game with eight takeaways.
Luca Santala (C, R, 6’1″, 181, Kiekko-Espoo U20, 07/28/2009)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Luca is a right-shooting center of above-average height who played on his team’s second line. He was very active throughout the game, and even though he didn’t get many scoring chances, he left a very positive impression. He played an active and physical game, especially on the boards, where he was difficult to play against and showed an aggressive approach. He showed the same attitude in the net-front area in the offensive zone, battling for position with opponents and not shying away from taking a few hits, always trying to help his team by attacking the slot. Luca demonstrated a strong hunger for the puck, wanted to play with it, and has good stickhandling with soft hands. He blocked one shot with his stick and won four out of eight faceoffs.
Aapo Katavisto (RW, R, 6’0″, 173, Kiekko-Espoo U20, 07/09/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Aapo is a right-shooting right winger of medium size who played on his team’s first line and was used on the power play, penalty kill, and also in overtime. He had a strong start to the game, although his performance dropped a bit in the third period. In the first period he showed good net-front presence, and after a teammate’s shot on the power play, he reacted quickly and scored on the rebound to give his team the lead. Overall, Aapo demonstrated a very good drive to the net and to the slot area, especially in the second period where he was a real threat to the opponent. He forechecked actively and played a physical game. He recorded 11 giveaways, which is an area for improvement.
Noel Pakarinen (LW, L, 6’2″, 191, Kiekko-Espoo U20, 07/09/2008)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Noel is a left-shooting left wing of tall stature who played on his team’s first line, was used on the power play, and also played in overtime. He played a physical and active game. We could see this, for example, in a situation in the neutral zone where he used his stick well, stole the puck from the opponent, and quickly joined the counterattack. He recorded one successful block and also an assist, when during the power play his shot created a rebound opportunity that his teammate put into the net to open the scoring of the game.
Samu Alalauri (D, R, 6’2″, 203, Pelicans, 05/31/2008, UMass Amherst)
Game Rating
A
Samu Alalauri is a skilled right-handed defenseman who excels in various aspects of the game. He possesses good agility and puck-moving skills, making him effective at controlling the play. His composure under pressure is impressive, allowing him to stay calm and make smart decisions. He demonstrated strong board play, creating space to skate from tight areas, and showed poise in escaping pressure from tight spots. Samu’s ability to create time for outlet passes was also notable. Notably, he scored a goal in the second period with confidence, showcasing his finishing skills.
2 Viewings
Comments: Samu is a tall, right-handed defenseman who played in his team’s first defensive pair, also used on the power play and in overtime, logging nearly 25 minutes of ice time in this game. He delivered a consistent performance, showing excellent skill with the puck and calm decision-making. On the offensive blue line, he moved effectively and created puck possession time for his team. He also attacked the slot area, getting shots on goal, and his offensive contributions combined with his soft hands led to a foul drawn on him, creating a power play opportunity. During the power play, Samu moved the puck quickly and combined well with his teammates, including a beautiful no-look pass to a teammate in the faceoff circle. He demonstrated strong awareness, was confident holding the puck and making plays in the defensive zone, and showed smart board play to recover the puck and support quick transitions to offense. Samu recorded eight takeaways.
Joonas Paqvalin (LW, L, 6’2″, 196, Pelicans, 08/07/2006)
Game Rating
A
Joonas Paqvalin is a left-handed winger known for his skating ability and playmaking skills. He effectively drives offense by creating chances through smart passes to teammates in the middle of the ice. On the power play, he positions himself on the right circle to utilize cross-ice passes that set up scoring opportunities for others. His ability to make space on the boards and move quickly toward open ice contributes to high puck possession time.
2 Viewings
Comments: Joonas is a left-handed left winger of medium to slightly taller size who played in his team’s second line, also used on the power play and in overtime. He scored the game-winning goal in the shootout with a quick shot between the goalie’s pads. He was one of the most noticeable players on the ice. He skates very well and shows good movement both with and without the puck. His strong puck-handling and ability to protect the puck allow him to create significant puck possession time for his team. Offensively, he is extremely valuable, constantly driving to the slot and net front area, which led to his goal. He showed good net-front pressure and went for the rebound to score. When shooting, he tries to change the angle to create more problems for the goalie. He also works to move the puck into the slot area through forechecking and smart passes, looking for better-positioned teammates. In the defensive zone, especially around the defensive blue line, he plays with an active stick and provides close support to help recover the puck.
Luka Arkko (LW, L, 6’3″, 212, Pelicans U20, 01/14/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Luka Arkko is a skilled left-handed winger who consistently demonstrated his ability to control the puck with ease. He showcased soft hands and smart passing, allowing him to deliver accurate saucer passes to teammates. In key situations, such as net-front battles and power plays, he displayed a willingness to be aggressive and create scoring opportunities.
2 Viewings
Comments: Luka is a tall, left-handed left wing who played in his team’s third line, and was also used on the power play and in overtime. For his size, he is a good skater and can gain excellent speed with the puck, which we saw in overtime when he was fouled while quickly maneuvering around a defender, leading to a power play for his team. He showed strong backchecking and forechecking, for example during the power play when he quickly transitioned to recover the puck for his team. Luka demonstrated good net-front drive and recorded one successful block.
Onni Amhamdi (D, L, 6’2″, 206, Pelicans U20, 01/17/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Onni is a tall, left-handed defenseman who played in his team’s first defensive pair and also took part in overtime. He delivered a very solid and responsible defensive performance, helping his team secure the victory. He played a hard and physical style, actively engaging opponents and proving very difficult to play against. He did not hesitate to protect the goalie when needed. Onni is both a defensive defender and an effective puck mover, showing this by moving the puck quickly in the defensive zone to support fast offensive transitions. He recorded eight takeaways.
Aaro Chrons (C, L, 6’2″, 192, Pelicans, 04/18/2005)
Game Rating
A
Aaro Chrons is a skilled center who excels on both offense and defense. He possesses smooth skating abilities, allowing him to effectively cover for his defensemen and prevent counterattacks. His physical play and strong puck control enable him to dominate possession and make smart passes. When without the puck, he demonstrates good puck protection skills, using his active stick to keep opponents at bay. On the power play, Chrons showed excellent movement and cross-passing ability, stretching the opponent’s defense with quick and accurate passes. His soft hands and saucer passes also showcased his overall puck control. However, an area for improvement is evident in his faceoff performance, as he struggled with a weak success rate.
2 Viewings
Comments: Aaro is a left-handed center of medium to slightly taller size who played in his team’s second line, also used on the power play and in overtime. He won twelve of eighteen faceoffs. While he was less noticeable in the first half of the game, his performance improved as the match went on. He showed good forechecking and backchecking and demonstrated solid game awareness. For example, when his team lost the puck in the neutral zone and the opponent went on a counterattack, he quickly returned through middle ice to cover the net-front area and prevented a potential scoring chance. In the offensive zone, he worked well in the net-front area on both sides of the ice, constantly finding space to free himself, gain puck possession, and create scoring opportunities. His efforts paid off when a goal resulted from one of his shots.
Eerik Kolehmainen (RW, L, 5’11”, 153, Pelicans U20, 06/20/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Eerik is a left-shooting right wing of medium height who played on his team’s first line, the second power-play unit, and also in overtime. He was particularly noticeable in the first and second periods, while less so in the third. He played a physical game and skated well, showing good mobility especially on the backcheck in the offensive zone immediately after losing the puck. In these situations, he recorded two quick takeaways and helped maintain possession for his team. Eerik used the middle of the ice effectively and was not afraid to protect the goalie when needed. He recorded four shots.