 | Finland Invites 41 To Summer Camp |
 puckboy writes "As expected, some of the European countries are holding summer workouts in preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics. One such country is the defending silver medallists and one of the big six hockey nations... Finland.
21 forwards have been invited, of which 5 have already been written onto the final roster. Those five are Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, Juha Ylonen, Sami Kapanen and Jere Lehtinen. Certainly a respectable start. Some of the other better known invities include: Antti Aalto (former Duck), Mika Alatalo (former Coyote), Mikko Eloranta (Boston), Florida's Olli Jokinen, Tomi Kallio (Thrashers), Laaksonen (Minnesota) and Ville Nieminen (Avalanche). One other name worth mentioning is that of Raimo Helminen, a forward who could tie an Olympic record by participating in his 6th Olympics. A small surprise was that Jani Rita, who starred at the World Juniors in Moscow and could make the Oilers this year if signed, was not mentioned.
The defence is anchored by Teppo Numminen (PHX), Janne Niinimaa (Edmonton) and Kimmo Timonen from Nashville. The others in the running for spots are: Aki Berg (Toronto), Jere Karalahti (Kings), the Bruin's Jarno Kultanen, Laukkanen from Pittsburgh, Dallas' new acquisition Jyrki Lumme, Toni Lydman (CGY), Sami Salo (Ottawa) and Ossi Vaananen (PHX). Petteri Nummelin, who's rights are owned by Columbus I believe, is the only non-NHLer attending the camp.
In between the pipes, Finland's veteran Olympians are back to contend for their jobs. Jarmo Myllys and Ari Sulander are their names. Challenging them will be San Jose's Miika Kiprusoff, Ottawa's Jani Hurme and Pasi Nurminen (the Finnish World Cup goalie). World Junior star goalie, Ari Ahonen (New Jersey prospect) was not invited to camp. Neither was Buffalo's future star, Mika Noronen.
The Finnish team is highlighted by snipers and finesse players, offensive minded defencemen and quality goaltending. Not a lot of toughness, this team will beat you with speed and play making. Often one of the forgotten contenders, Finland has always been able to win at the right times and has pulled of a few upsets before.
Although I would rank them as the sixth seed going in, a podium finish would not come as a shock to many. With Russia, Sweden, Canada, USA, the Czechs and even Slovakia to compete with, it's almost anybody's guess who will bring home the gold.
There are other names of invitees but I selected those I felt would be most recognizable to the casual fan. If you think I missed out on somebody, feel free to name him. I'll let you know if he was actually invited to the camp.
The Czechs also named a list of about 40 players who will attend a camp. I'll have that article for everybody in a few days.
Puckboy
writer for the Oilers and the 2002 Olympics.
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