[FIN] The General Update Thread (regular updates on Jarkko Immonen)

Can someone please tell me how Toronto maple leaf draft pick Jarkko Immonen is doing. I would also like to know how many points he has and if he has shown an improvement.

Can someone please tell me how Toronto maple leaf draft pick Jarkko Immonen is doing. I would also like to know how many points he has and if he has shown an improvement.

Immonen currently has 13 points (8+5) in 13 games, with 12 PIM.

Can someone please tell me how Toronto maple leaf draft pick Jarkko Immonen is doing. I would also like to know how many points he has and if he has shown an improvement.

You mean regular updates? If that is the case then I can do that since I see him play all the time.

Yesterday against SaiPa Jarkko didn't do much. He said after the game that his line offence seemed a bit tired. In fac almost the whole JYP team seemed a little tired. Still a 3-0 victory. Jarkko's stats were 0+0=0 +0 0 pim. Alex Tremblay scored twice and Tuomas Mikkonen once.

Today Jarkko Immonen scored a PP goal. That was the only goal for JYP. JYP lost 3-1 to Oulun Karpat.

Jarkko's stats were 1+0=1 0pim -1

Immonen will compete for Finland at Karjala Tournament in Helsinki next week (6.-9.11.2003)

More info (in Finnish)

http://www.jatkoaika.com/maajoukkue.php?sivu=uutiset&id=2560

Great game from Jarkko tonight. His stats were 1+2=3 +1 0pim. (two of them PP points) He also played over 20 minutes. His goal was sweet. 1 on 1 situation where Jarkko put the puck between the d-mans legs, took it back and put the puck in the net with a wrist shot. I'll post the link for this goal as soon as I'll get it. There's an interview in finnish before the goals.

Video (http://media.keskisuomalainen.fi/stream/smil/031028_virtanen_jyp_pelicans/031028_virtanen_jyp_pelicans.ram) Unfortunately threre appears to be no sound when they show the goals and they don't show Jarkko's goal as early as they've should. That video doesn't do justice for Jarkko's performance.

Edit: +/- fixed.

Great game from Jarkko tonight. His stats were 1+2=3 +3 0pim. He also played over 20 minutes. His goal was sweet. 1 on 1 situation where Jarkko put the puck between the d-mans legs, took it back and put the puck in the net with a wrist shot. I'll post the link for this goal as soon as I'll get it. There's an interview in finnish before the goals.

I must agree. I could even say that Jarkko was dominationg the game with his line mate Antti Virtanen when ever they were playing. He gets more and more responsibility from JYP coach Alatalo and he seems to answer that very well. At the 2-2 situation Jarkko's line was the only line that could bring the game up to the offensive zone by controlling the puck all the time. Jarkko's amazing 3-2 goal then easied up the situation, but the goal itself was the kind that you can rarely see those in SM-Liiga. On 1 vs 1 situation he challenged the Pelicans defenseman Grönholm, moved the puck between his legs and shot the puck up to the net.

(Really SLOW :) ) Another mentionable thing about Jarkko is that he got chosen to the Finnish National team for the Karjala tournament. Looks like our new national team coach Raimo Summanen has a lot of trust in Jarkko's talents as he will be playing side by side with such names as Peltonen, Karalahti, Eloranta, Kallio...

Thanks for the updates guys! I appreciate it. :handclap:

His stats were 1+2=3 +3 0pim.

That +/- rating can't be correct 'cause 2 of JYP's 4 goals were scored on the powerplay.

Anyone have an NHL comparison for us?

I've seen him play once and he looks alot, A LOT like Robert Reichel!

Not so good game from JYP this evening. Jarkko's stat were 0+0=0 -1 0pim.

Jarkko Immonen has signed a new deal with JYP for the next season:

http://www.jatkoaika.com/smliiga.php?sivu=uutiset&id=2576

In the interview he (through JYP GM Jukka Seppänen's mouth) mentions that he sees NHL still as a distant goal and is really happy to keep on playing with JYP.

You never know what's going to happen after the season, but at least if Jarkko is going to play in Europe he will continue with JYP.

EDIT: Alatalo -> Seppänen

Those comments in Jatkoaika are made through JYP`s GM:s Jukka Seppänen`s mouth - not Alatalo`s.

It may be that we will lose Immonen to NHL and Toronto, but you just can`t worry about that. This is a real show competency from JYP`s organisation. You have to understand Jarkko`s position - he`s the newfound star in SM-league and every single one of SM-league`s team would pay anything to get him to sign with them. Still Jarkko chose JYP; the poorest of them all. Real midget among SM-league organisations when comes to money. But money isn`t everything.

I´m very proud of my team and it`s work among young gifted players. We gave them a change and finally this hard work is paying off.

"... the newfound star in SM-league..."

That's a little bit of an exaggeration, no?

Is he really playing that well?

:dunno:

"... the newfound star in SM-league..."

That's a little bit of an exaggeration, no?

Is he really playing that well?

:dunno: Look at the stats and try to say against that.

Look at the stats and try to say against that.

Then look at where Spiffy lives and you know he always forms his opinions on stats... I hate that...

Then look at where Spiffy lives and you know he always forms his opinions on stats... I hate that... I meant more like the stats being a confirmation on that Jarkko is a new star. Do people from here in sweden really form their opinion on stats? I didn't know that.

I meant more like the stats being a confirmation on that Jarkko is a new star. Do people from here in sweden really form their opinion on stats? I didn't know that.

I know what you meant, but you are always telling your opinion on Sm-Liiga players like you would have seen them play every night...

I know what you meant, but you are always telling your opinion on Sm-Liiga players like you would have seen them play every night... ah. I can only catch some Sm-liiga action but I read game reports on every team for almost everyday and also read articles and so on. Not close to seeing the players play but well enough to build opinions on them.

I have seen Jarkko play 6-7 times this season and I can confirm Spiffy's claims. Jarkko has played some phenomenal matches, but on the other hand he has played some "only good" matches. He has won a couple of matches for JYP with his amazing moves. As the season has went on there has been some exhaustion in his game. That is pretty much understable if you look at the time he plays every game. That's 20-25 minutes in most of the games.
It would be intresting to see Jarkko play in any other line. Now Jarkko is playing all the time with the best players JYP can provide as his linemates. We will be a lot wiser after the Karjala tournament national team matches. In those matches we can really see if Jarkko can already impress in that level.

Jarkko's stats in Karjala Cup (game against Team Russia) were 0+1=1 +2 0pim.

The latest stats for Jarkko can be found on this thread about Karjala tournament:
http://www.hfboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=24913&pagenumber=3

Jarkko scored a game winning goal tonight against SaiPa. Jarkko's stats were 1+0=0 +2 0pim. JYP won 3-2 and when Jarkko scored his goal the game clock was at 57.26. Important goal for us and it seems that Jarkko is the one to trust in tight situtations.

I stickied this one because it looks like I'm going to updated it in regular basis.

I stickied this one because it looks like I'm going to updated it in regular basis.

All these stickies are hurting my eyes. :rolly:

Today away game against the reigning champion, Tappara. Jarkko made 2-2 goal to tie the game. Awesome slap shot in PP just below the post. He also made a nice pass to GWG scored by D-man Jari Korhonen. That was also a PP goal.

Jarkko's stats were 1+1=2 +0 0pim.

JYP won the game 2-3.

Away game againts Blues, Espoo. Jarkko stat's were 0+1=1 +1 2pim. Jarkko's penalty was for boarding. JYP lost the game 3-2 in OT.

JYP lost tonight to Jokerit, Helsinki. This was a away game. Jarkko's stats were 0+0=0 -1 0pim. A lot close situations in this game for Jarkko's line but no goal. Bad luck.

JYP lost again. This time to the leader HIFK, Helsinki. The score was 2-3 and Jarkko assisted our first goal on 5-3 PP.

Jarkko's stats were 0+1=1 -1 2PIM (for interference)

Jarkko DNP. He got the fever about 2 hours before the game. JYP lost in OT 4-3 against TPS, Turku.

When will Jarkko play again? I'm really excited about his development as I drafted him in a fantasy keeper league.

When will Jarkko play again?

Next thursday (tomorrow) or sunday at the latest.

Immonen DNP. He still has fever. JYP lost again. This time to Kärpät, Oulu 3-0. JYP has many men sidelined with injury or fever.

I stickied this one because it looks like I'm going to updated it in regular basis. Wouldn't that be a reason to unstick it since when you update it regularly it will stick near the top anyway? I can't really say I like the idea of having a thread focusing on one single player stickied either. Might explode in the future with other people wanting updates on other players... Just my thoughts...

Wouldn't that be a reason to unstick it since when you update it regularly it will stick near the top anyway? I can't really say I like the idea of having a thread focusing on one single player stickied either. Might explode in the future with other people wanting updates on other players... Just my thoughts...

That's because... No, seriously is sticked 'cause there will be pauses and this way people don't have to search it.

Jarkko played today. Jarkko's stats were 0+0=0 even 0pim. He looked like he wasn't in 100% condition. The televised game was at home against HPK, Hämeenlinna. The result was 1-1.

Jarkko was selected this autums best forward in SM-Liiga by finnish Hockey Night. :handclap:

JYP won Ilves, Tampere 3-0. Jarkko's stats were 1+0=1 +1 0pim. Some nice dekes and few hits for Jarkko. He has developed his game even further IMO.

Thanks for continuing to update Jarkko's performance, Padawan!

:handclap:

I check in every time you post.

Great work.

:handclap:

Thanks for continuing to update Jarkko's performance, Padawan!

:handclap:

I check in every time you post.

Great work.

:handclap:

Thanks to you both.

Today home game against Blues, Espoo.

Jarkko's stats were 1+0=0 even 0PIM (GTG EN). The clock stopped at 59.21. Antti Virtanen (Jarkko's linemate who scored 1+1=2) shot the puck from the blue line and Immonen got his stick in the way. The puck went right in the upper corner. A little higher and the post would've denied it. Nice goal.

Final score JYP-Blues 2-2.

Almost forgot... Happy independence day to all Finns worldwide.

Thanks to you both.

Today home game against Blues, Espoo.

Jarkko's stats were 1+0=0 even 0PIM (GTG EN). The clock stopped at 59.21. Antti Virtanen (Jarkko's linemate who scored 1+1=2) shot the puck from the blue line and Immonen got his stick in the way. The puck went right in the upper corner. A little higher and the post would've denied it. Nice goal.

Final score JYP-Blues 2-2.

Almost forgot... Happy independence day to all Finns worldwide.

Padawan

Could you translate this:

Jarkko Immonen
Vaikken olekaan kaverin nähnyt pelaavan, olen saanut käsityksen, että kyseessä on taitava pelimies, jonka uskoisin olevan Tukosen jälkeen todennäköisin menestyjä näistä kavereista.

Thx

Padawan

Could you translate this:

Jarkko Immonen
Vaikken olekaan kaverin nähnyt pelaavan, olen saanut käsityksen, että kyseessä on taitava pelimies, jonka uskoisin olevan Tukosen jälkeen todennäköisin menestyjä näistä kavereista.

Thx

Jarkko Immonen
Although I haven't seen this guy play, I've had the impression that we're dealing with a skillful player who, I believe, will be the next to succeed after Tukonen considering these guys here.

Jarkko Immonen
Although I haven't seen this guy play, I've had the impression that we're dealing with a skillful player who, I believe, will be the next to succeed after Tukonen considering these guys here.

The original is from Jatkoaika.com forums (http://www.jatkoaika.com/keskustelu/showthread.php?postid=550546#post550546) and the discussion is about the other Jarkko (A.) Immonen. (Couldn't either of these guys just get a sexy stage name or something ;)

Away game against Pelicans, Lahti. The very last team in regular season standings at the moment. Jarkko's stats: 0+2=2 +1 0PIM. The game ended in 3-3 draw.

Away game against Ässät, Pori. JYP lost 6-3. Jarkko's stats were 0+1 even 2 PIM. Jarkko's penalty was for high sticking. I got to mention this.. JYP's D-man Jari Korhonen scored a pure hatrick in 5 minutes 39 seconds. :bow:

Away game against Ässät, Pori. JYP lost 6-3. Jarkko's stats were 0+1 even 2 PIM. Jarkko's penalty was for high sticking. I got to mention this.. JYP's D-man Jari Korhonen scored a pure hatrick in 5 minutes 39 seconds. :bow:
Not a good game for Jarkko "0+2" Immonen. Ässät tried to use Fandul's line against Immonen's line and it worked well, center Fandul scored two goals. So the line won their game "2-1" (Actually on JYP's 2nd goal they were just switched lines so in reality it was 2-0 for some players of the line).

Ässät were just a lot better than JYP, but they allowed three quite easy goals. The same guy (Korhonen) just was left unmarked and scored all three. The Ässät coach Mika Toivola was very angry after the game: "the only thing we should have taken care was the JYP defenders crashing into the net, but we allowed three goals, I must point this in tomorrows practise session"

And the penalty was after Immonen highsticked Ässät goalie Tommi Tervo. It caused a little conflict where the referee called two penalties to both teams.

Jarkko and the rest of the JYP team seem a bit tired. JYP lost to TPS, Turku (at home) 1-3. Jarkko's stats were 0+0=0 even 0pim. I could write a thing or too about to officiating in this game but I won't

JYP lost again. This time to the reigning champions Tappara, Tampere 3-6. It was a home game. Jarkko's stats were 0+0=0 -1 2PIM. Jarkko's penalty was for roughing but it was pretty easily given.

Why there isn't sticky threads about Mikko Koivu, Jussi Jokinen and other prospects?

Why there isn't sticky threads about Mikko Koivu, Jussi Jokinen and other prospects?

Because somebody doesn't update those threads in a regular basis and those threads haven't been requested. If somebody wants to read how i.e. Mikko Koivu plays in SM-Liiga and somebody would like to update it then I'll sticky it.

I can update threads about Jussi Jokinen and Jari Viuhkola after every game.

Because somebody doesn't update those threads in a regular basis and those threads haven't been requested. If somebody wants to read how i.e. Mikko Koivu plays in SM-Liiga and somebody would like to update it then I'll sticky it.

please NO MORE STICKIES!!! :cry: I can't really understand why you stickied this thread because its updated on regular bases so it would stay up anyways... all these stickies are just making the boards more confusing... You should unsticky this one...

please NO MORE STICKIES!!! :cry: I can't really understand why you stickied this thread because its updated on regular bases so it would stay up anyways... all these stickies are just making the boards more confusing... You should unsticky this one...

I think this thread should definitly be a Sticky.. I like it right at the top so I can follow the progress of one of the most exciting players in Finland..

JYP keep up the good updates..

please NO MORE STICKIES!!! :cry: I can't really understand why you stickied this thread because its updated on regular bases so it would stay up anyways... all these stickies are just making the boards more confusing... You should unsticky this one...

Couldn't agree more. This is getting silly. Should all homers on the board have their own stickies to play with? If someone is willing to update on a particular player on regular basis, there's no need for a sticky. Not with the current board activity.Simple as that.

There's no need to take the talk to the homer direction on an issue that's purely technical. I suggest that we bring back the pre-armageddon "General update thread" and, if Jeff will join in with Viuhkola and Jokinen, add "(regular updates on Immonen, Viuhkola, Jokinen)" to the title.

I suggest that we bring back the pre-armageddon "General update thread" and, if Jeff will join in with Viuhkola and Jokinen, add "(regular updates on Immonen, Viuhkola, Jokinen)" to the title.

I'm fine with that. If anyone disagrees with this...

Ok, no-one disagrees... right?

Padawan > Immonen Sticky Haters!

Away game against SaiPa. SaiPa has a new head coach but that's no excuse. You probably guessed it already but JYP lost again. This time 4-0. Jarkko's stats were 0+0=0 -1 2PIM. Jarkko got his 2 mins for cross checking.

Immonen plays very good in my PS2 NHL 2004 SM-liiga series.
At the moment he is in second place after Chlubna in JYP´s statistics. :handclap:

This was supposed be a “Christmas report” but due to me being lazy at times it turned out to be a “New year’s eve report”. Anyway, enough of the excuses and time for overview of Jarkko Immonen’s season so far.

The expectations for Immonen were great. He was supposed to be one of the leading men in JYP’s team this season. He was supposed to be still developing and have a final break-trough this season. Still he has even topped his expectations in the minds of JYP fans and the Finnish media.

He started playing training games along with his last years line mate Antti Virtanen. The duo needed one man to complete the line and that man was Jaakko Uhlbäck, who moved from the reigning Finnish SM-Liiga Tappara to JYP. The “VIU”-line as it has been called was like it was born to play together. Everyone in that line has a job to do and they did it well. JYP let Immonen to take part of Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp and had to play two regular season games without it’s number one center. JYP lost both of these games. Then after the great game along with Maple Leafs’ stars Jarkko came back with great media hype. That hype wasn’t expected and Jarkko quickly rose to be the star player of JYP. Before the start of the season it was expected that in JYP there were no stars, only some pretty good team players. Now Jarkko had to carry that load of being a star player that would be the one that win games for JYP. When Jarkko arrived it seemed that he was a bit tired after the training camp and the game against Jokerit with the Leafs. JYP won the first game when Jarkko came back despite Jarkko didn’t score a single point in that game. The second game for Jarkko was against Tappara. JYP won that game 5-1 with Jarkko scoring the last goal. After the game against Tappara Jarkko started showing he can be the man JYP can trust. He produced points and was a leader on the ice. He also was good at the D-zone. He led the +/- stats in SM-Liiga and one of the top scorers. JYP head coach Matti Alatalo frequently uses Immonen in PP and SH situations. He also uses Immonen as a face off specialist.

Jarkko played also in two Euro Hockey Tour tournaments. He was good in them and won the best forward title in Karjala Cup.

“VIU”-line was clearly the number one line in JYP and one of top lines in the SM-Liiga until something happened. The losing streak began. Part of the reason was injuries although JYP head coach had said that one can’t blame injuries for losing streak. “One line won’t make a team” is a saying that fits well in this case. JYP was in losing streak but the “VIU”-line was still fighting back. It seemed that this line was still working well but the rest three wasn’t. Antti Virtanen took the golden helmet away from Jarkko. (Golden helmet is held by the every team’s best scorer in SM-Liiga.)

When Sm-Liiga was on Christmas break Antti Virtanen, one player of the “VIU”-line said that at times the JYP team played like individuals and not as a team. He also said that in their line everyone has a job to do and they all did it well and the line worked. 13th of December Jaakko Uhlback injured at the first period and since the Jarkko’s game hasn’t been the same. With one part missing the harmony of that line was missing. Uhlback should be back in the next game or after that in the very latest. It remains to be seen if that line’s harmony will be restored and they start producing again.

If you ask Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Mario Lemiux or any other super star of ice hockey, former or still playing, which is the most important thing why they have made so many points in the career. I’ll bet they’ll say: “Great players in the same line.” Same thing works for Jarkko Immonen. If he can have great players to play with, he will go far. We saw it in the pre-season when Toronto Maple Leafs played against Jokerit. Ok, that was just a one game but it still gave glimpse of Jarkko’s abilities when is surrounded by great talent.

Stats
Jarkko is currently 12th in Offensive Leaders chart in SM-Liiga. In 31 games Jarkko has 14 goals, 13 assists = 27 points. The leader in this category (Timo Pärssinen) has 40 points. Jarkko has 4+6=10 PP points.

The opposition has scored 17 times when Jarkko has been in the rink. Jarkko is currently 6th in plus/minus chart with +12. The leader in this category (Raimo Helminen) has +17.

Jarkko has had 22 penalty minutes to date.

In face offs Jarkko is second overall with 57,08% winning percent (734 face off situations). The leader in this category (Daniel Tkaczuk) has 57,44% winning percent. (195 face off situations).
In Sm-Liiga the mvp of the game is given three (3) stars, the second two (2) and the third one (1). Jarkko has 19 (best in JYP, 16th overall)

JYP’s next game is against Jokerit, Helsinki at home in 3rd of January.

BOOYA!

Nice.

Excellant report Padawan ....keep up the good work... :handclap:

Home game against Jokerit. JYP won 2-1 in OT. Jarkko's stats were 0+1=1 +1 0PIM. Jarkko played well with Ulhback and Virtanen.

Last night away games against HIFK, Helsinki. JYP lost 2-0 in a very bad game overall. Jarkko's stat's were 0+0=0 -1 (EN) 0PIM.

Home game against Kärpät, Oulu. The score was 1-4. Jarkko's stats were 0+0=0 even 0PIM. Next game is televised nationally... JYP hasn't played well for a month now. This is the time when Jarkko needs to step up. Can he do that? We'll see.

This is the time when Jarkko needs to step up. Can he do that? We'll see.

He can. JYP won away game against HPK, Hämeenlinna. JYP hasn't been ableto win HPK at their home rink almost four years now. Today JYP won 1-4. Jarkko's stats were 1+2=3 +2 0PIM. One of Jarkko's points was made on PP.

Home game against Lukko, Rauma yesterday. JYP lost 1-3 but Jarkko was JYP's best player of the game. He scored a sh goal to make it 1-2. Jarkko's stats were 1+0=1 even 0PIM.

Home game against Lukko, Rauma yesterday. JYP lost 1-3 but Jarkko was JYP's best player of the game. He scored a sh goal to make it 1-2. Jarkko's stats were 1+0=1 even 0PIM.
How many points does he have so far this season?

16 goals, 16 assists in 36 games.

16 goals, 16 assists in 36 games.Thanks for the Stats! BTW
When did the Leafs draft him? was it 02?

Thanks for the Stats! BTW
When did the Leafs draft him? was it 02?

Yup. Toronto drafted Jarkko in 2002, 8th round, 254th overall.

Yup. Toronto drafted Jarkko in 2002, 8th round, 254th overall. Man, what a good find being drafted that late!

Yesterday away game against Ilves, Tampere. JYP lost 2-1 at OT. Jarkko's stats 0+0=0 even 0PIM.

Yesterday away game against SaiPa, Lappeenranta. JYP won 2-3. Jarkko was selected as the MVP of the game. Jarkko's stats were 0+1=1 even 2PIM. Jarkko's penalty was for interference.

Edit: I made a mistake.

How do you get no points and be named MVP?

A small mistake there by Padawan, Immonen was credited the secondary assist for JYP's second goal.

A small mistake there by Padawan, Immonen was credited the secondary assist for JYP's second goal.

True. However, that was added later on. I don't remember seeing it before.

Away game against Ässät, Pori. The battle for the last play off spot. The game ended 2-2 draw after OT. Recent addition for JYP Jesse Welling has had a positive influence to JYP's checking. Even Jarkko bodychecked couple of times and that Jarkko seldom does. Jarkko assisted the equalizer (PP goal 56.29) and played a very solid game. Jarkko's stats were 0+1=1 even 2PIM (for interference).

Even Jarkko bodychecked couple of times and that Jarkko seldom does. Jarkko assisted the equalizer (PP goal 56.29) and played a very solid game. Jarkko's stats were 0+1=1 even 2PIM (for interference).
Sorry, but where did you see the solid game? Jarkko was the weakest link of his line most of the game (Virtanen and Uhlbäck played solidly). Actually Ässät kept him in a shadow. Every time his line played against Fandul's line the game was on JYP's own side. Jarkko tried to bodycheck some of the Ässät defenders but mostly he had to play against Peltonen (for Toronto fans: Peltonen is one of the hardest hitters in SM-liiga) and Pele threw Jarkko like a wet towel to the boards...

Overall the game was quite even and the result was really for the game, but bad for both of the teams battling for the last playoffspot. However if there isn't any more injuries I would bet Ässät will be in the playoffs. JYP could be too, Blues has been like on a rollercoaster last games...

IMO he played a solid game. He deked, he shot, he bodychecked so a solid game in my book. Sure his line was defending and Fandul's line was good (until Fandul took that stupid penalty) but the good thing was that Immonen led his line also in JYP's own zone. No goal against Immonen's line and that's the main thing. Still, most of the time he was in the offensive zone trying the get a scoring opporturnity. IMHO he checked couple of times pretty good considering he rarely hits guys.

BTW, Who is this Peltonen charecter? I've never even heard of him.

BTW, Who is this Peltonen charecter? I've never even heard of him.
Did you forget the smilie?

I thought you follow Finnish hockey. At least most hockey followers know every player who has over 500 games in SM-liiga. Yes, this is mostly prospects forum and Peltonen has never actually been a prospect. In juniors he was the third defenceman of his age group, but in reality do you (or anyone) remember Jarno Miikkulainen or Kaj Kuusisto better than Peltonen...

And you should know defenders (or at least defensive pairings) ;)

This has gotten a little of topic but this will be the last msg from me considering Peltonen.

I actually first heard his name last season. The way I see it he is a local hero and outsiders don't really care. I could be wrong but here in Jyväskylä there isn't many people that think Peltonen is a good player, hell you have Jarkko Glad there and man JYP fans would love to see "Jakke" back home again. Last game at Pori I didn't even notice Peltonen...

Even I know some JYP -defenders though there are none who has 500 games and only Erkka Leppänen could be called a prospect (some of you think the 28-old former rink bandy player as a star but I don't). One phrase in Tamminen philosophies says that "respect the opponent" and part of my respect is to know the opponent. It is very hard to analyze if you don't know anything.

Glad is btw a lot similar to Peltonen but Peltonen has a bit better shot and a bit more toughness.

I hope I have more time when you come to Pori next time, maybe we should have a beer together... I was too busy after and before the game...

Renaming the thread is a good excuse to make myself post a report on a Jr.A game. Jokerit-Kärpät on 1/24, to be precise.

Both teams had nearly optimal lineups for the purpose of watching prospects, only Mikko Silvennoinen and Jesse Uronen were missing from the Jokerit lineup. The teams' youngest goalies Petri Koivisto and Joonas Hallikainen guarded the nets. Hallikainen is otherwise a solid goalie, but needs more speed in order to augment his potential. Koivisto is a tiny 2005 draftee, whose talent is unfortunately lacking in most departments. In his defense, he's still young to play at this level.

As for the Jokerit defense, Kevin Kantee's mediocrity is stunning. He can play well at a higher level but can't dominate anywhere. When Mikko Kalteva spearheaded attacks, he made mockery of the Kärpät defense. He's playing in the wrong league for sure. Lasse Korhonen is truly designed to dominate in juniors and at that level only. Markus Pentikäinen is an interesting case, he looks a lot like a defensive Mikko Luoma. Niko Vainio is Niko Vainio, I'm having trouble figuring out how to determine my attitude towards his play.

Risto Korhonen looked calm and confident, sometimes abandoning his territory to move freely around the rink. He was one of the few players who bothered to hit, but he really needs more speed. He didn't participate in the offense at all, it's not hard to explain his small point totals. He's a quality prospect but now without question marks.

Jyri Junnila was asleep for the first half of the game, I didn't even notice he was playing. Mikko Alikoski is a dominating player but so small that it isn't even funny. It's impossible to say how his career will progress in the long run.

Juhamatti Aaltonen was the king of the rink in all aspects, but he gets no help from his linemates. His 20+9-in-24 numbers are no wonder. Kärpät needs more eggs in the same basket, their only goal was scored by the Paakkolanvaara-Alikoski-Junnila combination.

With Silvennoinen missing, Jokerit had shuffled the lines and it showed. Neither team had any line cohesion whatsoever. Still, Silvennoinen's linemates Arsi Piispanen and Roni Andersson are dominating players by themselves too. Piispanen couldn't get that much done except for barely missing the upper corner once, but Andersson carried the puck wherever he wanted. He looked way bigger than the 5'11"/175 at which he is listed, and could very well make the next WJC squad. He could use a killer attitude, though.

In the end, Jokerit was the better team 3-1 thanks to better depth and defense.

On a side note, I was wondering why KalPa had let Tuomas Kiiskinen play in Jr. B for so long, after all he scores nearly a point per game in Jr. A and led the league in scoring in Jr. B. The reason was unveiled when I saw him listed at 5'6"/140 in the national team roster. Well, he did manage to return from Viking Cup alive.

On a side note, I was wondering why KalPa had let Tuomas Kiiskinen play in Jr. B for so long, after all he scores nearly a point per game in Jr. A and led the league in scoring in Jr. B. The reason was unveiled when I saw him listed at 5'6"/140 in the national team roster. Well, he did manage to return from Viking Cup alive.


Maybe he's the Finnish version of Martin St. Louis...? :D

Article by Timo Kunnari

JYP rises or falls with two of it’s key players.

Virtanen and Immonen – The guns of Hippos

In Jyväskylä is done good hockey work year after year. JYP doesn’t buy expensive players, they grow them by themselves. Other teams excess players are also important for a team like JYP.
- This is where things started to work. I got to play in JYP and because of that I managed to get my game going, the this years Finnish hockey’s sensation name Jarkko Immonen says.

JYP will enjoy the efficiency of Antti Virtanen and Jarkko Immonen. Unless Immonen goes to the NHL.

Jarkko Immonen and Antti Virtanen tried there wings as hockey players many different teams before JYP. Jarkko Immonen, who is from Rantasalmi, tried SaPKo, TuTo and Ässät before coming to Jyväskylä.

Virtanen is from Turku and his trip to Jyväskylä is at least as spectacular as Immonen’s. The winger left TuTo to Hermes and from there to HPK. From Hämeenlinna he continued to Vaasa and from there he finally came to Jyväskylä. In this season both players are elite players in SM-Liiga.

- HPK was really a tough team. I got to play only in the fourth line. I decided that it would be a good idea to left to play lower league Mestis (1st division at the time), says Virtanen.

Virtanen plays his fourth season in JYP.

- In Jyväskylä we play with wider material. Each year I have gotten more ice time. I have been very satisfied with JYP and Jyväskylä, says Virtanen

”Confidence is important”

Immonen reminds the importance of confidence in Ice Hockey.

- Ice time and confidence. They are the most important things for a player. At JYP I got playing more and therefore things started to click. When you get to play, you can make things happen, Immonen says.
Immonen has scored 16 goals and 34 points overall in this season.

- I have scored surprisingly many goals. I have never considered myself as a goal scorer but more as handyman. I’ve had a feeling that the puck has went to the net with luck also. On the other hand it has sometimes felt that the puck just won’t go to the net no matter what. Our line has created many great scoring chances, Immonen thanks to his line mates.

Virtanen doesn’t miss Turku.

Virtanen has had nearly as many points as his one season record so far this season.
- The start of the season has been a bit sleepy. Every year we have had a slow period, but I guess everyone has it. For my points I’m very satisfied even though I wouldn’t mind if I could have more points. I have been playing in a very good line, Virtanen also thanks his line mates.
With Immonen and Virtanen in JYP’s first line plays also Jaakko Ühlback.
Virtanen is happy with his life in Jyväskylä.The man doesn’t really doesn’t miss his hometown Turku.
- If TuTo sometimes rises to SM-Liiga, then maybe then. I have been many years away from Turku so there is yearning to go back, Virtanen says.
Playoff –spot is JYP’s goal
Both JYP’s stars stay in JYP for the next season. This springs goal is to drag their team to the playoffs.
- It’s realistic goal for us. The last playoff spot is only a point away, besides we have been playing poorly as of late, Virtanen thinks.
- Playoff spot is a clear goal around here. That is the main thing people believe in here. If we cab make the small things click, then anything is possible, the JYP Jyväskylä’s number one star assures.

Alatalo thanks his efficient duo.

JYP’s head coach Matti Alatalo knows the upsides of Antti Virtanen and Jarkko Immonen. Alatalo also knows that both players have still work to do on their game.

- Virtanen is a rare player in today’s SM-Liiga. He is very creative and intelligent player who can achieve creative solutions, Alatalo thinks.

- Antti has been able to develop his defensive game and his game without the puck, the head coach of JYP says.

However there are also some lacks.

- He should be able to develop his offensive without the puck play and continue to develop his defensive game, Alatalo says.

Immonen on the other hand is near for his international breakthrough.

- Jarkko has been develop for the last year and a half a great deal. He is kind of risen from the unknown to being the leading player in this league. Jarkko plays in a very great role in our team.

- Jarkko has strong confidence and he dares to play. His skating strength is improved and he is a very balanced player. His good shot is a great asset to scoring goals, coach Alatalo says.

The Toronto drafted player Immonen has still things to improve.

- Thinking of international challenges he has to improve his level of sureness of his defensive play. I believe that Jarkko is growing to be international terms filling player in a year or two, Alatalo says.

Ok, Laituri and I both managed to see a Jokerit junior A game over the weekend. I froze in Pirkkola on Sunday the 25th, trying to focus on the game between Jokerit and TPS and not the fact the I've been spoiled by the more modern hockey arenas and find minus degrees disturbing...

The talent pool in Turku seems to have diminished almost into obvilion. For the first time in a long while, there were no TPS-based players in the WJC this year and it's quite possible that there won't be any next year, either. Jussi Makkonen could make next year's team, but Laituri had the right information about him earlier: he's just big, nothing special. Awkward skating, apparently no grit (didn't even try to hit), no puck skills to write home about, nothing. Nobody with no talent scores that much even in the juniors, but Makkonen definately didn't look like a good player to me.

I've seen all the prospects of Jokerit multiple times this year, but I hadn't seen Jarmo Jokila play before. I was impressed by his skating, vision, playmaking skills and overall readiness. Underaged small but skilled players sometimes look completely out of place, so I didn't quite know what to expect, but Jokila definately has a future in hockey. He's surprisingly strong, shoots pretty well, too and generally makes good things happen when he's on ice. He picked up two assists in the game, first one of which was a great across the crease pass to the back post. He's a bit like Saku Koivu minus the attitude. He needs to grow a couple of inches and if that's not possible, I don't know whether the NHL will ever be the best place for him.

Silvennoinen and Uronen were still MIA, so Jokerit had a bit unusual lineup. Arsi Piispanen seemed to be a bit lost without his sniper Silvennoinen and tried to do it all by himself more than a) usual b) was appropriate. He makes the hardest of plays look easy, but also misses open scoring chances.

Roni Andersson looked like WJC role player to me, too. He did one horrible mistake (a no-look pass on his own zone, resulting on a scoring chance for TPS), but other than that, was one of the best players in the game. He also scored the fourth goal of Jokerit in the game.

Mikko Kalteva played a solid game yet again. I've been saying this for over a year now, but it's the wrong league for him, it's not good for his development to continue to dominate against lesser opponents. He also makes Lasse Korhonen look like a solid defenseman, which is a compliment.

The second defensive pairing of Niko Vainio and Kevin Kantee was constantly in trouble on their own zone. Vainio was in trouble all the time, in every situation and Kantee tried his best to help out, often leading in even more trouble. Vainio seems to be more than willing to take part in the game offensively as well, but he really should work to improve his defense first. He even managed to score a goal in the game, but I think that the puck just took a deflection from him.

Olli Havikari and Markus Pentikäinen played solid third pairing defensive game. Havikari also flashed his stickhandling skills during a delayed penalty call.

Joonas Hallikainen looked really good in this game, but he tends to a) drop down early and then b) loose sight of the puck.

The final score was 4-2 for Jokerit, with Dan Marklund scoring two goals and assisting on one.

Jarkko Immonen has been injured in home game against Kärpät. He played the first period and injured himself in that period. He tried to play in the second period but was unable to do so. Kinda funny that at least one JYP player have been injured in every JYP's game against Kärpät.... Jarkko's stats were: 0+0=0 -2 0PIM.

According to Jatkoaika.com Jarkko missed a bodycheck and crashed in to the boards. His own mistake. I hope it's only a minor injury and his fit to play the day after tomorrow against the very last team in regular season stnadings, Pelicans from Lahti.

First I must say that Jarkko wasn't 100%* but he played tonight. Jarkko played quite cautiously and he left some shifts off.

JYP won Pelicans, Lahti 6-3. Jarkko scored a hatrick.
Jarkko's stats were 3+1=4 +4 0PIM.

*Source from the team told me that.

First I must say that Jarkko wasn't 100%* but he played tonight. Jarkko played quite cautiously and he left some shifts off.

JYP won Pelicans, Lahti 6-3. Jarkko scored a hatrick.
Jarkko's stats were 3+1=4 +4 0PIM.


While I was looking at HN, and seeing the goals Jarkko scored, I started to think about his goal scoring in general. I have seen mostly just high lights from JYP games, but it seems to me that Immonen has scored lots of goals near the goal, either putting in the rebounds or just sneaking in the right place at the right time, and simply putting in the passes or loose pucks near the net. I dunno if this impression of mine is entirely correct in the big picture, but if it is, it tells good things about Immonen's hockey sense. He seems to read the plays very well indeed.

I have seen mostly just high lights from JYP games, but it seems to me that Immonen has scored lots of goals near the goal, either putting in the rebounds or just sneaking in the right place at the right time, and simply putting in the passes or loose pucks near the net. I dunno if this impression of mine is entirely correct in the big picture, but if it is, it tells good things about Immonen's hockey sense. He seems to read the plays very well indeed.

You are correct. Jarkko usually skates near the goal and finds a place where he can put the puck in to the net. He still has a good shot and sometimes he shoots from the blue line to score. But he doesn't think he is a goal scorer and from what I've seen his game it seems to me that he is more like a playmaker who also scores when there's a chance to score. Well, most of the time anyway.

Home game against SaiPa, Lappeenranta. JYP won 3-4 at OT. Jarkko's stats were 0+1=1 even 0PIM. Jarkko assisted a PP goal.

On last week he played two games.

On Tuesday, when JYP had 3-3-tie with Lukko, Rauma. He assisted opening goal of the game (scored by Antti Virtanen on a powerplay). He also got one minor penalty for roughing, with Teemu Kesä of Lukko getting same at the same time.

On Thursday, JYP won away game against Tappara, Tampere 2-1. Jarkko scored game-winner about seven minutes before the end.

I don't have his plus/minus of those games, but at least he had plus in second game, because Tappara scored only one on powerplay.

Next game is tomorrow at Helsinki against Jokerit.

I don't know is it mentioned or not, but Jarkko is leading faceoff statistics in the league.

Top 5 total looks this:
Immonen, Jarkko JYP 579 25 423 190 7 135 196 3 157 193 15 131 56,38
Tkaczuk, Daniel LUK 214 23 145 69 12 48 77 1 43 68 10 52 56,02
Pakaslahti, Petri JOK 559 61 379 167 29 119 225 11 133 165 21 125 55,96
Aalto, Antti TPS 598 56 433 163 21 124 214 6 162 221 29 147 55,01
Vopat, Roman IFK 137 9 106 97 3 65 10 0 14 30 6 27 54,37

W-T-L total, W-T-L defensive zone, W-T-L center ice, W-T-L offensive zone, winning percentage

He is 4th in defensive and 1st in offensive faceoffs.

On last week he played two games.

On Tuesday, when JYP had 3-3-tie with Lukko, Rauma. He assisted opening goal of the game (scored by Antti Virtanen on a powerplay). He also got one minor penalty for roughing, with Teemu Kesä of Lukko getting same at the same time.

On Thursday, JYP won away game against Tappara, Tampere 2-1. Jarkko scored game-winner about seven minutes before the end.

I don't have his plus/minus of those games, but at least he had plus in second game, because Tappara scored only one on powerplay.

Next game is tomorrow at Helsinki against Jokerit.

I don't know is it mentioned or not, but Jarkko is leading faceoff statistics in the league.

Top 5 total looks this:
Immonen, Jarkko JYP 579 25 423 190 7 135 196 3 157 193 15 131 56,38
Tkaczuk, Daniel LUK 214 23 145 69 12 48 77 1 43 68 10 52 56,02
Pakaslahti, Petri JOK 559 61 379 167 29 119 225 11 133 165 21 125 55,96
Aalto, Antti TPS 598 56 433 163 21 124 214 6 162 221 29 147 55,01
Vopat, Roman IFK 137 9 106 97 3 65 10 0 14 30 6 27 54,37

W-T-L total, W-T-L defensive zone, W-T-L center ice, W-T-L offensive zone, winning percentage

He is 4th in defensive and 1st in offensive faceoffs.

Thats a Cool stat.. Man you Finish fellows keep great stats in the FEL.. :handclap:

There isn't not much special statistics in Finland, compared to NHL. No blocked shots, giveaways or takeaways. Ice time has not been updated since November 15th.

JYP lost an important game to Ässät, Pori at OT. Jarkko's game seems to have great difficulties. Jarkko's stats tonight 0+0=0 -2 0PIM-

Jarkko Immonen traded to the New York Rangers.

Jarkko Immonen traded to the New York Rangers.

For Brian Leetch .. To bad I was following that little blossing star all year ..

Best Wishes to Jarkko in NY...

First, the game against TPS, Turku (away). Jarkko didn't doo much. 0+0=0 even 0PIM.

Then yesterday's game at home against Ilves, Tampere. Immonen's stats: 2+1=3 +4 0PIM.

A lot of Rag fans arent very confident about thsi guy. i think he sounds like a quality prospect. What would thsoe in the know say about his potential? Does he resemble any NHL players? And the contract hes signed, does that mean he will definitely play in Finland nxt year? Thanks, ive really enjoyed reading the thread!!!

Another great game for Jarkko. A tie game would put JYP on playoffs and JYP did just that. With ten minutes left of the away game against Lukko, Rauma JYP scored twice to make it 3-3 with just two seconds left of the game. The OT was scoreless.

Jarkko's stats were 1+2=3 +2 0PIM. Both of the two goals made by JYP in the end of third period were made after a face off won by Jarkko and with an empty net in JYP's end.

Jarkko Immonen is IMO a top three prospect on basically every NHL team... His contract in Finland doesn't matter, NHL deals are higher priority and if he signs with the rags he can come over...

NHL contracts use to have the priority but when this season ends in the NHL, the contract between NHL and IIFH expires. That basicly means (If I've understood this correctly) that player who has contracted to some team in NA or in Europe aren't allowed to move unless some team wants to buy out the contract of the player they wish to have. Unless a new contract between the NHL and the IIHF is negotiated before the start of the next season.

BTW, Jarkko finished 6th in the regular season point chart. He scored 23+26=49 in 52 games. He had total of 28 penalty minutes in the regular season.

NHL contracts use to have the priority but when this season ends in the NHL, the contract between NHL and IIFH expires. That basicly means (If I've understood this correctly) that player who has contracted to some team in NA or in Europe aren't allowed to move unless some team wants to buy out the contract of the player they wish to have. Unless a new contract between the NHL and the IIHF is negotiated before the start of the next season.

BTW, Jarkko finished 6th in the regular season point chart. He scored 23+26=49 in 52 games. He had total of 28 penalty minutes in the regular season.


Any chance of Immonen signing a contract with the Rangers before the CBA expires? With JYP down in their playoff games 1-0, if they lose, could he come over and play the rest of the season?

Thanks in advance.

Any chance of Immonen signing a contract with the Rangers before the CBA expires? With JYP down in their playoff games 1-0, if they lose, could he come over and play the rest of the season?

Thanks in advance.

I don't see a possibility for that. He has seem a bit tired and he has been playing a lot of games (JYP's games, the Toronto game, Team Finland games). When JYP's season end he will be resting for a few days and then start training again for the possible WC games. He is still a strong candidate for a position in the WC team.

I don't see a possibility for that. He has seem a bit tired and he has been playing a lot of games (JYP's games, the Toronto game, Team Finland games). When JYP's season end he will be resting for a few days and then start training again for the possible WC games. He is still a strong candidate for a position in the WC team.


Thanks padawan, I was hoping to get a look at this kid before (hopefully) next season. He is an interesting prospect and i see him possibly making the Rangers next year

JYP's season ended yesterday when they lost second playoff match.

Jarkko didn't get points in those two games.

But it's quite sure that he continues his season with national team, especially when top 4 teams are still playing in late March and early April.

I'm going to really miss having Jarkko in the Leafs' system.

Thanks for updating his performance all season long, Padawan.

Jarkko was interviewed in a local paper few days ago. He said that his current goals are playing well in a practice games with Team Finland. He hopes that he can play in the WC's too.

He also said that so far only one scout has contacted him but only asked how he has been. Jarkko stated that NHL is a far in the future for him and if there is to be a lock-out, then he wouldn't go to NA just to play in the AHL. He rather plays for JYP.

(Between the lines: Jarkko wants to go to the NHL but when he signs a contract with a NHL team, he wants to compete for a spot in the NHL team and is disappointed with himself if he fails to get one.)

I've been meaning to post this for some time now. I was on a "JYP Fan Cruise" where you get to spend time with the players of JYP for about a day. I spoke with Jarkko and among other things I asked him about the NHL. He said that NHL is still far away for him and he is set to play with JYP next season. Now, Jarkko is a very modest man and he is very feet-to-the-gorun kinda guy but I have to say that the more we talked about things (Ice Hockey, life and etc.) the more I convinced that he wants to stay with JYP for another season. Good news for some, bad news for some I guess.