I am sure that some of you who are reading this have seen some pics floating around Twitter of the Oilers’ Jesse Puljujarvi playing hockey with children back in Finland. Well, it turns out that he’s playing a big part in a Finnish children’s TV show called “Pikku Kiekko” which I’m told translates to “Little Puck”.
After asking my Finnish sources what this TV show as all about, I was sent some links to help out.
This show is documenting a hockey club they have in Oulu called The Kiimingin Kiekko-Pojat (KKP) Special Hockey team. Now the reason that this club is so special is that it is a team made up players who are physically and mentally challenged.
KKP Special Hockey is the first team of its kind in all of Finland. It was founded around 2015.
“We started a year ago with a clear goal in our minds. We wanted to offer children with special needs an opportunity to play ice hockey and make friends through the hobby”, says the team leader Jaana Lauri. (Source)
If you’re not exactly sure what “Special Hockey” is, you’re not alone. I have never read or seen anything about it until I decided to write this post. This is what Wikipedia has to tell us about it:
Special Hockey is a version of ice hockey adapted for athletes with a developmental disability or cognitive disorder. It differs from ice sledge hockey, which was developed instead for athletes with a physical disability.
Special hockey is sometimes known as adaptive hockey, and emphasizes fun, teamwork, social interaction, and providing an environment adapted to the ability of the participant. It provides an opportunity to be accepted and part of a team, that otherwise would not exist. Special hockey programs are open to males and females of all ages, not just children.
Special hockey uses standard ice hockey equipment, has modified ice hockey rules such as no offside, icing, or penalties, and is a non-contact sport without scores and standings. (Source)
That sounds like a helluva lot of fun!
I’m very proud that such a young man like Jesse Puljujarvi would lend his time and his heart to such a wonderful cause. It shows great maturity and character for a person of his age to align himself with a Special Hockey team in Finland.
The Edmonton Oilers are a very lucky club to have such a caring individual in their organization. Not that he’s the only one, that’s not what I’m saying but if I hear Dan Tencer wonder aloud how much time Pulju spends alone and question Jesse’s work ethic, I’m going to puke.
Lowetide's sub this week is on fire…
"The other thing I question about just as a casual observer is little stuff like man he seems to spend a lot of time by himself and that's strange to me."
"For me, how good a fit is he ending up being here?"@dantencer on Jesse Puljujarvi
— BLH (@BeerLeagueHeroe) August 17, 2018
Tell ya what, let’s throw Dan Tencer into rural Finland to scout hockey and see how he fares. I can almost assure you that he’d be spending a lot more time alone that Pulju does… Difference being, the Finns would treat him a helluva lot better than Tencer does when Jesse Puljujarvi isn’t around.
Anyways… Rant over. I wanted to get that off my chest.
I also want to throw up the BLH top-31 draft prospects for the 2019 draft!
I met a young fella online who loves prospects and I asked him to come aboard the BLH train to educate my readers about the young prospects coming up. This gentleman’s name is Max and he runs the Twitter account @TPEHockey. Give him a follow and without further adieu, his rankings!
1) Jack Hughes C (USNTDP, USHL) – 179cm, 73kg – 27GP – 21G – 33A – 54TP
There is no doubt that Jack Hughes will become a dynamic franchise-changing center. His skating ability and pure skill are unmatched, and that combined with his knowledge for the game allowed him to tear apart the USHL at just 16. His point totals with the USNTDP outside of the USHL ranks only behind Auston Matthews with 116 points in 60 games compared to 117 in 60 from Matthews.
2) Kaapo Kakko RW (TPS Turku U20, Jr. A SM-Liiga) – 186cm, 82kg – 38GP – 25G – 30A – 55TP
Kakko spent last season tearing down the Finnish U20 League. His 55 points in 38 games gives him the 3rd best point per game total of a 16-year-old only behind Mikael Granlund and Jesse Puljujärvi. Kakko is known for his skill, hockey sense, and mobility.
3) Alex Newhook C (Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL) – 180cm, 83kg – 45GP – 22G – 44A – 66TP
Newhook is a Boston College commit that will play for Victoria in the BCHL. Despite the perceived weakness of that league, Newhook impressed scouts. His explosive speed and quick shot allows him to create opportunities whenever the puck is on his stick.
4) Alex Turcotte C (USNTDP, USHL) – 180cm, 88kg – 31GP – 8G – 24A – 32TP
Playing with high speed in every zone Turcotte is a high level two-way center. He spent much of last season in the shadow of Jack Hughes playing mostly with the U17 team, but got some time playing with the U18s. Turcotte has been a prodigy since he was a 10 year old when he scored 13 points in 6 games at the Brick Invitational in Edmonton.
5) Dylan Cozens C (Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL) – 191cm, 80kg – 57GP – 22G – 31A – 53TP
The native of Whitehorse, Yukon was the WHL Rookie of the Year despite a tough rookie class including Kirby Dach and Peyton Krebs. Cozens is an all-around center who can do nearly anything. He combines the speed and skill that has thrived in today’s game with size and physicality.
6) Kirby Dach C (Saskatoon Blades, WHL) – 192cm, 84kg – 52GP – 7G – 39A – 46TP
Dach is another star forward coming out of the Western League, and not the last one. He showed his worth early at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in which Dach was an essential playmaker for Team Canada. He drove offense in all situations for Canada, and was essential in their gold medal run. Dach’s focus is always on offense, and is always a fun player to watch.
7) Anttoni Honka D (JYP Jyväskylä, Liiga) – 179cm, 77kg – 20GP – 2G – 7A – 9TP
Honka spends much of last year in the Finnish U20 league but got 20 games with the big club in the Finnish pro league. The brother of Dallas prospect Julias Honka also played in last year’s World Junior U18 tournament and in the U20 Summer Showcase. Honka shined in both tournaments and established his position as the top defensive prospect for this draft.
8) Bowen Byram D (Vancouver Giants, WHL) – 183cm, 81kg – 60GP – 6G – 21A – 27TP
The Swiss Army Knife defensemen plays in all situations for Vancouver in the WHL and for Canada. Byram controls the game and projects as a power play quarterback and top 2 defensemen. He showed his immense skill and passing ability in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and memorably made an amazing pass to Dylan Cozens who tied the semifinal game against the USA in a controversial goal that maybe shouldn’t have counted.
9) Raphaël Lavoie C/W (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL) – 193cm, 87kg – 68GP – 30G – 33A – 63TP
Lavoie is another top prospect coming out of the Halifax Mooseheads organization. He is a big bodied forward who is a force in front of the net. Lavoie made the U20 Summer Showcase team, and out performed many 19-year-olds. He also played in the World Junior U18 last season scoring 5 goals in 5 games.
10) Peyton Krebs C/LW (Kootenay Ice, WHL) – 180cm, 78kg – 67GP – 17G – 37A – 54GP
The 2016 WHL 1st overall pick always has the puck following him. He is a passionate player with a deadly wrist shot that can pick a corner from anywhere in the offensive zone.
11) Vasili Podkolzin RW (Vityaz Podolsk U17, Russia U17) – 181cm, 75kg – 21GP – 13G – 17A – 30TP
Podkolzin had a solid season playing in Russia’s U17 league, but exploded at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was captain of the Russian team and led the tournament in points and goals. He displayed his complete game, blistering speed, and highlight reel skill.
12) Philip Broberg D (AIK J20, SuperElit) – 190cm, 90kg – 23GP – 6G – 7A – 13TP
One of the most intriguing prospects is Philip Broberg. He had a mediocre season in the Swedish U20 league and didn’t look like a first rounder. He played 22 games with the Swedish U17 team where he only put up 3 assists. This was before going to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and exploding. Broberg was hands down the most effective defensemen at the tournament and displayed his puck carrying skills and speed. Although Broberg seemed to lack lateral agility that often comes with elite puck carriers. We’ll just have to wait to see what Broberg really is.
13) Cole Caufield RW/C (USNTDP, USHL) – 168cm, 70kg – 32GP – 23G – 10A – 33TP
Caufield is another very interesting prospect as he clocks in at only 168cm (5’6”). Despite his tiny frame, he is an electrifying goal scorer that lit up the U17 World Hockey Championship and U18 World Juniors last season. Caufield is an ultra skilled forward with some of the most natural talent in the draft class.
14) Jakob Pelletier C/W (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL) – 175cm, 72kg – 60GP – 23G – 38A – 61TP
Pelletier is primarily a playmaker with solid goal scoring ability. He is known for his shiftiness and puck carrying ability. Pelletier would have led 2001 born QMJHL players in goals, assists, and points if it wasn’t for 2020 prospect Alexis Lafreniére.
15) Cam York D (USNTDP, USHL) – 180cm, 75kg – 33GP – 3G – 11A -14TP
Another US Development Program product slides into the top 15 and this time a defenseman. York spent a lot of time with the U18s in the USNTDP, and was a driving offensive force in the U18 World Juniors. Even being a year younger than much of the competition he was the USA’s number 1 defensemen at the U18s.
16) Ryan Suzuki C (Barrie Colts, OHL) – 183cm, 78kg – 64GP – 14G – 30A – 44TP
Suzuki was the 1st overall pick of the 2017 OHL Draft. He is one of the smartest players and best passers in this draft. Those two aspects combined lead to some amazing plays that make him look like a magician. He also has quite the wrist shot that he likes to use from the left dot.
17) Mikko Kokkonen D (Imatran Ketterä, Mestis) – 180cm, 86kg – 29GP – 0G – 9A – 9TP
Kokkonen spent last year mainly playing in the Finnish version of the AHL, Mestis. He was a key player for Finland in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and last year’s World Junior U18 tournament.
18) Tobias Björnfot D (Djurgårdens IF J20, SuperElit) – 183cm, 85kg – 42GP – 6G – 16A – 22TP
Even though he often struggled in international competition Björnfot has performed well in Sweden’s U20 league. He has solid 2 way ability and is a good passer.
19) Trevor Zegras C (USNTDP, USHL) – 180cm, 72kg – 31GP – 11G – 21A – 32TP
Zegras was in a tough spot in the USNTDP playing not only behind Jack Hughes but Alex Turcotte too. Despite that he performed very well for the U17 team and put up very impressive point totals.
20) Simon Holmström RW (HV71 J20, SuperElit) – 181cm, 78kg – 20GP – 11G – 19A – 30TP
Holmström thrived playing in the U20 league in Sweden and even got a shot at playing in the SHL. That being said Holmström has struggled with injuries and hasn’t played in many international tournaments. He is the strongest candidate to rise as he gets more exposure.
21) Nils Höglander LW (AIK, Allsvenskan) – 174cm, 84kg – 34GP – 3G – 4A – 7TP
While splitting time between the Swedish 2nd pro league and Swedish U20 league Höglander was on a point per game pace in the U20s before being moved up to the 2nd league. Although Höglander struggled to make an impact in international play.
22) Maxim Cajkovic W (Malmö Redhawks J20) – 180cm, 85 kg – 28GP – 10G – 11A – 21TP
Cajokvic spent last season playing in the SuperElit league but broke out at the U18 World Juniors where he led the tournament in points per game. He will play next year in Saint John as he was the first pick in this year’s CHL Import Draft.
23) Arthur Kaliyev LW (Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL) – 188cm, 86kg – 68GP – 31G – 17A – 48TP
The Bulldogs rookie goal scorer surprised by making the Hamilton roster, and went on to lead U17 players in the OHL in goals and points. Although Kaliyev disappointed in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as he was outplayed by his linemate Nick Robertson who is an early 2nd rounder.
24) Blake Murray C (Sudbury Wolves, OHL) – 188cm, 81kg – 57GP – 21G – 23A – 44TP
Murray is a comparable player to Kaliyev who specializes is goal scoring. He came up 2nd in U17 OHL goals and points behind Kaliyev.
25) Marshall Warren D (USNTDP, USHL) – 180cm, 73kg – 34GP – 5G – 13A – 18TP
The two-way defender is known as a premier athlete who battled hard and plays with passion. He has a great shot in the offensive zone and is shut down in the defensive zone. Warren is also a great skater with speed going backwards and a lot of mobility.
26) Dustin Wolf G (Everett Silvertips, WHL) – 183cm, 68kg – 20GP – .928Sv%
Wolf is the best goalie in this draft. Last season he was the backup to CHL superstar goaltender Carter Hart, but got a lot of good games when Hart was out for the U20 World Juniors. In that stretch Wolf won CHL Goalie of the week, and maintained the high save percentage he had while playing easier competition as the backup. Wolf is a smaller goalie at only 183cm (6’0”) and if he was a bit taller he’d certainly be more talked about. He is also a great puck handler, in only 20 games Wolf recorded 4 assists leading him to having a higher point per game than about 10 players on his team.
27) Matthew Boldy C/W (USNTDP, USHL) – 183cm, 79kg – 34GP – 12G – 23A – 35TP
A skilled offensive player with good skating ability. Boldy was on fire in the USHL except didn’t get a shot at playing with the U18s, and didn’t get to play at the U18 World Juniors either.
28) Albin Grewe C/RW (Djurgårdens IF J20, SuperElit) – 182cm, 80kg – 36GP – 10G – 17A – 27TP
Grewe left a lot to be desired after his regular season and international play. Although in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup he showed off his skill set and speed before being pulled out after an injury.
29) Samuel Poulin LW (Sherbrooke Phoenix, QMJHL) – 185cm, 94kg – 55GP – 16G – 29A – 45TP
The 2nd overall pick in the 2017 QMJHL Draft was taken only behind Alexis Lafreniére and made an immediate impact for Sherbrooke. He’s another high talent forward coming out of the Q along with Pelletier and Lavoie.
30) Nolan Foote LW (Kelowna Rockets, WHL) – 191cm, 85kg – 50GP – 13G – 27A – 40TP
The son of star NHL defensemen Adam Foote and brother of 2017 Tampa Bay 1st rounder Callan Foote. Unlike his family Foote plays the wing but has the same big frame and physical ability as the rest of his family.
31) Alex Vlasic D (USNTDP, USHL) – 196cm, 86kg – 34GP – 4G – 9A – 13TP
Vlasic is a towering stay at home defender who is shut down in his own zone. He is great positionally and a smart player. His remarkable height and ability to use his stick to defend makes Chara an easy comparable.
