Kim Saarelainen

Young big-bodied athletic netminder reads developing plays well, anticipating where shots will be coming from. Very calm and collected in net. Doesn’t leave many rebounds and covers up quickly are the net. Does a good job of staying square on shooters even when shuffling on his knees. Gets his shoulders up to cover the top corners. Handles the puck confidently, stopping shoot arounds and moving pucks up to his defensemen. Will get out to the top of the plant and challenge shooters and cut the angles, without overcommitment. Has great balance in his stance and is technically sound, with a very mature approach to improving at his position. His appearance in the Glinka-Gretzky Cup are a bit disconcerting, but returned to Finland and got back on track. Wastes a lot of movement, and plays big.

                                                                            --Bill Płaczek--