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09/09/2010 - 3:05 PM
Everett at Seattle
Tri-City Classic
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07/09/2010
Player Profile: Rasmus Rissanen Ready to Rumble
Everett Silvertips Press Release
Rissanen recorded 15 points, 103 penalty minutes, and a +18 rating in 71 games last season. |
Everett, WA - Rasmus Rissanen checked in earlier this week from Finland, and EverettSilvertips.com got a good glimpse into the progress of his off-season, and his outlook for what should be an exciting 2010-11. He called from his hometown of Kuopio, four hours north of Helsinki, and an area that may sound familiar to many residents of Silvertip Country.
"Most people around here like to travel and go to their summer houses to fish and be outdoors. It's a little bit like Washington," Rissanen said.
Rasmus was glued to the television during the Stanley Cup Finals last month, rooting for the underdog Philadelphia Flyers while paying homage to his favorite player and the favorite player of many young Finns, Kuopio native Kimmo Timonen.
"It was great watching him, because I know him a bit, and it was amazing that a player from my hometown can play in the NHL and play in the Stanley Cup Finals - it's great what he accomplished."
Timmonen, a Flyers alternate captain, has chiseled out a distinguished career, posting over 40 points seven times and leading the Finnish national team through four Olympics, including a Silver Medal in the 2006 Turin games. He is 5'10, however, meaning his style of play isnt always similar to the skill set Rissanen possesses. Rasmus, who will be beginning his second season in the WHL in September, plays a rugged, physical game and is capable of using his size and reach to disrupt the other team's offensive tendencies. There was still a learning process, however, as he became familiar with the WHL's style of play.
"Last year was a big year for me, and I learned a lot about playing hockey in North America, where there are some differences. I think American and Canadian players play a lot harder and more aggressive, and the rinks are a little different. In Europe we have lots of big rinks. So I learned a lot, and I think I developed a lot overall on the ice and got comfortable. I learned a more offensive game, and refined my defensive game."
The 6'3 defenseman, a 6th round draft pick in 2009 of the Carolina Hurricanes, now sets his sights on the upcoming Silvertips season, and is beginning to get excited.
"Last year was a pretty good year. I think our team played really well and came together. The playoffs were tight, and it's difficult to lose a close Game 7, but that happens, and we're ready to come back from that. I'm really excited to see this team next year, and come back to Everett."
He sees his role with the 2010-11 Silvertips as one that will continue to expand and develop and prepare him for the rigors of professional hockey and hopefully the National Hockey League. Playing in 71 of the team's 72 games last season, he became a strong example of shrugging off nagging injuries and displaying the demeanor of a veteran.
"I think they want me to play more ice time, and be a responsible player. They'd like me to go out and earn some time on the power play and the penalty kill, and help out the team wherever I can."
His efforts may also include the introduction and assimilation into American culture for native Finn Jesse Huhtala, a native of Pori.
"I´m very excited to have Jesse join us, and it´s great to have a Finnish teammate. For Jesse hopefully it will be a lot easier to adjust because there is another Finn on the team. And it will definitely be fun to be able to talk Finnish every day. I'll be able to teach him how everything works with the team. I don´t really have any other advice for him other than to be tough, and to work hard."
Hard work has been one of the mainstays of Rissanen's game, one that he looks to exhibit when the Silvertips kick off the 2010-11 season at home on Saturday, September 25th against the Vancouver Giants!
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The Everett Silvertips Hockey Club
2000 Hewitt Ave. • Suite 100 • Everett, Washington 98201
Ph: (425) 252-5100 Fax: (425) 257-0700 info@everettsilvertips.com
Administrative Offices: Mon. - Fri.: 8:30 - 5:00, Weekends (Game Day Only) 10:00 - 2 hours before game time
Team Store: Mon. Tue. & Wed.: 11:45 - 4:00 :: Tue. & Thur.: 10:00 to 4:00
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