The Pre-Camp was divided into Forssa, Vierumäki and Vuokatti -divisions. For non-Finns, these are towns in Finland. I watched few games of the Forssa part. Hard to say. Quite messy gameplay as expected when these kids try to shine as individuas. Don't envy the coaches' job.
Few kids that stood out for me:
- Milo Nuutinen (F @ IFK, 5+2 in 4 games). Hardworking, explosive and present in the game every second. Not outstanding in anything but good at everything. Someone that any coach would trust. Not the most beautiful play but dangerous.
- Jiko Laitinen (F, Ilves, 4+2 in 4 games). Simply solid.
- Veeti Vaaranen (F @ Lukko, 2+3 in 4 games) Simply solid.
- Miska Helenius (F @ Ässät, 1+4 in 4 games). Few very shining gameplays. Solid.
- Oiva Juntunen (F @ IFK, 4+0 in 4 games). Shoots like Laine. Powerforward.
I was surprised that I was not able to put a special weight on the last season prodigys discussed on this forum as well like Oliver Torkki (F, IFK, for me seemed that need more speed and skating power, which may or may not come over time) and Viljo Kähkönen (F, IFK, maybe was too nervous as been labeled as the most promising 08 in Finland). Also surprised that none of Jokerit or Kiekko-Espoo players from the capital region stood out. I need to confess that I mostly looked at forwards, though.
Let's see who get picked to the final Pohjola Camp roster... Wish good luck to these kids!