Linus Ullmark was the talk of the town in Ornskoldsvik Tuesday,
stopping all 38 shots sent his way to guide MODO to a 2-0 shutout victory over reigning SM-Liiga champion Assat Pori. Ullmark was tested early and often in the exhibition tilt, but remained calm and unbeatable in the nets to claim the honor as top player of the game.
The performance was Ullmark’s first game action of the year
following his standout finish in the 2013 playoffs when he came on in relief of
the since-departed Bernhard Starkbaum. Ullmark’s steady rise has undoubtedly given
MODO the confidence to ice their youngest goaltending duo in recent memory, as the
talented 20-year old will share the crease this with fellow 20-year old Anton
Forsberg, a 2011 draft pick of Columbus. For now, though, it appears that
Ullmark has the early edge to be named the team’s starter when regular season
play begins Sept. 14 at Vaxjo.
MODO forward Gustav Possler, fresh off an excellent showing for Team Sweden at the U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp, did not dress in the victory.
