Joel Armia was kept off the score sheet Friday as Finland was defeated by the Czech Republic 3-1 at the 2013 World Junior Championship. The Finns slid into a two-goal deficit after the opening period and found it difficult getting inside of the Czech's taut defensive shell the rest of the way.
For Armia, his game was uneven throughout, mixing early turnovers with better opportunities late. After two games, the 6-foot-3 winger has two assists, a minus-two rating, and five shots on goal. His line with Markus Granlund and Miikka Salomaki, who was on the bench in the final minute of play, will need to be more consistent on Sunday when Finland (1-1, 3 pts) looks to reset their position atop Group A in a battle with Switzerland.
Showing posts with label armia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label armia. Show all posts
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Armia assists as Finns get win
Joel Armia recorded a pair of power play assists Wednesday as Finland opened the 2013 World Junior Championship with a 5-1 victory over Latvia.
Armia picked up his first helper at 15:27 of the opening frame with a deceptive pass from behind the net to Miro Aaltonen, who was stationed at the post to make it a 3-1 game. Aaltonen (2+1) was named Finland's Player of the Game despite being unable to finish due to a foot/ankle injury. After the game it was learned that Aaltonen has been lost for the rest of the tourney.
Armia, who dazzled early on with excellent stick work to create his own opportunities, earned his second point of the game at 13:02 of the middle period when he crept into the faceoff circle and slung a cross-ice feed to Markus Granlund at the side of the Latvian net for an authoritative one-time finish. The assist displayed Armia's vision when given time, as he picked up Granlund rotating into scoring position before zipping the pass.
Armia's first shift of the third period saw him make perhaps his most powerful even-strength move of the game as he took the puck off the half wall, shot into slot area, and shielded a defender off with one arm while going in for a shot on goal. Following his missed shot, Armia smoked former Shattuck-St. Mary's standout and current Minnesota State freshman Teddy Bluger (PIT) with a hit from behind and was whistled for a boarding minor.
Finland returns to action Friday versus the Czech Republic.
Armia picked up his first helper at 15:27 of the opening frame with a deceptive pass from behind the net to Miro Aaltonen, who was stationed at the post to make it a 3-1 game. Aaltonen (2+1) was named Finland's Player of the Game despite being unable to finish due to a foot/ankle injury. After the game it was learned that Aaltonen has been lost for the rest of the tourney.
Armia, who dazzled early on with excellent stick work to create his own opportunities, earned his second point of the game at 13:02 of the middle period when he crept into the faceoff circle and slung a cross-ice feed to Markus Granlund at the side of the Latvian net for an authoritative one-time finish. The assist displayed Armia's vision when given time, as he picked up Granlund rotating into scoring position before zipping the pass.
Armia's first shift of the third period saw him make perhaps his most powerful even-strength move of the game as he took the puck off the half wall, shot into slot area, and shielded a defender off with one arm while going in for a shot on goal. Following his missed shot, Armia smoked former Shattuck-St. Mary's standout and current Minnesota State freshman Teddy Bluger (PIT) with a hit from behind and was whistled for a boarding minor.
Finland returns to action Friday versus the Czech Republic.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Armia solid as Finns pound Team USA
Joel Armia continued his excellent string of pre-World Junior Championship action Saturday, directing a team-best seven shots towards to the net in 17:29 of work as Finland scored four third-period goals to roll past Team USA 5-1.
The Sabres' first round pick at the 2011 draft, Armia was a confident player with the puck, mixing deft passing and vision plays in with the usual one-on-one moves and quick-release wrist shots. Just as impressive for Armia was his physical game, as he willingly used his 6-foot-3, 191-pound frame to bump and shoulder the American defenseman as the game played out -- a sign that his October and November battles with concussion symptoms should be a non-factor when pool play begins on Dec. 26.
Wisconsin defenseman Jake McCabe continued his steadiness and awareness on the American blueline despite the late collapse and undisciplined penalties. The USA NTDP product, who remained paired with Phoenix prospect Connor Murphy but also saw shifts with 2013 eligible Seth Jones, made a nice shot block early on the penalty kill and showed superb footwork in his own zone while garnering 16:56 of work.
A power play producer with the Badgers over his first year-and-a-half in Madison, the collegiate sophomore looks to have gained the trust of coach Phil Housley, and will likely survive the evening's final cutdown to remain with Team USA when play opens Dec. 27 versus Germany.
Final roster decisions are to expected be made by end of business Saturday.
The Sabres' first round pick at the 2011 draft, Armia was a confident player with the puck, mixing deft passing and vision plays in with the usual one-on-one moves and quick-release wrist shots. Just as impressive for Armia was his physical game, as he willingly used his 6-foot-3, 191-pound frame to bump and shoulder the American defenseman as the game played out -- a sign that his October and November battles with concussion symptoms should be a non-factor when pool play begins on Dec. 26.
Wisconsin defenseman Jake McCabe continued his steadiness and awareness on the American blueline despite the late collapse and undisciplined penalties. The USA NTDP product, who remained paired with Phoenix prospect Connor Murphy but also saw shifts with 2013 eligible Seth Jones, made a nice shot block early on the penalty kill and showed superb footwork in his own zone while garnering 16:56 of work.
A power play producer with the Badgers over his first year-and-a-half in Madison, the collegiate sophomore looks to have gained the trust of coach Phil Housley, and will likely survive the evening's final cutdown to remain with Team USA when play opens Dec. 27 versus Germany.
Final roster decisions are to expected be made by end of business Saturday.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
10/31 Recap: Neither tricks nor treats for European prospects
Joel Armia was held off the scoresheet Wednesday as Assat was doubled by the Espoo Blues 4-2. Armia (-1) directed nine shots at the net in a 15:41 of ice time. Armia sits with eight goals and 12 points through 18 games with the Aces, who resume play Friday against Lukko.
In Sweden, Linus Ullmark allowed five goals on 13 shots in a little over half a game's worth of work as MODO J20 was dealt a 6-1 loss to Timra. Ullmark will look to avenge his poorest performance of the year Friday when the J20 takes on Brynas.
In Sweden, Linus Ullmark allowed five goals on 13 shots in a little over half a game's worth of work as MODO J20 was dealt a 6-1 loss to Timra. Ullmark will look to avenge his poorest performance of the year Friday when the J20 takes on Brynas.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
10/27 Recap: Armia unloads; Kea extends streak
Joel Armia scored on the power play Saturday as Assat lost 4-3 to KalPa. The big wing unloaded a one-timer from the left side for his eighth of the year as the Aces third period comeback came up a goal short. Next up for Assat is a Wednesday meeting with the Espoo Blues.
Also from Europe, Linus Ullmark made 20 saves as MODO J20 scored a late goal to capture a 4-3 win over AIK. Ullmark was a driving force with many big saves late in the game en route to picking up his fifth win of the year. MODO J20 will face Vasteras on Sunday.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched the game winning goal as Owen Sound downed Sudbury 3-1. Catenacci, who added an assist on a Cameron Brace empty-netter, has seven goals and 16 points through the first 13 games. The Attack go back at it Sunday versus Windsor.
Justin Kea picked up an assist to extend his point streak to a career-best four games as Saginaw dropped a 3-1 decision at Peterborough. The 6-foot-4 center elevates his season line to 11 points (3+8) through 15 games. He posted a line of 3-11-14 in 65 games a season ago. After playing three games in three nights, the Spirit get to rest their legs until Saturday's meeting with Belleville.
Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating as Barrie downed Niagara 4-1. Lepkowski continues to play tough defensively while also seeing time at the left point on Barrie's power play. The Colts travel to Sudbury on Friday.
Brady Austin did not factor into the scoring as Belleville pitched a 1-0 shutout of Kingston. The Bulls are off until Friday when they visit London.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs connected for a pair of assists as Prince George dominated early but needed a shootout to get a 3-2 win over Brandon. Normally an ace breakaway performer, Jacobs missed on a penalty shot attempt in regulation and was stopped as the first Cougars shooter in the tiebreaking frame. The 6-foot-2 center has 18 points (8+10) at the 15 game benchmark. Prince George returns to action Friday at Kamloops.
Logan Nelson registered an assist in Victoria's 5-2 loss at Kamloops. The helper maintains Nelson's point-per-game pace through the first 15 games of the year (3+12). The Royals continue their road trip next Friday at Portland.
In the USHL, Judd Peterson scored a late third-period goal as Cedar Rapids fell short in a 3-2 loss to undefeated Dubuque. The St. Cloud State commit capitalized on a turnover and scored through the five-hole in the game's final minute. The RoughRiders host Tri-City on Friday.
In NCAA play, Jake McCabe and Brad Navin were unable to factor into the scoring as Wisconsin played to a 2-2 tie at Minnesota-Duluth. The Badgers return home next weekend for a WCHA set with Colorado College.
Mark Adams played even as Providence earned the weekend sweep with a 3-0 win over Maine. Jon Gillies (CAL) made 26 saves for his first career NCAA shutout. The Friars continue the Hockey East schedule next weekend at Vermont.
In AHL play, Rick Schofield recorded the first two-goal game of his AHL career to lead the Rochester Americans to a 6-2 win at Adirondack.
Schofield scarfed up a rebound to give Rochester at 1-0 lead 9:28 of the opening period. Frederick Roy assisted on the goal to record his first professional point.
Schofield again lit the lamp in the middle frame, sandwiched between power play marks by Kevin Porter and Evan Rankin as the Amerks took a 4-1 lead into the second intermission.
The Phantoms would get one back in the third before Nick Crawford's empty-netter and Nick Tarnasky's first of the year sealed the deal for Rochester.
With assists on the Rankin goal, Marcus Foligno and Cody Hodgson each hit the 10-point mark in game number eight to gain a share of the AHL scoring lead. T.J. Brennan went without a point to see his four-game point streak snapped.
Rochester heads home for Friday's tilt with Hamilton. The contest will be the first of five Friday night home games for the Amerks.
Also from Europe, Linus Ullmark made 20 saves as MODO J20 scored a late goal to capture a 4-3 win over AIK. Ullmark was a driving force with many big saves late in the game en route to picking up his fifth win of the year. MODO J20 will face Vasteras on Sunday.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched the game winning goal as Owen Sound downed Sudbury 3-1. Catenacci, who added an assist on a Cameron Brace empty-netter, has seven goals and 16 points through the first 13 games. The Attack go back at it Sunday versus Windsor.
Justin Kea picked up an assist to extend his point streak to a career-best four games as Saginaw dropped a 3-1 decision at Peterborough. The 6-foot-4 center elevates his season line to 11 points (3+8) through 15 games. He posted a line of 3-11-14 in 65 games a season ago. After playing three games in three nights, the Spirit get to rest their legs until Saturday's meeting with Belleville.
Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating as Barrie downed Niagara 4-1. Lepkowski continues to play tough defensively while also seeing time at the left point on Barrie's power play. The Colts travel to Sudbury on Friday.
Brady Austin did not factor into the scoring as Belleville pitched a 1-0 shutout of Kingston. The Bulls are off until Friday when they visit London.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs connected for a pair of assists as Prince George dominated early but needed a shootout to get a 3-2 win over Brandon. Normally an ace breakaway performer, Jacobs missed on a penalty shot attempt in regulation and was stopped as the first Cougars shooter in the tiebreaking frame. The 6-foot-2 center has 18 points (8+10) at the 15 game benchmark. Prince George returns to action Friday at Kamloops.
Logan Nelson registered an assist in Victoria's 5-2 loss at Kamloops. The helper maintains Nelson's point-per-game pace through the first 15 games of the year (3+12). The Royals continue their road trip next Friday at Portland.
In the USHL, Judd Peterson scored a late third-period goal as Cedar Rapids fell short in a 3-2 loss to undefeated Dubuque. The St. Cloud State commit capitalized on a turnover and scored through the five-hole in the game's final minute. The RoughRiders host Tri-City on Friday.
In NCAA play, Jake McCabe and Brad Navin were unable to factor into the scoring as Wisconsin played to a 2-2 tie at Minnesota-Duluth. The Badgers return home next weekend for a WCHA set with Colorado College.
Mark Adams played even as Providence earned the weekend sweep with a 3-0 win over Maine. Jon Gillies (CAL) made 26 saves for his first career NCAA shutout. The Friars continue the Hockey East schedule next weekend at Vermont.
In AHL play, Rick Schofield recorded the first two-goal game of his AHL career to lead the Rochester Americans to a 6-2 win at Adirondack.
Schofield scarfed up a rebound to give Rochester at 1-0 lead 9:28 of the opening period. Frederick Roy assisted on the goal to record his first professional point.
Schofield again lit the lamp in the middle frame, sandwiched between power play marks by Kevin Porter and Evan Rankin as the Amerks took a 4-1 lead into the second intermission.
The Phantoms would get one back in the third before Nick Crawford's empty-netter and Nick Tarnasky's first of the year sealed the deal for Rochester.
With assists on the Rankin goal, Marcus Foligno and Cody Hodgson each hit the 10-point mark in game number eight to gain a share of the AHL scoring lead. T.J. Brennan went without a point to see his four-game point streak snapped.
Rochester heads home for Friday's tilt with Hamilton. The contest will be the first of five Friday night home games for the Amerks.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
10/26 Recap: Kea keys Spirit to victory
Justin Kea notched a pair of goals Friday including a hard-working short-handed game winner as Saginaw edged Oshawa 3-2. Kea's first-ever two-goal effort in 141 OHL games earned him the game's number three star. The Spirit wrap up their three-game road trip Saturday in Peterborough.
Mikhail Grigorenko scored his 11th goal of the year and added an assist as Quebec dominated Shawinigan 7-0. The Russian pivot sits with 26 points in 14 games heading into Sunday's meeting with Gatineau (which Grigorenko could sit for if Patrick Roy decides to subject his leading scorer to a rotation of European players). Grigorenko's teammate Adam Erne ('13) paced the Remparts with four goals and an assist.
Jake McCabe recorded two assists as Wisconsin blanked Minnesota-Duluth 2-0. McCabe rifled a shot that made it through to traffic to create the first Badger goal. Sophomore forward Brad Navin was unable to get a shot on net in the victory. Wisconsin will go for their first sweep of the season Saturday when the clubs conclude the WCHA set.
Elsewhere, Joel Armia posted two shots in 14:19 of work as Assat skated past HIFK 4-1. Armia has seven goals and 11 points though 16-games, but hasn't connected for points in consecutive games since the opening week of SM-Liiga play. Assat takes on KalPa on Saturday.
Dan Catenacci saw his six-game point streak come to an end as Owen Sound suffered a 3-2 shootout loss to Kitchener. Catenacci went backhand/forehand in his shootout attempt but was unable to score. On Saturday, the Attack will look to get back on track when they host Sudbury.
Judd Peterson was +1 as Cedar Rapids got past Indiana 5-1 in USHL action. On Saturday, the RoughRiders will tangle with undefeated Dubuque.
Logan Nelson (-1) was held off the scoresheet as Victoria was handed a 4-1 loss at Vancouver. The Royals head to Kamloops Saturday to play their second of seven straight road games.
Mark Adams punched a shot on goal as Providence scored a pair of third period goals to earn a 3-2 win over Maine. The Friars and Black Bears will conclude the Hockey East set Saturday at 7:05.
Christian Isackson contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota played to a 2-2 tie with the U.S. Under-18 team. The Gophers will next host Canisius College for a non-conference tilt on Sunday.
In the AHL, Rochester stormed back with a pair of late goals to force extra time but fell short in a 5-4 overtime loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Trailing 4-2 with just over a minute to play, David Leggio went to the bench to give the Amerks the extra attacker. Kevin Porter took advantage with 1:08 left before Mark Mancari put a shot just under the crossbar 43 seconds later to complete the unlikely comeback. However, a Paul Thompson goal off a partial breakaway would end the game in the Penguins' favor with just 14-seconds to play.
Luke Adam and Evan Rankin scored the other Rochester goals. T.J. Brennan and Alex Biega added pairs of assists for the Amerks, who head north to Glens Falls on Saturday to take on the Adirondack Phantoms.
Mikhail Grigorenko scored his 11th goal of the year and added an assist as Quebec dominated Shawinigan 7-0. The Russian pivot sits with 26 points in 14 games heading into Sunday's meeting with Gatineau (which Grigorenko could sit for if Patrick Roy decides to subject his leading scorer to a rotation of European players). Grigorenko's teammate Adam Erne ('13) paced the Remparts with four goals and an assist.
Jake McCabe recorded two assists as Wisconsin blanked Minnesota-Duluth 2-0. McCabe rifled a shot that made it through to traffic to create the first Badger goal. Sophomore forward Brad Navin was unable to get a shot on net in the victory. Wisconsin will go for their first sweep of the season Saturday when the clubs conclude the WCHA set.
Elsewhere, Joel Armia posted two shots in 14:19 of work as Assat skated past HIFK 4-1. Armia has seven goals and 11 points though 16-games, but hasn't connected for points in consecutive games since the opening week of SM-Liiga play. Assat takes on KalPa on Saturday.
Dan Catenacci saw his six-game point streak come to an end as Owen Sound suffered a 3-2 shootout loss to Kitchener. Catenacci went backhand/forehand in his shootout attempt but was unable to score. On Saturday, the Attack will look to get back on track when they host Sudbury.
Judd Peterson was +1 as Cedar Rapids got past Indiana 5-1 in USHL action. On Saturday, the RoughRiders will tangle with undefeated Dubuque.
Logan Nelson (-1) was held off the scoresheet as Victoria was handed a 4-1 loss at Vancouver. The Royals head to Kamloops Saturday to play their second of seven straight road games.
Mark Adams punched a shot on goal as Providence scored a pair of third period goals to earn a 3-2 win over Maine. The Friars and Black Bears will conclude the Hockey East set Saturday at 7:05.
Christian Isackson contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota played to a 2-2 tie with the U.S. Under-18 team. The Gophers will next host Canisius College for a non-conference tilt on Sunday.
In the AHL, Rochester stormed back with a pair of late goals to force extra time but fell short in a 5-4 overtime loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Trailing 4-2 with just over a minute to play, David Leggio went to the bench to give the Amerks the extra attacker. Kevin Porter took advantage with 1:08 left before Mark Mancari put a shot just under the crossbar 43 seconds later to complete the unlikely comeback. However, a Paul Thompson goal off a partial breakaway would end the game in the Penguins' favor with just 14-seconds to play.
Luke Adam and Evan Rankin scored the other Rochester goals. T.J. Brennan and Alex Biega added pairs of assists for the Amerks, who head north to Glens Falls on Saturday to take on the Adirondack Phantoms.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Armia shift video - 10/20 Assat vs. Ilves
Joel Armia scored a goal and an assist Saturday in nearly 14-minutes of work as Assat Pori blew past Ilves 6-1. Armia skated on a line with Mika Niemi (1+1) at center and former Sabres forward Mike Ryan (1+1) on the opposite wing. You can find his complete shift video below.
10/20 Recap: Foligno posts best; Armia returns in style
For Foligno, the four-point night bests his previous AHL high of 2+1 posted last April versus Syracuse. It's his highest single-game output since a 3+1 effort in December 2010 as a member of the Sudbury Wolves.
T.J. Brennan (second star) collected two goals and an assist, while Cody Hodgson (three assists), Mark Mancari (1+1), and Brayden McNabb (two assists) also posted multiple-point outings.
The Amerks are off until Tuesday when they face the Hamilton Bulldogs at First Niagara Center in Buffalo.
Joel Armia returned from injury, cashing a goal and an assist as Assat blazed past Ilves 6-1. Armia, who now has seven goals and 11 points through 15 games including three multi-point efforts, missed just one Assat contest after getting his bell rung early in Tuesday's tilt with SaiPa.
Linus Ullmark made 26 saves as MODO J20 lost 3-2 to Brynas. The game looked to be heading to OT before a Brynas goal in the final minute of regulation handed Ullmark his first SuperElit loss since returning from Mora.
In WHL action, Colin Jacobs scored his eighth goal of the year on the power play as Prince George took a 3-2 loss to Spokane. The Cougars allowed a goal with 24-seconds left on the clock en route to accepting their fifth consecutive loss.
Andrey Makarov made 24 saves in Saskatoon's 3-2 loss to Everett. The Blades, who have allowed a league-high 55 goals against, have lost lost two straight games to remain in last place in the WHL's Eastern Conference.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci extended his point streak to six games as Owen Sound was defeated by Oshawa 3-2. The loss halts the Attack's five-game winning streak.
Justin Kea picked up two assists as Saginaw lost an 8-5 barnburner to Guelph. The 6-foot-4 center has a goal and seven points through the Spirit's first 12 games.
Alex Lepkowski did not point as Barrie battled back to force extra time but lost to London 3-2 in the shootout. The loss was the first at home this season for the Colts, who remain unbeaten in regulation in their last nine games.
In NCAA action, Christian Isackson went without a point for the first time in four regular season games as top-ranked Minnesota earned the weekend split with a 3-2 win over Michigan Tech. The Gophers will host the U.S. Under-18 team on Friday before welcoming Canisius to Mariucci Arena on Sunday.
Mark Adams finished -1 as Providence suffered a 4-3 overtime defeat at #4 Miami. The Friars battled back from three one-goal deficits before succumbing in the extra session.
In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not play as Cedar Rapids came from behind to claim a 7-5 win over Indiana.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
10/16 Recap: Armia suffers concussion
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs earned a second-period fighting major and later a game misconduct with two seconds left in the game as Prince George lost to Calgary 5-0. After securing points in the Cougars' first eight games, Jacobs has been kept of the scoresheet in his last two outings.
In Rochester, Zemgus Girgensons recorded his first professional point with an assist on the Amerks' lone goal in a 3-1 loss to Binghamton. Girgensons took a hit along the left boards to advance the puck to Kevin Porter for a pretty goal a little over five minutes into the third. David Leggio made 33 saves in his third straight start, including two stand-out stops on former Ottawa first-rounder Mika Zibanejad. The Amerks return to action Friday versus Grand Rapids.
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