A review for some top performers at the third round of games from the 2023 World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, featuring Axel Sandin Pellikka, Topi Ronni, and Cole Eiserman
https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroi...hree-standouts
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As discussed above, much of Finland's game revolves around speed and directness. Defensemen play high flips and quick, vertical wingers pursue the loose puck. It's a formula that can put any team under pressure, and it doesn't require much time or space for something nice and chaotic to break Finland's way.
However, Topi Ronni (a 2022 second round selection from the Calgary Flames) brings a slightly different element to the Finnish line-up. He is an excellent neutral zone facilitator, who does tremendous work in build-up play for the Fins. He is quick and alert with good vision. He didn't find his way onto the scoresheet, but he's constantly making little plays to keep everything moving in the right direction for his team.
Ronni played in the bumper spot on Finland's power play, where he was effective both in drifting toward the perimeter to create or in collapsing in toward the crease to apply pressure to Sweden's goaltender.
Ronni also turned in a serious shift short-handed for his team. Finland had a full two-minute 5-on-3 to kill off, and Ronni was among the key factors in pulling that off. He remained calm and patient, allowing Sweden to effectively kill off its own power play with perimeter passing as he stood firm and protected the slot.
“I think I’m just all around more ready, ready to play pro games,” Ronni said at Flames development camp. “I think I’m mentally a lot tougher than I was a year ago." He went on to add that he intends to work his way up the lineup with Tappare in the SM-Liiga in Finland. If his performance this week in Plymouth is any indicator, that should be well within reach.
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