[News] HPK announces Eetu Tuulola will play in the WHL this season

[Freeway]

Everett should be really good next year.

[polak]

E2! E2! E2!

I like. Good work. Everybody go home and enjoy yourself, we had a productive day.

[Locke]

Et tu polak? Et tu?

Yes, I know its bad french.

[Trailer Fire]

Originally Posted by Locke

Every time I hear his name I think of Turanga Leela.



Now you will too.

I think of Julius Caesar.

[Phaneufenstein]

E2 2lola

He better get jersey #22

[Krynn]

Originally Posted by Locke

Every time I hear his name I think of Turanga Leela.

Now you will too.

awesome

[Fire]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I actually think he may have benefited more in staying in HPK. Would have given the Flames 4 years before having to sign him, and I do think he is just going to be a big kid bowling other kids over. Might have been better playing against men due to physical size and his enjoyment of playing a physical game.

CHL seems to really punish players who are bigger and stronger with hitting. For instance, I believe Kanzig is more likely to develop into a player in the AHL as he won't be as punished there for hitting, and he seems like he basically has to 'tone it down' or his clean hits are called as penalties.

I think Tuulola might be better off in the AHL? I kind of view this as a step down in competition for him. However, to be fair, I would expect a big uptick in playing time, so I fully acknowledge that it may prove to be the best move as young players don't often get much playing time in European Men's leagues, and even in the AHL he may be stuck on the 3rd or 4th lines.

Just trying to weigh the increased playing time in my head, with the decreased level of competition.

Would Tuulola be playing on the HPK U20 team or the main team if he returned? How much ice-time would he get with the main club if he made it? Expecting a 18 year old 6th rounder to be able to play in the AHL is really optimistic. I think the WHL is the best place for him. If he plays well enough then put him in the AHL the following season.

[Sylvanfan]

Can anyone name a Finnish WHL alumni currently in the NHL? I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I really haven't followed the WHL closely for a few years.

I don't seem to recall too many Finnish players coming over to play in the league. Masi Marjamaki from the Red Deer Rebels in the early 2000's is one I can honestly remember. Another is the infamous Juuso Puustinen also played for Kamloops. Neither guy ever played an NHL game.

I remember Daryl Sutter talking about Backlund when he first didn't go to the WHL saying that the most Scandinavian guys who come over the CHL, usually aren't very high end guys. Granted Backlund did come over for half a season eventually, and Alex Nylander just completed a season in the OHL. But it does seem to me, that the WHL hasn't developed a lot of Finnish NHL grads.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Locke

Every time I hear his name I think of Turanga Leela.

Now you will too.

Thanks a lot. I think....

[Stupid]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Digging the "E2" nickname.

I always think "et tu" -> "and you" in my head.

E2 is way catchier though.

[JTech780]

I am torn on if this is good news or not. I am glad to see on thus side of the pond and getting him used to the smaller ice surface.

The bad part is that he is going to Everett, where Constantine will coach any creativity and offensive skill right out of him and replace it with a comprehensive knowledge of the neutral zone trap.

[Hangman]

I wonder if it's possible the Hitmen could make a deal?

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by Hangman

I wonder if it's possible the Hitmen could make a deal?

Or Victoria..

[Unknown]

Check this out: https://www.facebook.com/ylehameenli...3643808211606/

Thumb up and sticking his tongue out... He's definitely a funny guy.

Translation to his speak:

"Just enjoy training! Training's important, especially off-ice condition workouts where you build your base. Maybe, if you go for a jog and build strength, you can get to Calgary like I did."

[Rick M.]

I know that the nickname E2 has caught on but I prefer to think of him as THE UNFRIENDLY GIANT.

[Hackey]

This is actually pretty exciting. Don't know anything about the player really other than he has good size and did well at the development camp game I saw. Something about his demeanour in the interviews I liked as well. Just had that feeling like this could be a steal of a pick. Hopefully a big year in the WHL will really help him take off.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Phaneufenstein

E2 2lola

He better get jersey #22

I thought this had a nicer "ring" to it.

[Eric Vail]

Originally Posted by 868904

lol, oh Niklas Sunblad, such high hopes I had for you.

I knew someone would remember the Swedish Wendel Clark, Niklas Sunblad. 19th overall in 1991, NHL stats: 2 games 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 PIM.

[shotinthebacklund]

In regards to tuulola's demeanor, He stuck around a long time after dev camp and signed autographs , took pictures and talked with alot of fans and kids. Big smile on his face and I believe he is a kid that is enjoying every step of this process.

[mikeecho]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

I hear Swift Current is beautiful in February.

I was there yesterday and it felt like February.