The value of puck defenders has increased in hockey with the level of demands of the game. Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen is concerned that there has been a change in the evolution of young defenders in the direction that pekkasaravo-like or ossivaenas-like basic decks are losing their value.
– In terms of winning, “basic brooms” are extremely important. They are sought after in league clubs with cats and dogs.
Below you can listen to the discussion on the subject of the Ice Hockey Round. The story continues after the audio embedding with the presentation of the top 5 basic packs of the SM league.
5. Valtteri Pulli, 21, TPS
In recent years, the defense of the team from Turku, which has appeared in the finals twice in a row, has cooled off a lot of its own young promises. One of them is TuTo’s nursery Valtteri Pulliwhich has matured Emil of Estonia, By Ruben Rafkin and Aleksi Anttalainen in the background.
In the current season, the responsibility has increased and it is also reflected in the statistics. In 46 games, Pulli has averaged 17.21 ice time and produced a nice 14 power points. Strong grips were also taken into account in the management of the national team, when Jukka Jalonen chose the left-shooting Pullin Leijoni for the Swedish EHT tournament.
Urheilu’s expert Ismo Lehkonen has followed the development of the young man from Turku with warmth.
– Almost two meters and almost a hundred kilograms. The big man took big strides forward last summer and trained with the world’s top players in Turku. And by the way, you did really well when you were struggling in a small space.
– Pulli has a very big potential. I dare to say that Herra will be taken to North America already after this season, Lehkonen says.
4. Jarkko Parikka, 25, Ilves
Originating from Imatra Jarkko Parikka has been among the elite defenders of the SM league for several years. llves’ mainstay leads the league’s plus-minus statistics with +20 and has twice exceeded the twenty power point mark in the SM league in his career.
The defender has not yet been seen in the adult competition, although the man has appeared in a Leijona shirt for five seasons in a row. Parikka represented Finland in the under-18 World Championships in 2014.
– Fights hard and doesn’t leak in man-on-man situations. Parikka has learned the ways of a top professional and no longer plays with winning. The series might change to a bigger one in a fairly quick timeframe, thinks Lehkonen.
3. Ilari Melart, 33, HIFK
Ilari Melart returned to the ranks of IFK this season and has been leading the defense of the Helsinki team with the host. On average, 22 minutes per match have been released from responsibility, and 18 power points have been grabbed on the way.
In the power statistics, Melart is two notches on the side of freezing, but according to Lehkonen, that says more about the team’s play than Melart himself.
– He has to play and sometimes adapt to situations. Although he has done magic quite well, sometimes even wearing a gold helmet, Lehkonen laughs at the Ice Hockey tour.
Melart has represented Finland at the 2013 World Championships. In November, the frameless defender played in Finland’s back lines in the EHT tournament. Ismo Lehkonen believes that Jykevä pakki will be close to the competition venue this spring as well.
– In the home tournament, Melart was one of the best packs in Finland, if not the best. I love this player and his character.
2. Mikael Seppälä, 28, Tappara
World and Finnish champion Mikael Seppälä is packing his second season at the stern of Tappara. The Ylivieska Jääkarhuje stud has hit between the posts twice this season and recorded ten assists on top of that. Seppälä’s power reading is a convincing +15.
– Seppälä is a hockey warrior at his best. Play with such a character that you are always on the borderlands of the rules, says Lehkonen.
Ismo Lehkonen also sees the value of the 28-year-old defender as an example to others.
– I would take him on my team anytime. He has the ability to ignite and energize other players with his own actions.
1. Atte Ohtamaa, 35, Kärpät
Kärpät captain Atte Ohtama the resume speaks for itself. Olympic champion, two-time world champion, KHL champion and two SM golds.
– Ohtamaa is a player who got his self-image right at a very early stage. Through that, Atte has been able to develop himself and understand what kind of player he is.
In the SM league, the Nivala Cowboys graduate, who only played in Kärpi, has represented Jokeri, Ak Bars Kazan, Barys Nur Sultan, Lokomotiv Jaroslav and HC Lugano in his career.
– Even though he has left the familiar surroundings of Oulu, he has always made himself the team’s leading player. He plays big minutes and always matches the opponent’s first court. The same applies in the national team.
On Wednesday, base pack Ohtamaa recorded JYP’s 100th assist point of his career in the SM league. Ohmamaa has clear ideas about what a good basic defender is like.
– Yes, you have to be able to open the game well and move well. Strengths in his own end, but at the same time active at both ends of the court, Ohtamaa reflected in an interview with Jäkiekkokierros after the winning match.
The number one on the list of basic packages was satisfied that the game presentations have also pleased the eyes of the spectators.
– It warms the heart, praise is needed along the way, the good-natured Ohtamaa acknowledged.
– It’s no secret that I want to be the best and succeed on the field.
The next Puhe Ice Hockey Tour is on Friday, February 3 from 6 p.m. Matches: HPK–Ilves, Jukurit–Kärpät, JYP–KalPa, Pelicans–SaiPa, Tappara–Sport and TPS–KooKoo.