Justus Annunen, a product of the Oulu hockey school, is in Finland as the Colorado Avalanche’s third goalie.
Goalkeeper Justus Annunen made a save in the early season AHL team Colorado Eagles. For the trip to Finland, the 22-year-old puck player was taken along as a backup goalkeeper.
– As long as both remain healthy, we are known to be the spirit of the game. I try to stay ready if something happens. I know what my role is at the moment, and I handle it as well as I can, Annunen thinks.
Avalanche’s goalkeepers are Pavel Francouz, who has played in Finland for a long time and is still spending his summer Alexander Georgiev.
– If there are games, that would be a great thing, continues Annunen, who got to participate in two NHL games last season.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed the role of Kempele’s man.
– He is here in case of an emergency.
No fox
Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov’s scoring attempts are blocked by Justus Annunen. The 22-year-old Annunen will play mainly in the AHL this season. AOP / USA TODAY Sports
Annunen receives an NHL salary during the trip to Finland, so the trip is worthwhile in a certain way anyway. The man’s annual salary is about $880,000.
Otherwise, the 193-centimeter promise has no complaints about his role.
– We’re in Finland, so it’s nice to be involved. Can’t complain at all, things could be much worse. You have to take all the joy out of this.
– After this, when we go back, there will be no more breaks.
Underrated AHL
Annunen is a little surprised at the downplaying of the AHL in Finland.
– It’s a great series, especially for the goalkeeper, but also for the field players. It hurts and happens there. The game is much faster, the size of the rink also affects it.
– The series is really good, it’s difficult to make a result there. In Finland, they don’t know how to appreciate the series, Veskari thinks.
Big lights
Justus Annunen is happy to have made the NHL team’s trip to Finland. TIMO KUNNARI
Annus’ goal for the rest of the season is clear.
– I want to play as much as possible. I got good games in the early season. Hopefully I’ll go forward and then at some point I’ll get here to the big lights.
– On the other hand, I’m not in a hurry for anything. I want to be as ready as possible when I come here, so I never have to go back (to the farm league).
The Athletic magazine recently criticized Annu. In Aviis’s opinion, the Finn is not yet an NHL-level goalkeeper.
– I’ve heard about that story. I don’t think either of those journalists have ever seen me play. That’s the way it is, criticism sometimes comes.
– But maybe I’m not an NHL-ready goalkeeper at the moment. I still need more work and experience, games below. There is such a different game, Annunen says honestly.