Dallas Stars Daily Links: Stars Sign Finnish Forward Joel Kiviranta
The Finnish presence in Texas just got a little bigger. Plus, Game 3 is tonight,
It may not be July 1st yet, but that’s not going to stop the Dallas Stars from improving their organizational depth — the Stars signed Joel Kiviranta to a two-year ELC yesterday.
Fresh off of a gold medal with Finland at the World Championship, is expected to bring a strong two-way game to the Texas Stars. It’s unlikely he makes the NHL squad, but if he adjusts to hockey in North America quickly, he could rise up the depth chart and become a top call-up option.
Here is the official press release:
FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has signed forward Joel Kiviranta to a two-year, entry-level contract.
Kiviranta, 23, spent the 2018-19 season with Vaasan Sport of Liiga, where he tallied 31 points (16-15=31) in 48 games. His 16 goals were third on the team and he finished tied for second on the club with a +12 plus/minus rating. In five seasons with the team, he appeared in 260 games, posting 114 points (60-54=114).
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound native of Vantaa, Finland helped his country earn a gold medal at the 2019 World Championship in Slovakia skating in nine games and recording three points (2-1=3). He scored the game-winning goal against France in the preliminary round.
Around the League
It’s gameday! The Boston Bruins are leaving the comfort of home ice as they take on the Blues in St. Louis:
LET’S DO IT! https://t.co/OS3LeixdjX
— Stanley Cup of Chowder (@cupofchowdah) June 1, 2019
Speaking of the city, St. Louis is playing for more than just hockey bragging rights:
"It’s just a city that needs this, it’s a city that’s been down. This is what we needed just to have this city back up again."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 31, 2019
The #stlblues playoff run is more than a chance to lift the #StanleyCup, it's a chance to lift the city (@reporterchris). https://t.co/kOARbSWaCg
Want to see some Finals action but can’t stand the two teams involved? Consider watching the AHL Finals instead:
The Charlotte Checkers are in search of their first Calder Cup in franchise history, while the Chicago Wolves have depth capable of carrying them to their third AHL title.
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) June 1, 2019
Who will take it all?https://t.co/r0DcDf1pEM
DownGoesBrown complains about NHL start times and a few more things in his latest Grab Bag:
Last time: You want coaches to be able to challenge anything they want? OK, but on one condition. Plus late starts, a classic awkward Bettman moment, and lots more in the Friday Grab Bag. https://t.co/KqmOusCumk pic.twitter.com/jyA8EUqoXc
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) May 31, 2019