A freezing (outside temperature -11C) crowd at the hockey rink, witnessed yet another comfortable victory.
The new goalie, Tim Thomas, invited to a three game try-out, got the worst possible start. Caloun lost the puck on the offensive blue resulting in K-Espoo World Champion (1995) duo scoring what turned out to be K-Espooīs lone goal on an breakaway. He rebounded well after the nervous start and was finally selected man-of-the-match.
Karalahti continued his streak scoring his fift goal in four games. Kortelainen scored his second of the season, playing his 400th career game, before hurting his knee and resting the third period.
There were several outstanding performers among the HIFK players yesterday. Young Kari Kalto scored his first ever league goal, Kari Rajala played a good game, but in defense the man that outshined everyone was Bob Halkidis. He showed god leadership, timing, accurate passes and a lot of good box-play.
Offensively Davidsson and Caloun were very good, but as thatīs what one expects from them they wonīt be seen in my ranking today. The Jokinen line was pretty good also.
Whether Tim Thomas is the man or not canīt be decided yet let him see some more action, but the 1st game was very promising. Problem is that as the team is playing this solidly right now he probably wonīt be tested in the next two games either.
Stars:
#1 Bob Halkidis
#2 Tim Thomas
#3 Kari Kalto