TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

– RYAN KENNEDY

> THE WORLD JUNIOR Summer Showcase takes place in the summer, but it can be a springboard for those who come prepared. One of Finland’s most pleasant surprises this year was center Joona Saarelainen, a fifth-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2024. Though he’s not big at 5-foot-9, Saarelainen showed a knack around the net and ended the Michigan-based tourney with four points in four games – making him one of the top producers overall. So what went into his success? “Right place at the right time,” he said. “Of course, you need some lucky bounces, too.” But Saarelainen clearly knows where to go, and he pounces when opportunities present themselves. Early on in his domestic season, he was averaging more than a point per game in junior and had two points in…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Prospects Unlimited 2024-25

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