Niemi Returns to Blades Defense
September 21, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
The Saskatoon Blades welcomed the return of defenseman Jyri Niemi (Hameenkyro, Finland) from the camp of the New York Islanders on Sunday night.
Niemi, a 19-year-old, was the Islanders' 3rd round pick (72nd overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. The third-year Blade was reassigned following the Islanders' 3-1 preseason victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night at Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon.
The 6'2", 202-pounder was second in scoring amongst Blades' defensemen last year with 7 goals and 25 assists for 32 points in 60 games played while adding 74 penalty minutes. In 6 playoff games, he had 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points and added 10 penalty minutes.
"Jyri was a big-minute defenseman for us last year and we only see his role with the team expanding," said Blades General Manager and Head Coach Lorne Molleken. "His veteran presence will be important with our defensive core."
Coupled with the return of Milan Kytnar from Edmonton Oilers camp, the Blades now have 27 players on the roster, including 16 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders.
The Blades next action is Wednesday with a return engagement against the Regina Pats at the Brandt Centre in Regina. On Friday, the Blades opened the 2009-10 regular season with a convincing 5-1 victory over the Pats.
The next home game is next Friday, September 25th, when the Blades clash with the Edmonton Oil Kings at Credit Union Centre. Puck drop is 7:05 pm. Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.ca, by calling 938-7800, or by visiting any Ticketmaster location.
• Discuss this story on the Western Hockey League message board...
Western Hockey League Stories from September 21, 2009
- Stars Return Glennie - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Blazers to raise money for breast cancer - Kamloops Blazers
- Portland Winterhawks This Week - Portland Winterhawks
- Saturday Night Televised - Spokane Chiefs
- Weekly Ice Report - Kootenay Ice
- Hitmen's Tyler Fiddler named Boston Pizza WHL Player of the Week - WHL
- Raiders and Conexus Aim to give away $100,000 October 2 - Prince Albert Raiders
- Pats Weekly - Regina Pats
- Blades Get Kytnar Back in the Fold - Saskatoon Blades
- Niemi Returns to Blades Defense - Saskatoon Blades
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Saskatoon Blades Stories
- Capitals Re-Assign Suzdalev to AHL's Hershey Bears
- Blades Draft 11 Players in 2024 WHL Prospects Draft
- Blades Swap Picks with Rockets at 2024 WHL Prospects Draft
- Blades, Blazers Swap Picks Ahead of WHL Prospects Draft
- Blades Eliminated from Playoffs After Game 7 Overtime Loss to Warriors
