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Finland has produced some of the NHL's most exciting forwards of the last quarter century, including Hall of Famer Jari Kurri and perennial all-stars Teemu Selänne and Saku Koivu. There have also been a series of Finnish defensemen who have emerged as top-quality NHL blueliners, ranging from Reijo Ruotsalainen to Teppo Numminen.
But until recently, Finland's top goaltenders collectively flopped once they reached this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
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In the 2005-06 season alone, eight Finnish-born and trained goalkeepers have started games in the NHL: Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames), Antero Niittymäki (Philadelphia Flyers), Jussi Markkanen (Edmonton Oilers), Kari Lehtonen (Atlanta), Vesa Toskala (San Jose Sharks), Hannu Toivonen (Boston Bruins), Mika Noronen (then with the Buffalo Sabres, now with the Vancouver Canucks) and Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators).
Six, including U.S. college hockey product Tuomas Tarkki and 1999 New Jersey Devils' first-round draft pick Ari Ahonen, have played in the American Hockey League this season.
But until recently, Finland's top goaltenders collectively flopped once they reached this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
...
In the 2005-06 season alone, eight Finnish-born and trained goalkeepers have started games in the NHL: Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames), Antero Niittymäki (Philadelphia Flyers), Jussi Markkanen (Edmonton Oilers), Kari Lehtonen (Atlanta), Vesa Toskala (San Jose Sharks), Hannu Toivonen (Boston Bruins), Mika Noronen (then with the Buffalo Sabres, now with the Vancouver Canucks) and Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators).
Six, including U.S. college hockey product Tuomas Tarkki and 1999 New Jersey Devils' first-round draft pick Ari Ahonen, have played in the American Hockey League this season.
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We owe a debt of gratitude to Finland for giving us so many great NHL stars. Jani Hurme(the fighting Finn) will be making his way back to the NHL I hope. Loved watching him play, that nickname was well earned!! 
