Former NHL goalie Vesa Toskala hopes to rejuvenate with foreign teams -NHL News Update
After joining the National Hockey League (NHL) as San Jose Sharks 90th overall selection during round-four of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, Vesa Toskala hoped to make it big with the North American major league in doing what he did best, defending
the net.
Unfortunately for Toskala, he could not manage to stay on a team as a permanent performer and overtime slowed down, which ultimately caused him to have his name placed on the list of lower ranking goalies in the league.
Signing a one-year deal with his hometown team of Ilves Tampere in Finland’s SM-Liiga hockey league, Toskala hopes that time off from the NHL just might be what he really needs to find his game and maybe make a comeback someday.
"The last few seasons haven't been what I hoped for", Toskala said. "It will be nice to return to play for Ilves. I'm feeling strong, and I think we have a good team that can definitely go further than last year".
This will not be the first time the Finnish goaltender is looking to play with Ilves Tampere. Before joining the NHL, he participated in numerous seasons with the foreign ice hockey team and performed spectacularly.
Having him back on the team, Ilves general manager, Seppo Hiitela is excited for the next upcoming season with a great addition on the team.
"Our team is now complete", GM Hiitela told the team's official site. "Defense in SM-Liiga is very competitive. Jarventie's mobility and skill gives us the opportunity to diversify our play. In turn, Toskala is highly motivated and looking forward to the
start of next season”.
After playing only six games for Calgary Flames following a trade from Toronto Maple Leafs, Vesa Toskala impressed the management enough to sign him on for a more permanent spot on the roster, but according to the 34-year-old veteran goalie, he turned down
their offer which would result in him becoming more of a backup to Miikka Kiprusoff rather than a starter.
Toskala has a whole season to renew himself and find his game, which could have him back in the league for much better run then before.
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