All-Star Kimmo Timonen greets Philadelphia Flyers Finn Fans

Name Day Väinös, Wayne Pollari and Väinö Rapatti, with Kimmo Timonen. Photo: Iivari Rapatti

The second Philadelphia Flyers Finnish Night this season on February 17th, 2008 provided another outstanding opportunity for Finns Fans to enjoy exciting NHL hockey and support several Finnish players on the Flyers team. The Flyers played against the Montreal. The event was co-sponsored by the Flyers, represented by Sales Associate Warren Avart, and the Finnish-American Society of the Delaware Valley (FASDV). Also attending were members of the Delaware Valley Finnish Americans (DVFA).

Fifty-four members and friends in attendance also had the opportunity for a memorable post-game Meet-and-Greet with this year’s NHL All Star player, Kimmo Timonen.

It was also ‘name day’ for two Finnish fans – youngster Väinö Rapatti of FASDV and senior Wayne Pollari of DVFA.

The game offered an entertaining and tight match between the Flyers and the Canadiens. In addition to defenseman Timonen, the Flyers “Finnish” roster included Philadelphia fan favorite, right-wing Sami Kapanen (a Flyer since 2003), defenseman Lasse Kukkonen, and goalie Antero Niittymäki. In addition, The Canadiens have been captained for years by one of the most-popular Finnish hockey stars, Saku Koivu. These players have previously represented Finland in several World Cup and Winter Olympic hockey games.

The Flyers struggled against the Canadiens because the team had been depleted from numerous injuries. In spite of the long injury list, the Flyers started the game well and tied the game twice but finally they were too exhausted by the absence of several critical players to match up with the more physical and skilled Canadiens. Saku Koivu did not disappoint his fans, scoring the fourth goal for the Canadiens and ultimately leading his team to a 5-3 win against the Flyers. The Finnish Flyers played hard and gave their best effort, but unfortunately the team did not triumph.

In spite of the loss, the FASDV hockey fans did not leave the arena disappointed. In October, Sami Kapanen had greeted FASDV hockey fans after the game. After this game, Flyers’ co-captain Kimmo Timonen entered the meeting room to loud applause and cheers. He welcomed the audience in both English and Finnish and briefly described the tough times the Flyers team was currently experiencing with mounting injuries and losses. Kimmo Timonen then chatted with the fans, signed autographs, and posed for numerous photos with fans. Finally, after saying goodbye to all the supporters, Timonen left the meeting room and the FASDV fans headed home. While the game itself may not be remembered, no one will forget the experience of meeting with the friendly Kimmo Timonen that night.

Philadelphia, PA

Amerikan Uutiset

Esko Townell