Contractual obligation kept Tammela from playing for Petes
Jonne Tammela says he would have joined the Peterborough Petes last year if he wasn’t contractually obligated to a team in his native Finland.
Fans got their first glimpse of the Petes’ 2015 CHL Import Draft pick on the first day of training camp scrimmages Wednesday at the Memorial Centre. He showed some of why the Tampa Bay Lightning drafted him in the fourth-round last year and later signed him. He almost scored on his very first shift and later scored a goal and assist while displaying speed and skill.
Tammela said signing with the Lightning gave him the freedom to come to North America this season. Last season he played for KalPa Kuopio in the top Finnish pro league recording five goals and 13 points in 37 games. After their season ended Tampa assigned him to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch where he picked up one assist in three games.
While the 19-year-old forward could be assigned to Syracuse this season it’s more likely he’ll join the Petes.
Tammela said he felt some loyalty to the Finnish team he played three years with, but he said it was more because he was contractually obligated that he stayed last season.
“I was in the top level in Finland so it was nice there,” Tammela said. “Of course this is the place where hockey was invented, the home country for hockey, so it’s nice to be here and learn about the North American hockey style and the smaller rink.
“I think this game fits well with my game. I’m a pretty good skater and I like to go hard up and hard down and get the passes at full speed. It’s not as much waiting as in Finland. The game is slower in Finland because of the wider ice. It’s more control hockey there. I like more pace. This is much more entertaining.”
If Tampa returns him to Peterborough he’s fine with that.
“I will go there and have the best training camp I can and try to be the best player I can,” he said. “After that they will make a decision. I don’t know what it is yet. I feel comfortable to come here or to be in Syracuse. It doesn’t matter to me.”
The Petes have lost their three top scorers – Hunter Garlent, Eric Cornel and Greg Betzold – so they’re looking for offence. Petes coach Jody Hull said he expects the team will score more by committee than relying on a handful of players, but they think Tammela can be a key contributor.
Hull saw Tammela practice in Syracuse but this was his first chance to see him in a game-like situation.
“You can definitely see he has lots of skill, poise with the puck and good vision,” Hull said. “It’s just going to be a matter of him getting accustomed to playing hockey over here.”
Hull was glad to see Tammela stand out amongst the players vying for roster spots.
“Let’s face it, he’s a 19-year-old NHL draft pick. He should stand out and that’s what you expect of your older guys. It’s tough to say he’s a veteran but you want your older guys to lead by example. He definitely didn’t disappoint.”
Hull is also trying not to look too far ahead.
“There is still really nothing etched in stone that he’s going to be here, either, because he still has the opportunity after Tampa’s camp to go to Syracuse and make their hockey club,” he said. “Selfishly, I’m hoping. Whenever you get a guy of his abilities it’s good for your hockey club.”
Petes camp continues with a scrimmage at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Memorial Centre followed by the Maroon and White game Friday at 6 p.m. Their first of four preseason games is at 2 p.m. Sunday against the Oshawa Generals at the PMC.