Masi Marjamaki

2006-07 Update: May 1, 2007: Masi Marjamaki scored 2 goals in 7 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of April. He scored the first goal of the game in a 3-2 shootout loss at the Albany River Rats on Apr. 7th. Marjamaki was also ejected from that game during the second period for charging and received a game misconduct. His other goal, a game winning shorthander off a breakaway, came in the Sound Tigers final game of the regular season vs. Norfolk Apr. 15th. Marjamaki missed one game on Apr. 1st vs. Albany. He finished the season as a team worst -27. The Sound Tigers finished the month of April with a 3-4-1 record. 

April 1, 2007: Masi Marjamaki went 2-3-5 in 14 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of March. He was a -7 in March, a -14 since the beginning of February and a team worst -24 on the season. Marjamaki recorded a multiple point game including a goal in a 7-4 loss at the Philadelphia Phantoms Mar. 18th. Bridgeport posted a record of 5-8-1 in the month of March.

March 1, 2007: Masi Marjamaki recorded 1 assist in 15 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of February. His assist came in a 3-2 loss at the Lowell Devils on Feb. 17th. It was his first point after going scoreless for 9 games since Jan. 26th. He has gone 6 games without a point since Feb. 17th. Marjamaki was a -7 in February. Bridgeport posted a record of 8-7-0 in February.

February 1, 2007: Masi Marjamaki went 2-3-5 in 10 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of January. It was his best month of the season. Marjamaki scored his first goal of the 2006-07 season on January 24, 2007 into an empty net to seal a 4-1 win vs. the Binghamton Senators. In the Sound Tigers next game on Jan. 26th, he recorded the first goal of the game in a 4-2 loss at Hartford. Marjamaki assisted on the game-winning goal in Bridgeport's 7-4 win at Albany on Jan. 5th. In Bridgeport's 4-1 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Jan. 27th he drove to the net and caused a scrum that saw Penguins' goaltender Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers ejected from the game for arguing a penalty. The Sound Tigers posted a record of 7-2-1 in January. Marjamaki has been playing on a line with Jason Pitton and Petteri Nokelainen.

January 1, 2007: Masi Marjamaki recorded 1 assist in 13 games played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of December. His assist came in a 6-3 loss vs. Hershey on Dec. 26th. He was a -7 as the Sound Tigers struggled late in December going 1-8-0 in their last 9 games of the month. Marjamaki is struggling to produce in his second full season in the AHL. He has not scored a goal yet this season and his last goal came in the 2006 playoffs in Game 6 against the Wilks-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Marjamaki is the only remaining player from last season's 3M line as Matt Koalska has not played for Bridgeport this season and David Masse was not re-signed. It took him a couple of months to get going in 2005-06 as a rookie but this season he has not been able to find his game offensively.

December 1, 2006: Masi Marjamaki was held scoreless in 12 games played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of November. He was a -4. He was scratched for a game at Philadelphia on Nov. 10th. Marjamaki fought defenseman Brad Staubitz in a game at Worcester on Nov. 17th. Staubitz provoked the fight by knocking Marjamaki down and the fight provoked a mini brawl between the two teams. Only one other fight was recorded between Bridgeport defensemen Drew Fata and Worcester defenseman Brennan Evans. Bridgeport won the game 5-1. For the second straight season Marjamaki has gotten off to a slow start. He has yet to score a goal through 19 games this season.

November 1, 2006: Did not record a goal during the first month of the AHL season, but did have 3 assists in 7 games including one in each of the first two games of the season. Marjamaki has been described as a pest to play against with a capital 'P'.

Highlights:

* Named second star with a goal in 2-0 win vs. Portland Pirates March 24, 2007.
* Named first star with a goal (GW,SH) in 5-3 win vs. Norfolk Admirals April 15, 2007.

Sound Tigers' struggles continue
by Michael Fornabaio, connpost.com, Dec. 29, 2006

BRIDGEPORT — Instead of pushups, like in Wednesday's practice, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers had their first sitdown Friday night in a 3-2 loss to Hartford, and Masi Marjamaki was the first player made an example. Turnovers led to all three Hartford goals at the Arena at Harbor Yard as the Sound Tigers lost their fifth game out of six, and their seventh game in the past 10. Marjamaki's turnover, a cross-ice pass inside his own blue line late in the second, led to Nigel Dawes' goal, which made it 3-1. Marjamaki didn't play for 13 minutes in the third, then skated just one shift. "I made a mistake there. ... I will remember that mistake," Marjamaki said. "If that happens again, (I know) I will be sat. That's what I have to learn from that."

BRIDGEPORT — One of the lasting images of last year's Bridgeport Sound Tigers playoffs was of Masi Marjamaki, scoring in overtime from the front of the net to win Game 5 at Wilkes-Barre. He skated off so quickly into a wild celebration that David Masse tried to jump on him — and missed. Marjamaki had scored the game-winner in Game 2; he would score again in Game 6. His work ethic, his physical play, his nose around the net: All of those made him look like a player who was just a heartbeat away from the NHL, not necessarily a big goal-scorer, but one who could be a significant presence.

For whatever reason, the points results haven't carried over yet this season. Marjamaki, 21, had just three points, all assists, through Bridgeport's first 22 games. He hadn't tallied a point in 16 games in a row going into Wednesday night.

Playing a different role on a deep team, Marjamaki has often found himself on a different line every night, in various positions, trying to establish some consistency. It's coming, but it has been more of a struggle than he'd like. "I expect a lot from myself," Marjamaki said. "I don't think I'm being too hard on myself. I expect better, and hopefully it will come sooner or later."

Marjamaki and coach Dan Marshall agree the past few games have been better. "I've been meeting with the coaches," Marjamaki said. "I've got to play simple, be the F1, be a forechecker."

Marjamaki has played more on the penalty kill as well, earning a short-handed breakaway Sunday that forced Jason LaBarbera to make a tough save.

"We believe in him," Marshall said. "We're seeing a lot of good things. He's getting better at the little things."

Marjamaki had a similarly slow start last year, his first year as a pro. Then, on Dec. 21, then-coach Dave Baseggio put Marjamaki on the left wing of a line with Matt Koalska and Masse. They didn't separate until St. Patrick's Day, and Marjamaki blossomed. He had four points through 29 games; he had 31 by season's end.

Then, he scored those three playoff goals in the Sound Tigers' seven-game loss to the Penguins. "He was getting those goals because of hard work and a lot of chemistry," Marshall said. "It's tough on him not to be on lines, consistently."

Marjamaki has started games with 11 different linemates, usually on the left wing, sometimes on the right. He was a healthy scratch one night. He won't use those challenges as excuses, though. "I've got to bear down and keep doing the same things, and it will get better," Marjamaki said. "Try not to think too much."

The second-year player from Pori, Finland, did appear a little tentative through the first quarter of the season, not the rambunctious physical presence he was at times last year, throwing hits, working in the corners, aggressive on the forecheck. He has been more visible the past few games. "It's a significant role, banging bodies and playing along the wall, strong, getting in on the forecheck," Marshall said. "He did so well in the playoffs, and that's why he was successful. He fully understood his role."

If Marjamaki gets the call to the NHL, those are the kinds of things he'll need to do. So, he'll focus on all those "little things," and let the offense come as it will. "I found it last year," Marjamaki said. "I'll find it again."

The Marjamaki file
WHO — Masi Marjamaki
AGE — 21
VITALS — 6-foot-2, 202 pounds
POSITION — Left wing
SHOOTS — Left
RESUME — Second-year player improved steadily over his rookie season. ... Scored two game-winning goals in the 2006 playoffs, including the overtime goal in Game 5 at Wilkes-Barre to take a 3-2 series lead. ... Had 31 points in 75 games last season, including 27 in the final 46 games. ... Had no goals and three assists going into Wednesday's game.

Marjamaki, 21, is a 6-foot-2, 203 pound forward. Born in Pori, Finland, Marjamaki was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the second round of the 2003 NHL entry draft. Marjamaki re-entered the draft in 2005 and was chosen in the fifth round by the New York Islanders. He is in his second with the Sound Tigers. Last year, Marjamaki had 9 goals and 22 assists for 31 points in 75 games for the Sound Tigers.

On the jersey: Wears No. 15

Shoots: Left

Hometown: Pori, Finland.

If he wasn't playing hockey: Marjamaki says if he wasn't playing hockey he would enjoy being a teacher.

Earliest hockey memory: Marjamaki says his earliest memory was skating with his mom and dad when he was about 5 or 6 years old.

In the off-season: He trains hard 5 to 8 times a week, but still likes to have some fun.

Among his hobbies: Marjamaki likes to hang out with friends, play video games, read and watch TV.

Biggest accomplishment in hockey: Winning the Bronze medal in the world juniors in Finland, playing for team Finland.

Connpost.com Player Capsule

NAME — Masi Marjamaki
NUMBER — 15
POSITION — Right wing
SHOOTS — Left
VITALS — 6-2, 202
BORN — Jan. 16, 1985, Pori, Satakunta, Finland
LAST SEASON — Bridgeport (75: 9-22-31); N.Y. Islanders (1: 0-0-0)
RESUME — Probably the most-improved Sound Tiger from the start of last season to the end. ... Had four points through 27 games; scored 27 points in the next 48. ... Scored two game-winning goals in the playoffs, including the Game-5 winner 2:11 into overtime at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. ... Had a four-point game at Wilkes-Barre, Jan. 21.

SYOSSET, N.Y. — Training camp hasn't even started yet, but Masi Marjamaki is all set to pick up where he left off with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers: shooting the lights out.

He was out late Tuesday morning after a bunch of New York Islanders camp-bound players skated at Iceworks, with Blake Comeau and Matt Koalska. They were shooting toward the far goal from one defensive zone.

Marjamaki's flip sailed high and clipped a light, knocking off the cover.

Marjamaki and Koalska spent the second half of last season doing, on occasion, the improbable. They capped it with solid playoff performances as the Sound Tigers fell in seven games to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the opening round.

As camp begins today, they hope to impress, stick around the NHL as long as they can, and carry over some of that good feeling.

"At the end of the year, I was playing hard, playing consistently, using my speed," Koalska said. "There's new coaching staffs. It's kind of now like everyone has a fresh start."

The team was set to fly today from Long Island to Nova Scotia, spending a week training in Yarmouth and playing a couple of exhibition games.

The group returns next weekend and splits up, with some joining new Sound Tigers coach Dan Marshall and his staff in Shelton, Conn., for the AHL team's camp.

It could be tough for players like Marjamaki and Koalska to move up; the Islanders have brought in several veteran NHL free agents.

All they can show the new Islanders regime is their abilities.

"Bring out my best game every day, confidence every day, and work hard," Marjamaki said. "Just have a good time."

The two played together much of last season on a line that helped carry the Sound Tigers back to the playoffs.

They had success together at the beginning of the playoffs and again on different lines toward the end.

Marjamaki's three postseason goals included two game-winners, including the overtime goal in Game 5 that sent the Sound Tigers home with a chance to clinch.

The duo scored the Sound Tigers' two goals in that Game 6, won by the Penguins in overtime before Wilkes-Barre/Scranton won Game 7 at home. Koalska had also scored the tying goal in Game 5.

They had both made their NHL debuts just before the playoffs began.

"Most of the guys had good years, got called up, got a little sniff," Koalska said.

Marjamaki wouldn't mind playing with Koalska again, though a full reunion of that line can't happen now that David Masse signed with Tulsa of the Central Hockey League.

2005-06 Update: May 1, 2006 Update: Masi Majamaki went 1-2-3 in 7 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in April. He was called up to the New York Islanders along with defenseman Cole Jarrett for their final regular season game April 18th vs. the Philadelphia Flyers. The Islanders lost the game 4-1. In his NHL debut, Marjamaki saw just over 5 minutes of ice time and registered 1 hit. He returned to Bridgeport after the Islander game to prepare for the Sound Tigers first round AHL playoff series vs. the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. With the Sound Tigers, Marjamaki was a -7 in April and finished the season a -5 overall. He finished 10th on Bridgeport in scoring and was the second best rookie on the team with 31 points(Jeremy Colliton had 53 points).

Playoffs: Masi Marjamaki was one of the Sound Tigers best players in their series against the WBS Penguins. He scored Bridgeport's game winning goal in Game 2, a 3-2 win at the Wachovia Center. Marjamaki scored 3 goals in the series, including two game winning goals. Unfortunately it was not enough as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins won the series 4 games to 3. He was named a three star of the game twice in the series, including first star for his game winning goal at 2:11 of overtime in Game 5. Only Rob Collins scored more goals in the series with 4. His three points ranked him 4th in scoring for Bridgeport in the playoffs and second among rookies(Robert Nilsson had 5 pts). Marjamaki played on Bridgeport's popular 3M line along with Matt Koalska and David Masse for most of the series.

Quotes before Game 2: "I was nervous, for sure," rookie Masi Marjamaki said after Friday's practice at the Ice Box. "I was anxious to get going."

About Game 1: "There was a lot of hitting. It was a great game to play. Intensity, that's huge in a playoff game," Marjamaki said. "Without intensity, you won't go anywhere."

April 1, 2006 Update: Masi Marjamaki went 1-6-7 in 11 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of March. He's been pretty consistent, averaging 7 points a month for the last three months. He missed a game on March 18th at Portland with a knee strain. Had a three game point scoring streak from March 25th to 29th in which he went 1-3-4. It will be interesting to see if Marjamaki gets a look by the Islanders down the stretch in the final 10 games. Since he's a first year pro they may just leave him alone in Bridgeport.

March 1, 2006 Update: Masi Marjamaki went 2-5-7 in 12 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of February. He has produced 7 points in each of his last two months of play after recording 7 points in his first three months in the AHL. Marjamaki has found his niche after getting placed on a line(dubbed the 3M line) with Matt Koalska and David Masse. The Sound Tigers were 5-1-0 in games during the month of February in which Marjamaki recorded a point.

February 1, 2006 Update: Masi Marjamaki went 3-4-7 in 13 games played during the month of January. He doubled his point production on the season from 7 to 14 points. He scored 4 points in a game January 21, 2006 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

January 1, 2005 Update: Masi Marjamaki recorded 3 points in 15 games played during the month of December which included a 2 assist game December 31, 2005 in a 6-0 win vs. Lowell Lock Monsters.

December 1, 2005 Update: Marjamaki notched the first goal of his professional career on November 6, 2005 in a 6-1 win over the Binghamton Senators. The goal turned out to be the game winner.

- Statistically Marjamaki has not put up big numbers and an injury in October caused him to miss some games. He is still learning at the AHL level and should become a good role player for the Sound Tigers this season.

Masi Marjamaki suffered a slight shoulder separation on October 14, 2005 after taking a hit along the boards during a Sound Tiger practice. He missed 4 games and returned to the lineup in early November.

Highlights:

* Named third star with a goal in 4-3 loss vs. the Norfolk Admirals January 16, 2006.

* Named first star with 2 goals & 2 assists in 7-0 win at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Jan. 21, 2006.

Playoffs:

* Named first star with a goal(OT/GW) in 3-2 OT win at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton April 26, 2006. (Game 5)

* Named second star with a goal in 3-2 OT loss vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton April 28, 2006. (Game 6)

When he first came to North America at age 17, Masi Marjamaki could introduce himself in English, order a Coke, maybe name some colors. Like many immigrants at the start, that was about all he had confidence in. Three-plus seasons later and just turned 21, when he searches for an English phrase in conversation — talking about the wind farm near his home in Pori, Finland — it's one his native-English interviewer can't remember for a few hours, either. If his game takes the same strides, imagine what an NHL player he could be. Marjamaki has outgrown an unsure start to his first professional season to become an integral part of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers' success since late December. He has landed on a regular line and become more consistent. It's part of a journey he hopes leads him to the highest level of his sport, a journey that inspired him to leave home at 17 to go to western Canada. "I talked to my agent, and we looked at my options," Marjamaki said. "There were options in my hometown or to go somewhere else. Always, my dream was the NHL. He said (Canadian junior) could be the best way there, learning the North American game."

Marjamaki played for the Red Deer Rebels — coached and managed by former New York Islander Brent Sutter — before being traded to Moose Jaw. He came from a hockey-crazy city of about 80,000, an old industrial and trading city 3 hours from Helsinki, not far from the Gulf of Bothnia. But he still couldn't believe the crowds for Red Deer games. Though he says he didn't go through too much culture shock, there still was a language barrier. "I knew a little English. They start teaching us in third grade," Marjamaki said. "I was never a good student, but I knew the basics."

The immersion helped, as did experience back home: most English and American movies and television shows, he said, are subtitled instead of dubbed into Finnish. And he was helped by living with teachers as his billets, or host families. They corrected his mistakes and helped him when he needed a word. "In three or four months I could go to the grocery store, go to Tim Hortons, get a double-double and a blueberry muffin," Marjamaki said. "As a person, as a hockey player, I learned a lot." Adapting to the pro game took some time, too. With a big body (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and a work ethic that had drawn attention, Marjamaki arrived with some buzz after the Islanders drafted him last summer. But he suffered a mild shoulder separation that cost him a few games, bounced between lines, struggled to get a handle on this level. Then, coach Dave Baseggio put Marjamaki on the left side of Matt Koalska and David Masse and told him to keep things simple. The line has played every game together since Dec. 21.

"Keep the puck going ahead, and hit everything that moves out there," Marjamaki said. "Someday, hopefully, that'll be my job in the NHL. ... I don't think I'm going to score too many goals."

Marjamaki has developed into a penalty killer and an aggressive forechecker. When he plays a physical game, he creates space for Koalska and Masse to make plays, and he drives hard to the net to create traffic around opposing goalies. And that work ethic and consistency has impressed Baseggio. "He cares," Baseggio said. "He's not the kind of guy who's going to get three goals a night, but he can chip in. He's a blue-collar guy."

The Marjamaki file

WHO — Masi Marjamaki

VITALS — 21 years old, 6-2, 205

POSITION — Right wing

SHOOTS — Left

RESUME — Had five goals and 11 assists going into Wednesday night's game against Hershey. ... Has played on a line with Matt Koalska and David Masse every game since Dec. 21. ... Only Steve Regier, Koalska and Cole Jarrett have played more games this season for Bridgeport. ... Fifth-round draft pick last summer after re-entering the draft; originally selected by Boston two years ago. — MICHAEL FORNABAIO

Sound Tigers weekly - 1/26/06
Quote of the Week

He's not Robert Nilsson. He's not Jeff Hamilton. He's more of a John LeClair type, to give a name off the top of my head. He's a power forward. He's got to forecheck, go to the net. That's how he gets opportunities. — Bridgeport coach Dave Baseggio, on Masi Marjamaki

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The Bridgeport Sound Tigers have played two laughers in their two visits to this city this season.

This time, they had all the smiles in a 7-0 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Wachovia Arena.

Frederic Cloutier was spectacular in the first 10 minutes, Bridgeport played a near-perfect team game otherwise, and the Sound Tigers dominated the league's best team in its own building.

Rob Collins and Sean Bergenheim gave Bridgeport a 2-0 lead 4:07 in, with Collins' wraparound off Andy Chiodo only 23 seconds into the night. Masi Marjamaki had four points in the final two periods to help put it away. It looked a lot like the Penguins' 8-1 opening-night victory back on Oct. 5, only reversed.

"The last time we came here, they started hard. You know they start hard at home," Marjamaki said. "We talked about it a little bit and had a great start."

After that great start, the Penguins almost woke up. They had at least a dozen scoring chances — putting a few wide — and had 10 shots by the 10-minute mark.

Cloutier stopped every initial shot, every rebound, denied every chance. "I saw the puck," said Cloutier (27 saves), who has two shutouts in five Sound Tigers starts. "I could see pretty well. They got some chances. After the third goal in the second period, we didn't look back."

Matt Koalska got that one 2:57 into the second in another big night for the "3M" line — Minnesota's own Koalska, Marjamaki and (David) Masse — who combined for four goals and nine points in the last two periods. Masse scored with 7.4 seconds left in the second. Three power-play goals, two by Marjamaki, in the third made it ugly. Joel Bouchard finished it with 13.1 seconds left.

And it all began on a wraparound that Collins said bounced off Chiodo and in, rather than going through to Steve Regier at the right post. Chiodo, you might remember, became a local cult hero when he won the last three games of the Penguins' 2004 playoff series against the Sound Tigers. Bridgeport hadn't won in this building since. "That (Collins goal) killed a lot of demons," Bridgeport coach Dave Baseggio said. "The other time we came here, we were embarrassed. ... I think we exorcised some demons right off the hop."

Bridgeport became the first team to shut out the Penguins in 42 games this season. The Penguins have just six regulation losses after starting 20-0-2-1; Bridgeport is responsible for half of them. It was the sixth time Bridgeport, 10-2-0-2 in its last 14 games, has scored seven in a game in its history. The teams play again here Wednesday night. Bruno Gervais, who took the initial shot on which Bergenheim buried the rebound, returned from the New York Islanders in the morning. Vince Macri was scratched.

Cody Rudkowsky might have started in goal off his strong Friday-night game in Lowell, but a knee injury prevented that and will likely keep him out of this week's ECHL All-Star Game.

Marjamaki leads Sound Tigers to rout
January 21, 2006

Masi Marjamaki scored two goals and assisted on two others as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers humbled the league-leading Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins with a 7-0 win at the Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday night.

SHELTON — If the Bridgeport Sound Tigers' recent success has anything to do with players finding their roles, there's no better example than the line of Masi Marjamaki, Matt Koalska and David Masse. Those three players had spent much of the first half in various spots, sometimes as spare forwards, sometimes slotting in here and there. But since they were assembled Dec. 21, 12 games ago, they have scored seven goals and nine assists, helping the team to a 8-2-0-2 record. They should remain together tonight, when the Sound Tigers play at Lowell.

"Matty's the brain of the line. Masse, he can shoot it. He creates offense," Marjamaki said. "I don't think I'm the old workhorse, but maybe I can forecheck, finish my checks, give those guys room to create plays."

The line forechecks hard, led by Marjamaki, whose confidence has grown commensurately with the focus in his game. He's gone from an almost invisible player in mid-December to one bulldogging to the net with abandon. Saturday in Binghamton, in fact, he ran into goaltender Billy Thompson twice. "With Masi, a young player coming in, you try to find your niche," coach Dave Baseggio said. "He had to simplify his game. "He's not Robert Nilsson. He's not Jeff Hamilton. He's more of a John LeClair type, to give a name off the top of my head. He's a power forward. He's got to forecheck, go to the net. That's how he gets opportunities."

Even when the trio isn't on the scoresheet, their work often draws penalties. "You need that," Koalska said. "We're bringing energy, but at the same time, we can score some goals. We're trying to bring it every night."

Masse, a free-agent signing last summer, and Koalska, a New York Islanders free-agent signing out of college two summers ago, are both playmakers who can score. "Marj, he works so hard," Masse said. "He always comes out with the puck. Matty, he's got skill and the shot. I just try to get open for them."

SHELTON — Putting together his top one or two lines can be an easy job for a hockey coach. Pure speed and skills usually separate the top handful of forwards from the rest.

Yet filling out the next few lines can be tougher, a constant search for the right combination of talents that make the line click and, hopefully, score goals.

Such a successful troika formed on Dec. 21 when Bridgeport Sound Tigers coach Dave Baseggio decided to link center Matt Koalska with wingers Masi Marjamaki and David Masse.

"I think they’re all something different. The combination, the mix, everybody’s adding something and they’re doing it together," Baseggio said. "The guys seem to know what the others are going to do and they feed off each other. When I see that, I say give them a chance."

Koalska, Marjamaki and Masse have combined for seven goals and nine assists in their 12 games together and hope to continue the success this weekend as the Sound Tigers (19-20-2-2) visit Lowell tonight and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Saturday and Wednesday.

Each player specializes in an area of the game that complements each other perfectly, the kind of balance ideal for a successful line.

Marjamaki does the dirty work. He goes after the puck in the corner, uses the forecheck to his advantage and creates turnovers.

Koalska is the skater and creator, setting up shots for his teammates. But he is also often the recipient of perfect passes and the subsequent goals.

Masse is the shooter, never too shy to slap the puck toward the net.

"We know our role on the line and we seem to read each other well. We’ve been consistent every shift no matter what happens, whether it’s a short one or a long one," said Koalska, who was scoreless with just two assists in seven games before joining his new line but then notched a pair of goals and two assists in the next five games. "I think we know what we bring to the table and we have high expectations. We’re not on our heels, we’re on our toes looking for plays."

Marjamaki has shown the most improvement with his new linemates. Playing in his first season as a professional and turning 21 on Monday, Marjamaki was already coping with a new system, new teammates and a new country (he’s from Finland).

Yet with all the injuries and call-ups from Bridgeport to its parent club, the New York Islanders, Marjamaki was playing with a different line game to game and went 22 games without a goal.

That led to a meeting with Baseggio just before Christmas and Marjamaki’s realization that it’s his physical play that will make him stick out rather than speed and puck-handling.

Marjamaki snapped the scoreless steak the very next game, his third with the new line.

"Personally, I like what they ask me to do," said Marjamaki, who has nine points in 39 games, but five of them — two goals and three assists — in the last 10 games. "I like going into the corners and finishing my checks every day. I’d like to keep it simple. After Christmas, it’s come to me what this team expects from me and what I should do if I want to get to the next level."

Baseggio has been so pleased with the trio that he’s loathe to break them up, keeping them together on the power play and even when injuries or call-ups require a change. The Sound Tigers have won eight of 12 since Koalska, Marjamaki and Masse (two goals and an assist with his new line) have started skating together and while they’re not the only reason for the team’s success, Baseggio is taking the approach that you don’t screw around with something that’s already working.

"I’m trying to keep some continuity with some guys," Baseggio said. "If I see a little spark sometimes, I run with it. I’ve had the opportunity to switch them up and I haven’t."

THUMBS UP: Masi Marjamaki isn’t dazzling on the ice but he gets the job done with two goals and three assists in his last 10 games. Using his toughness to take out opponents near the net, Marjamaki clears room for others.

Sound Tigers' Marjamaki making best of holidays away from home
By Michael Fornabaio, The Connecticut Post - Dec. 24, 2005

BRIDGEPORT — This isn't the first time Masi Marjamaki has been away from his home in Finland for Christmas; last year, he was in North Dakota for the World Junior Championship. The 20-year-old Bridgeport Sound Tigers winger has this one all planned out. Marjamaki rooms with Jeremy Colliton in Milford, and their girlfriends just got into town this week. "It will be a nice, little Christmas, just the four of us," Marjamaki said after Friday night's game. "We just got the tree up and the decorations (Thursday) night."

Marjamaki will get to enjoy that simple celebration after quite possibly his best game of the season in that Friday-night, 3-2 shootout loss to Hartford. He was one of the best Sound Tigers on the ice after a long, quiet stretch.

"I talked to Bags (coach Dave Baseggio) a couple of days ago. If I want to play more minutes, someday play in the NHL, I've got to play a simpler game," Marjamaki said. The rookie pro had spent the past three seasons in the junior Western Hockey League. He re-entered the NHL draft this year, and the Islanders plucked him up in the fifth round with some high hopes.

His adaptation to the pro game, though, has been admittedly slow. "I'm kind of disappointed about it," Marjamaki said. "I don't worry about the points much, (more about) ice time and what I can create in the offensive zone. I'm just getting used to it right now. I've got my confidence up."

Friday night, Marjamaki drew two penalties in the first period, keeping his feet moving in the offensive zone. In the second period, he got a step on a Hartford defender and beat him to a puck that, had the defender touched it, would have been icing. The Sound Tigers kept it deep, cycled it and turned it into the go-ahead goal.

"He's skating. He's moving," Baseggio said. "He's forechecking hard, and he's making good plays. This was his best game in a long, long time, maybe all season."

Marjamaki will join the Islanders training camp and look to fight for a position on the team. The Islanders are very deep at right wing and Bridgeport may be a likely starting place for him. The Islanders were impressed by Masi's relentless effort, high skill level and leadership skills. Last season in the WHL, Marjamaki captained th Moose Jaw Warriors. He went 14-32-46 in 51 games played. If the Islanders can get Nokelainen signed and bring him over, they will have a nice Finnish line in the making with Marjamaki, Nokelainen and Sean Bergenheim.

RW Masi Marjamaki
Born: January 16, 1985, Pori, Finland
2004-05: Moose Jaw (WHL)
Central Scouting: Draft Re-Entry

- Shares the same birthday as Nokelainen(1986), only one year apart....Was ranked 104th among North American Skaters by the CSB for the 2003 Entry Draft....Played for Finland in 2004 and 2005 WJC's....both his goals in the 2004 WJC's for Finland came in their quarterfinal game against Russia helping the Finns to a 4-3 win....His style has been compared to Kirk Maltby....Was the 48th selection by Red Deer in the 2002 Canadian Junior Import Draft....Often played on a line with LW Kenndal McArdle who was drafted 20th overall by Florida in 2005....there's been conflicting reports as to his 2001-02 stats with Pori in the Finnish Junior League. Some sources show him going 6-16-22 in 25 games played with 93 PIM's.

from the Patriot Ledger...

The Bruins did have discussions with Marjamaki, who may have been looking for money closer to what second-round picks received under the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL and NHL Players Association.

‘‘There were things we liked about Masi,'' said Jeff Gorton, Boston's assistant general manager, ‘‘but we just couldn't make it work. We'd have signed him if the numbers were right, but they weren't.

‘‘Like all negotiations, you have a number in mind, and a threshold. Eventually, you get to that point where you won't go any more. We were pretty far apart.''

2005 World Junior Championships Note

Arsi Piispanen, who has captained Team Finland in the past, and Petteri Nokelainen should be joined by a handful of fellow NHL draftees. Those candidates include Valtteri Tenkanen, Masi Marjamaki and Lauri Tukonen.

Excerpt from NHL.com/Futures Article:

"Left wing Masi Marjamaki, a second-round pick in 2003 from Finland, has a North American style and he's played over here for three years with Red Deer and Moose Jaw. He's a grinder who works his tail off, so he has a chance to be a pro on his work ethic. He's also got a good shot and he's a good skater." - Bruins' Assistant GM Jeff Gorton.

Moose Jaw Profile

One of the two imports on the Warrior roster, Masi is expected to provide leadership and scoring punch to the Warrior lineup. Acquired from the Red Deer Rebels last year in the deal, which sent Tyler Johnson to Red Deer, Masi had 15 goals in 25 games with Moose Jaw last year. A second round draft pick of Boston in 2003, Masi helped Finland finish third at the World Junior Championships last season and is expected to play a key role with Finland at the World Junior Championships in Grand Forks, N.D. this year.

* Finland native Masi Marjamaki, was selected in the 5th round, 144th overall to the New York Islanders. Marjamaki now joins former Warriors Mike Broda, Kevin Herom, Kurt Lackten, and Steve Young who all have been selected by the Islander organization.

* Former Islander draft pick Steve Young(5th round in 1989) served as Marjamaki's head coach with Moose Jaw. 

Hockey's Future

During the 2003-04 season he split time between the Red Deer Rebels and the Moosejaw Warriors, where he played 65 games between the two for a total of 39 points (21 goals, 18 assists) and 103 penalty minutes. Marjamaki helped Team Finland win the bronze medal at the 2004 World Juniors, where he totaled 3 points in seven games. His 2004-05 season was disrupted by injury problems early on, but the Warriors captain still completed 51 games for a total of 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists) and 49 penalty minutes. He was part of Team Finland once again for the 2005 WJC, and though he didn’t score any points this time around, he did accumulate 12 penalty minutes in the six games he played.

Masi Marjamaki is a solid player that has shown steady improvement. Though he’s an agitator with a gritty style of play, he’s also an adept stickhandler who can maneuver the puck well. Increased ice time has helped his game tremendously and he’s demonstrated an ability to put up some points. He also brings a highly developed work ethic and leadership skills to his game, something that has earned him a spot as team captain, and will no doubt help his progress further down the line.

According to a report on the Warriors’ web site, Marjamaki appears to have the pros in mind for the 2005-06 season and has indicated that he plans to leave the WHL. If he is unable to secure a contract with the Islanders this year, he may return to his homeland in Finland for 2005-06.

New England Hockey Journal

History: The Finnish winger left his native country to play junior hockey in Red Deer last season and was a bit of a disappointment, recording 15 goals and 35 points after getting 10 tallies before November. In the playoffs, he saw limited ice time and pitched in with just one goal and three points in 23 playoff games, as the Rebels lost the WHL finals (and right to compete in their second Memorial Cup series in three years) to the Kelowna Rockets. A superb stickhandler with some very nice moves, Marjamaki could stand to improve his first step and speed if he’s going to successfully transition to the next level. He’s quite an agitator — a player who deftly uses his lumber and abrasive style to get under opponents’ skin, drawing far more penalties than he receives.

Projection: Some felt that Marjamaki was a reach where the Bruins got him, but the team is sold on his grittiness, edge and puck skills. Interviewed after his selection, Marjamaki commented on having a lot of passion for the game and playing a North American style. If he can produce some more offense for the Rebels, he’ll look like a much stronger pick for the B’s. He’s a boom-or-bust prospect in that if he elevates his game, Marjamaki could easily be a productive second-line winger in the NHL, or he might not ever come close. The knocks are on his skating and consistency, so it will be up to him to overcome those doubts and be the player the Bruins feel he’s capable of becoming.

Style Compares To: Kirk Maltby

New England Hockey Journal

Moose Jaw’s Marjamaki a Future Bruin
By Lawrence Goldstein - 10/26/04

In the boom-or-bust world of NHL prospects, a safe bet pops up every so often. Masi Marjamaki appears to fit the bill.

“Masi is a real solid player who brings tremendous character and leadership to our team,” said Moose Jaw coach Parry Shockey about the player the Boston Bruins selected in the second round (66th overall) in the 2003 Entry Draft.

Take what we know about Marjamaki’s character, and view it alongside the 21 goals he potted last season, and it is obvious that a plumber he is not.

“He has real good skills and a great shot, although we’d like him to shoot more often,” Shockey added.

Life in the WHL hasn’t always been rosy for young Marjamaki, who was abruptly traded from Red Deer last season.

“I was shocked about the trade from Red Deer. Things were good and I had a lot of close friends there,” said Marjamaki.

Now, 11 months since the trade, the kid from Pori Satakunta, Finland is more than a little pleased. He potted 15 goals in 35 games for Moose Jaw last season and is flourishing this year.

“The trade turned out very good for me. My level of play improved, I got time on the power play and penalty kill, and now I’m given more ice time,” Marjamaki said.

Over the summer, Marjamaki was rehabilitating a broken ankle, which sidelined him for six weeks. His determination to return to health was just another illustration of his professional attitude.

“Masi pushed it as hard as he could during rehab. A lot of other guys would’ve been out much longer,” said Shockey.

With his ankle strong and healthy, the Moose Jaw winger shifted his focus to team and individual goals this fall.

“I need to work really hard and would like to be a plus player,” Marjamaki said.

Another thing on his mind is the upcoming World Junior Championships in North Dakota, where Marjamaki is expected to play an integral role. This year’s tournament may not be as exhilarating as the 2004 edition in Finland, but it will be an honor nonetheless.

“Last year in front of the home crowd was an unreal experience. But anytime I play for my country, there is a real sense of pride,” Marjamaki explained.

On top of everything else, Marjamaki is considered a bit of a hockey pest.

“Sometimes people get angry at me on the ice, but that’s part of the game,” he said.

If the NHL and NHLPA can settle their differences before next September, Marjamaki will be in Boston looking for full-time employment.

“I wasn’t happy with my play in training camp last year. I was just really nervous,” said Marjamaki. “But now I know what to expect, so things will be better next time.”

His current coach has little doubt that Marjamaki will make his mark.

“Masi will excel at the next level because of his commitment and character. He just has what it takes to be a player,” said Shockey.

Masi Marjamaki's First Journal Entry
BostonBruins.com - 9/8/2003

During Training Camp, rookie left wing Masi Marjamaki will be checking in with journal entries on BostonBruins.com.

Marjamaki was selected by the Bruins with their third pick (second round, 66th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Pori Satakunta, Finland, Marjamaki played 65 games for the Red Deer Rebels last season, scoring 15 goals and adding 20 assists.

Masi Marjamaki:

Hello everyone. I would like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Masi Marjamaki and I am from Pori Satakunta, Finland. Last year I left Finland and came to Canada to play hockey for the Red Deer Rebels. I like to play offense, but I also like to hit, so I think that the North American game more fits my style.

My first NHL Training Camp got off to an interesting start for me, because I didn’t get here on time. I was scheduled to take an afternoon flight out of Montreal, but my hockey equipment got lost going through customs and I missed my flight by 10 minutes.

I was very nervous that I wasn’t going to arrive on time, but I called my agent and he settled me down. He called the Bruins and explained the situation and then he got me a hotel room in Montreal for the night. I got up the next morning and took a flight at 6 a.m., so it worked out OK and I was on the ice for the first practice.

I didn’t really know what to expect, since this was my first camp. At first I was not sure what was going to go on here. I heard the guys on my team say that camp was fun and that if I just worked hard it would be good. So far, I think that is true. My first impression so far has been good.

It’s a pretty fast game up here. I’m a little tired – everyone is a little tired right now. Hopefully over the next couple of days, I’ll be ready to go. The first day of scrimmaging is done, though, and I feel pretty good about it.

We’ve had a pretty hectic schedule. I got in early in the morning on Saturday and then we have been doing a lot of testing and skating and working out. But all in all I feel good.

I think the speed of the game will get faster as we go on, because I think that everyone was just looking around a bit on the ice. I think everyone was tentative coming into camp. There are a lot of good players here and a lot of good competition, so we’ll see what happens. Tomorrow will be interesting.

Well, that’s it for now. I’ll check back in with you guys later on this week.