“So different than hockey in Finland” – Goalie Justus Annunen tuning in with North American game for Avalanche
Follow Us
Justus Annunen
Colorado Avalanche’s goaltender Justus Annunen enjoyed a shorter yet worthwhile offseason than usual, and stated that ‘it’s an experience he’ll never forget.” Last season he was part of the Avalanche troop who ran and became the Stanley Cup Champions in June this year against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
He acted as Pavel Francouz’s backup in Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round against the Nashville Predators after the team’s primary goalie Darcy Kuemper sustained an eye injury. He also took part as the backup goalie in Games 2 and 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. After his development camp in July, he stated, “It’s like what I have been always dreaming about, being part of who wins the Stanley Cup”. “So it was an awesome experience.”
“Nobody’s ever perfect” – Justus Annunen getting ready for next run
He first started as an Avalanche on 6th December 2021 against the Philadelphia Flyers, where he contributed to 27 saves, and 1 assist in a 7-5 win. He snatched the position as the No. 1 goalie for the Colorado Eagles of the AHL, carrying 24-13-6 with 3.01 goals against average, a .893 save percentage, and 2 shutouts in 48vregular-season games.
Avalanche’s director of player development stated, “Goalies develop at their own pace, and Justus faced some adversity [last season] but he had a strong finish to the season and a solid showing in the playoffs. We’re excited to see his continued upward trajectory in Year Two.”
Also Read| “Leader in our locker room” – Goalie Jake Oettinger inks $12 million contract with Dallas Stars
Annunen noted, “I think the start of [last] season was pretty tough for me because it’s so different than hockey in Finland,” he said. “I had to take some time to get used to the game, but like after seven to 10 games, I felt really comfortable.” He was chosen by the Avalanche in the 2018 NHL Draft in the third round as the 64th overall.
He is expected to play in the 2022 Rookie Faceoff, held on September 16-19 in San Jose. Annunen stated, “For a goalie, I think you just need to have experience. So just try to play as many games as you can and just be patient. Nobody’s ever perfect. So you just need to play as many games as you can and try to get better every day, and you will get your chance when it’s time.”
Do follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
Kaushani Chatterjee
(2173 Articles Published)