The USHL Fall Classic is well underway in Pittsburgh and two of the nine Finns competing in the league have already made a strong impact.
Sioux Falls Stampede forward Jami Krannila had one goal and two primary assists in a 6-5 overtime win over Central Illinois. Krannila has been flying under the radar a little bit, however, he was an absolute force in the Finnish U18 league last season and will be a good add to St. Cloud State University once he joins college ranks.
Sioux City Musketeers forward Marcus Kallionkieli record two goals, one assist and five shots on goal in a 5-3 win over Green Bay Gamblers. He was named the first star of the game. Kallionkieli didn’t make our first 2019 NHL Draft rankings, since we only decided to include Finland-based prospects on it; otherwise the highly skilled forward would have been in the Top 20.
Matias Maccelli and the Dubuque Fighting Saints will face the Green Bay Gamblers in their season opener and then finish the event against the Youngstown Phantoms. The TPS juniors product is a creative player with dazzling puck handling skills, great agility and strong edges. Eexpect a big year from the draft eligible winger.