Finnish goaltender signs with Blackhawks

Posted May 04, 2008 11:00 pm

Daily Herald News Services

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with a 24-year-old Finnish goaltender, Antti Niemi, team officials announced Monday.

"Antti is one of the top European goaltenders," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "We like his size, athleticism, ability and the depth that this gives us at this position. We're thrilled to add a young talent like Niemi to our stable of prospects."

Niemi (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) appeared in 49 games last season in the Finnish Elite League, posting a record of 26-6-14 and a stellar 2.35 goals against average and a .927 save percentage for the Pelicans of the SM-Liiga.

Niemi spent the last three seasons with the Pelicans, posting a career record of 56-44-29 with a 2.71 goals against average. Prior to playing in Finland's top league, he spent six seasons playing for Kiekko-Vantaa of the Finnish Junior League.

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