It’s that time of year once again, the AHL All-Star Classic is almost here and the rosters have officially been announced. All 32 teams will have at least one player represented with each division carrying 12 players on the rosters. When it comes to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, they will be represented by Finnish right-winger Samu Tuomaala.
Tuomaala Playing Beyond Rookie Title
Samu Tuomaala in his rookie season with the Phantoms has already tallied 10 goals and 27 points in 33 games. That is only three being team leader Cooper Marody who has 30 points in 33 games as well. Tuomaala has been coming up big for the Phantoms so far this season with five power-play goals (PPG). His five PPG are second on the team behind Olle Lycksell who has six on the season. Furthermore, he has 60 shots on the season which places him seventh on the team, 39 behind Lycksell who has 99.
What makes Tuomaala’s season more impressive is that he is fifth among all rookies in the AHL in points. Texas Stars forward Logan Stankoven leads all rookies in points with 39 in 31 games. In terms of goals, Tuomaala is eighth amongst all rookies with 10 which is five behind Stankoven who has 15. One area that Tuomaala can hang his skates on is that he is fourth in assists for rookies with 17. That is only eight behind Ontario Reign’s Brandt Clarke who has 25 in 30 games.
Skill Set is Beyond Rookie Status
What stands out with Tuomaala is his incredible speed on and off of the puck. The way he can go from a slow stride to blowing by opponents is incredible to see.
Just the way he flew by the Wilkes/Barre-Scranton defenseman is incredible. Even more so, the initial shot seemed to be designated for the top left side of the net. It did not go in but with him sticking to the play it shows that he can find space to get an opportunity to shoot.
The next attribute to take a look at is his shot which is a laser. After getting the puck back in his wheelhouse, he blasts it over the goalie into the upper shelf of the net. The speed of the shot shows that he has a cannon of a one-timer. That sometimes won’t be seen in rookies with a one-timer like that. The fact that this is Tuomaala’s first full season in North America has given not only the Phnatoms hope but the Philadelphia Flyers as well that he could be an elite scorer. If he can keep this up while developing his skill set, Tuomaala could make a case to be in the NHL. Plus he can wreak havoc in the AHL as well with Lehigh Valley.
Congratulations to Samu Tuomaala for being named to the AHL All-Star Classic as the Lehigh Valley Phantoms representative.
