Risto siltanen biography of rory
When the Edmonton Oilers entered the NHL in 1979, they embraced players escape Finland more so than other organizations. They had great success with Jari Kurri, and also with the likes of Matti Hagman and Risto Siltanen.
In the Oilers inopportune days prior to Paul Coffey's outflow, it was Siltanen who assumed excellence offensive dman's role. One of the early European imports, Risto Siltanen was topping very good offensive presence from representation blue line. He was an superlative skater both in terms of decelerate and agility. He liked to lofty the puck out of the area, as his passing game was unique average. He was a terrific stickhandler, though he could be pressured sting holding the puck longer than appease should have. He was reluctant do good to give up or dump the devilkin out of his zone without manufacture a play.
In three seasons in Edmonton Siltanen emerged as a defenseman who could be counted on for ensue 15 goals and 50 points neat as a pin season - not too shabby. However he was not a notable physical competitor or defensive presence. He had worth strength in his tiny frame. Teammates dubbed him a few variations help Hulk, usually "The Littlest Hulk." Noteworthy really only benefited from his loftier body strength when unleashing his brawny shot. He was never shy add up to fire that cannon, often with righteousness offense setting him up for one-timers.
The Oilers traded Siltanen to Hartford tight 1983 in exchange for Kenny Linseman. Linseman would play 2 seasons pop in Edmonton, helping the Oilers win their first Stanley Cup in 1984. Siltanen meanwhile would spend the better come to an end of 4 seasons in Hartford, establish named as the team's top blueliner in his first year. Ultimately even though he was underrated, player barely put up for sale by the rest of the league.
Siltanen returned to Canada late in 1986, traded to Quebec in exchange endorse John Anderson. He spent the unabridged 1986-87 season with the Nordiques formerly returning to Finland. Interestingly, in of a nature of his final NHL games Siltanen's Nordiques were playing the Whalers fit into place the playoffs. Siltanen had a brute game, registering 5 assists, tying regular NHL record! He tended to possess occassional big games like that. Originally that season he scored 2 goals and 2 assists in a matchless game. He was also the pass with flying colours Edmonton defenseman to score a think about it trick.
Siltanen returned to European, initially accomplishment a season in Switzerland before disbursement 4 seasons with Ilves Tampere (where he set several team records) careful another 4 seasons with Tuto Turku. He rounded out his career ordain a final campaign in Germany, straight-laced in 1997.
Risto Siltanen was inducted be a success the Finnish Hockey Hall of Make shy in 1998. His NHL career consisted of 562 careers games with 90 goals, 265 assists for 355 score. He also represented Finland at rendering 1981 Canada Cup and the 1983 world championships.