Jari Kykkanen is buzz’n

The new hairstyle has done wonders for Kykkanen’s game, who has stopped 112 of 116 shots in his last three starts, allowing just four goals over that stretch.

That is a massive resurgence after being pulled in two of four previous starts in road losses in Spokane and Victoria.

“I think confidence is the big thing,” Kykkanen said. “These last few weeks I have been working hard with Eli [goaltending coach Eli Wilson] and putting in the hours to get my game back to where it needs to be.”

All players have a certain ceiling. Kykkanen’s is high, which means he can be very good and has room to develop. Others flatline and can only give you so much in an effort to win games.

Kykkanen can be a game changer. (Listen for audio conversation here https://omny.fm/shows/rocketfan/jari-kykkanen-vs-seattle)

And check out this neat video of Jari showing off his new gear: https://kelowna10.com/one-rocket-one-minute-goalie-jari-kykkanen

“I think my rebound control is the best part [of his game] right now,” he added. “My compete on pucks…never giving up and battling on them are probably my two best things right now.”

Kykkanen is blessed. He has the physical tools to be dominant. Tall and lanky is the body type you need in order to succeed at the most crucial position on the ice.

“It is easy to get into your own head,” he said on continually working on the mental side of the game. “It is pretty evident when you make a mistake, so you try not to battle with it [mentally], keep rolling and worry about the next shot.”

Kykkanen’s latest triumph came Saturday night in a 4-2 home ice win against Seattle. Standing tall and confident in the crease, the 6th-round WHL prospect pick made 45 saves, and was named the second star.

“They are playing good,” Kykkanen quickly responded when asked how his teammates are playing in front of him. “They have been working hard. Mally [Kris Mallette] has been running them through the ringer, and keeping them on their toes. They are playing good in front of me, so I can’t complain.”

Meantime, Christmas came early for the likable personality. The arrival of new gloves and pads has the veteran prepared to wear them in game action for the first time this Wednesday against the Wenatchee Wild.

“It wasn’t a stock graphic [on the pads], as I got to customize them, so you can do whatever you want,” Kykkanen explained, excited about his new gear. “I think everybody should be more excited about seeing what J.P [Jake Pilon] has done with his. I am really happy with how mine turned out, and I am excited to wear them.

“My first year, I had very similar looking pads to Talyn Boyko, which I found a little bit awkward. This year we went in complete opposite directions on how we wanted to design them, so I am excited how his [Pilon’s] turn out.”

Today’s pads are lighter, thinner and are designed to help butterfly goalies by covering up the five-hole. The advancements are so great, they give the optical illusion that they are bigger than they actually measure.

“They [pads] come out of the box somewhat game ready,” Kykkanen said, knowing an adjustment period is still needed before he feels totally comfortable. “I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve to break them in. At the end of the day, it is about repetition and getting them worked in.”

For most goalies, new pads aren’t the greatest concern. It is the new gloves that need the most attention.

“The palm, when it comes out of the box it is the stiffest thing,” he admitted. “Sometimes I throw it in the skate oven, and then lace it up. I even use the old jar of peanut butter, put it on top so it stays in the open position.

“There are a couple of tricks you can do, but it is easier to break it in, that’s for sure.”

A new haircut, new gear and renewed swagger has Jari Kykkanen playing at the top of his game.

by Regan Bartel

Jari Kykkanen is buzz’n

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