Antti Niemi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antti Niemi |
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Niemi with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017
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| Born | 29 August 1983 Vantaa, Finland |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Catches | Left | ||
| KHL team Former teams |
Jokerit Lahti Pelicans Chicago Blackhawks San Jose Sharks Dallas Stars Pittsburgh Penguins Florida Panthers Montreal Canadiens |
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| National team |  Finland |
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| NHL Draft | Undrafted | ||
| Playing career | 2005–present | ||
Antti Niemi, born on August 29, 1983, is a professional ice hockey goalie from Finland. He plays for Jokerit in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Before joining Jokerit, Antti played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He made history in the 2009–10 NHL season with the Chicago Blackhawks. He was the first Finnish goalie ever to win the famous Stanley Cup! He also played for teams like the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, and Montreal Canadiens.
Contents
Antti Niemi's Hockey Journey
Starting His Career
Antti Niemi played junior hockey for Kiekko-Vantaa from 1998 to 2005. During this time, he also worked part-time driving a Zamboni! Later, his jersey number was retired by the team.
He became a professional player with the Pelicans in Finland's top league, SM-liiga, in 2005. He played three seasons with them. In November 2007, Niemi got to play for the Finnish national team.
Joining the NHL
In 2008, Niemi signed with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was not chosen in the draft, making him a free agent. He spent most of the 2008–09 AHL season with the Blackhawks' minor league team, the Rockford IceHogs.
In February 2009, he was called up to the Blackhawks. He made his NHL debut on February 27. A few days later, on March 1, he got his first NHL start and win against the Los Angeles Kings.
Winning the Stanley Cup
The next season, Niemi earned a spot on the Blackhawks' main team. The Blackhawks started their season in Finland. Niemi started the second game on October 3, 2009. He stopped all 23 shots, earning his first NHL shutout.
He had a great regular season with 26 wins. Niemi became the Blackhawks' starting goalie for the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. He replaced Cristobal Huet. In the playoffs, he recorded a shutout against the Nashville Predators. This was the first time a Blackhawks goalie had a playoff shutout since 1996.
On April 22, 2010, Niemi had his second playoff shutout. He made 33 saves. This was a first for a Chicago goalie since 1974. On May 16, 2010, Niemi made 44 saves against the San Jose Sharks. The Blackhawks swept the Sharks in four games.
In the Stanley Cup Finals, Niemi made 32 saves in his second game. He was named Player of the Game. On June 9, 2010, Niemi led the Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup! They beat the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime. Niemi was the first Finnish goalie to win the Cup.
After the season, Niemi left the Blackhawks due to salary cap rules.
Playing for the San Jose Sharks
On September 2, 2010, Niemi signed a one-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. He made 30 saves in his first win with the Sharks. He started the season slowly. But in February, he played very well. He won 14 games and became the Sharks' main goalie.
On March 1, 2011, Niemi signed a four-year contract extension with San Jose. His nickname with the Sharks was "Nemo."
In October 2012, Niemi played for the Pelicans in Finland during the NHL lockout. In the 2012–13 NHL season, Niemi led the Sharks in goals against average (GAA). He also led the NHL in minutes played. He was tied for the league lead with 24 wins.
On May 8, 2013, Niemi was nominated for the Vezina Trophy. This award goes to the best goalie in the NHL. He didn't win, but he was recognized for his great season.
Time with the Dallas Stars
On June 27, 2015, Niemi's rights were traded to the Dallas Stars. The Stars signed him to a three-year deal. He joined fellow Finnish goalie Kari Lehtonen. They shared the starting goalie role.
On October 8, 2015, Niemi started the first game for the Dallas Stars. He made 37 saves and got a shutout. He also had two assists! Niemi and Lehtonen took turns playing all season.
In his second season with the Stars, Niemi struggled. He became the backup goalie. Despite winning 12 games, his stats were not as good. The Stars missed the playoffs. Niemi was released from his contract in June 2017.
Short Stays in Pittsburgh and Florida
On July 1, 2017, Niemi signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He started three games for the Penguins. He allowed many goals and was placed on waivers.
On October 24, the Florida Panthers claimed Niemi. He played only two games for them and did not win. He was placed on waivers again in November.
Joining the Montreal Canadiens
On November 14, Niemi was claimed by the Montreal Canadiens. He became their official backup goalie in January 2018.
Niemi played well for the Canadiens. He had a good save percentage in 19 games. This good play earned him a new contract with the Canadiens. On January 15, 2019, Niemi set a team record. He made 52 saves in a home game win against the Panthers! This was the most saves by a Canadiens goalie in a regular season home game.
Return to Finland
After the 2018–19 NHL season, Niemi ended his 11-year NHL career. He returned to Finland. On June 5, 2019, he signed a one-year contract with Jokerit of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
International Play
| Medal record | ||
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| Ice hockey | ||
| Representing Finland |
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| Winter Olympics | ||
| Bronze | 2014 Sochi | |
Niemi won a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics. He was the backup goalie for four games. However, he did not play in any of them.
Awards
- Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.
See Also
- List of Finnish NHL players
