Watch Jyri Junnila’s goal of the year candidate with amazing individual effort (VIDEO)
In ten days, we'll list our top 10 hockey goals of 2012. It's never an easy list to create because in any given year there are so many different ones to choose from from all levels and areas of the hockey world. (Thanks to the NHL, we only have to worry about a six-month span to select from.)
A late contender for goal of the year came on Thursday from Jyri Junnila, a 28-year old forward playing for KalPa in the SM-liiga in Finland. During a 5-4 win over SaiPa Junnila tied the game 2-2 midway through the second period with this stunning individual effort.
To recap: Junnilla beats defenseman Brian Salcido with a lovely move, draws the penalty, goes airborne and still manages to beat Jani Nieminen top shelf.
Persistence certainly paid off.
The game also featured the SM-liiga debut of 16-year old Kasper Kapanen. You might know remember his dad, Sami, from a 12-season career in the NHL. How old do you feel right now?
Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy
