Helenius, Riku

Mike Morreale, staff writer at NHL.com, has written an article about Lightning goaltending prospect Riku Helenius.

There's some good info in the piece about Riku's work ethic in practice, with some particularly glowing comments from Seattle Thunderbirds teammate Jacob DeSerres. After recently attending Tampa's prospect camp in Victoria, B.C., Helenius' next stop will be the Traverse City Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, MI in early September before the Lightning's training camp opens in Tampa later in the month.

"After sitting out seven months with the shoulder injury, I felt I really played well in Seattle and it was a great year for me," Helenius said. "I also got used to the North American game and the coaches and that was important. I have every intention of earning a spot with Norfolk this coming season." Helenius will face stiff competition for a roster spot in Norfolk from Lightning top goaltending prospect Karri Ramo and Admirals signee Mike McKenna. McKenna, a former Predators draft pick and ECHL MVP runner-up, was one of the AHL's top netminders last season for the Portland Pirates.

The Lightning's prospect camp - its first in years - is set to begin this Sunday, July 27 and run through August 3.

The Victoria News reports 2008 first overall pick Steven Stamkos will indeed be in attendance at the camp, along with several others, including recently acquired defenseman Ty Wishart and former first rounder Riku Helenius.

TampaBayLightning.com released the names of Lightning picks/property on the camp roster (there are 11 others set to attend):

Mitch Fadden notches two assists to help Lethbridge move on to the Conference Finals and an injured Riku Helenius watches as the Thunderbirds end their season.

Results from Sarnia, Lethbridge, and Seattle.

WHL WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS

Game 3: (1) Tri-City Americans 3 @ (4) Seattle Thunderbirds 2
Tri-City leads Best of 7 series 2-1

G Riku Helenius, SEA:
Game: Loss, 42 saves on 45 shots
Playoffs: 9 GP, 4-4-1, 2.70 GAA, .911 sv%