October 1st 2024.
Jere Innala had been dreaming of this moment for as long as he could remember. Despite not being drafted, his passion for playing in the NHL never wavered. He worked hard and became one of the top players in the Finnish league, but he still had to wait for his shot at the big leagues.
After a successful season with Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League, where he dominated in the playoffs, the Colorado Avalanche finally offered him a chance. Innala was ecstatic to finally have the opportunity to play in the NHL, saying, "I've always dreamed of playing in the NHL. I had some success in Europe, but when I received the offer from the Avalanche, I didn't have to think twice. I knew I wanted to come here and I feel comfortable with this team."
At 26 years old and standing at 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, Innala may not be the biggest player, but his skills on the ice couldn't be ignored. He had 16 goals and 28 points in 42 games for Frolunda and continued to impress with 11 goals in just 14 playoff games. Despite still finding his way in training camp, Innala knows that tonight's game is a huge opportunity for him. He will be playing on the top power play unit with star players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen, and will also likely see time on the ice during 5-on-5 play.
Coach Jared Bednar recognizes the importance of this game for Innala, saying, "He's an offensive guy and we'll see what he can do in that spot. With some key players missing, we're looking for others to step up and fill those roles in the lineup. These exhibition games are a great chance for us to see who can rise to the challenge and if not, we'll have to make some adjustments."
With players like Artturi Lehkonen, Gabe Landeskog, and Valeri Nichushkin out, the Avalanche are looking for two new players to fill in on the top two lines. Bednar hopes to keep MacKinnon, Rantanen, and Jonathan Drouin together on the top line, which means finding the right wings for Casey Mittelstadt. Innala is in the mix, but he will need to have a strong performance in the remaining preseason games to secure a spot on the opening night roster.
Innala is grateful for the opportunity and is ready to give it his all, saying, "Every day is a challenge and an opportunity for me. I want to be present and give my best effort every day. I have amazing teammates who push me to be better and I want to bring my energy, speed, and good skating to the ice. I know I need to play well on both ends of the ice and make plays and create scoring chances. I just want to bring my A-game."
If Innala doesn't make the opening night roster, he will likely play a key role for the Colorado Eagles in the AHL. But his ultimate goal is to play in the NHL, and he is willing to be patient and work hard to achieve it. "I feel more comfortable every day and I'm just trying to get better each day. I've played two games and it's been okay, but now it's time to take that next step," he said.
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