Just like his former NHL91Ƶer father, Leevi Selänne possesses speed.
Still he will be headed back to California impressed with what he saw at Penticton Vees camp this week.
91ƵIt91Ƶs way faster than what we are used to,91Ƶ said Selänne, son of the Finnish Flash, Teemu Selänne, who won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks and retired following the 2013-14 NHL season. 91ƵThese players are older, and faster and make things quicker.91Ƶ
Selänne, 17, and his Anaheim junior Ducks team, coached by former Vee Tyler Miller, joined the Vees at camp.
91ƵIt91Ƶs a great experience for me and my team,91Ƶ he said. 91ƵComing out here and just getting the season started by playing with all of these great players and having a great time with them. Just seeing how they treat themselves and how they play.91Ƶ
Selänne had to adjust to the fast-paced practices. As the week went on, he felt he got better. On Wednesday, he had his teammates mixed with the Vees to take on the West Kelowna Warriors on the road in exhibition action. Selänne said the tempo was fast and that things improved after the first period. The Vees won 6-3 and were led by Cassidy Bowes91Ƶ hat-trick.
During camp Selänne wanted to get better and measure himself to the Vees. He wanted to learn what he needed to do to get to that level as he has a desire to make the jump to the B.C. Hockey League or U.S. Hockey League next season. He sees the junior A route, then college in the National Collegiate Athletic Association as a better fit for him.
The difference he saw in the hockey here compared to home is how talented the players are as well as their skating ability and 91Ƶbrute skill.91Ƶ
91ƵThey are feisty. They go to the net hard and they play a good game,91Ƶ said Selänne, who is listed at 5-10, 179 pounds on .
Selänne describes himself as a hard worker with speed and tries to use that every time he is on the ice, as well as possessing offensive skills. He wants to be an offensive player and continue improving that side of his game. His dad gives him tips, but said he has learned to improve on ice on his own.
91ƵHe91Ƶs been really big on me for off the ice. How to treat myself, how to prepare for games,91Ƶ said Selänne. 91ƵHow to work out and how to be strong.91Ƶ