Mattias Ritola to Wings, Newbury to Griffins

by Casey Richey on Dec 21, 2009 5:46 PM CST in News

Continuing the "how many different names" contest the Wings are currently holding, Mattias Ritola got the call to join the Wings for the next game. This means Kris Newbury, who scored a goal in his first game up, will be sent back to Grand Rapids for now.

Ritola, a 6'0 192 lb center from Sweden has more of a scoring touch than Newbury does and could help pick up an offense that looked very flat against Chicago last time out. Ritola spent two games with the Wings in 2007-2008 and had an assist. This year with the Griffins, he has 7 goals and 7 assists and the previous year he had 15 goals and 27 assists.

Look for him to fill the same spot in the line-up that Newbury played, centering Brad May and Kirk Maltby. Ken Holland said this of the two players:

"Newbury plays with energy, a physical edge to him. Ritola not quite as much energy but is better at protecting the puck.’’

That's exactly what the Wings need too, better puck possession and passing.

Another note: Valterri Filppula is scheduled to return against Columbus on Saturday...me likey.

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All of the changes

I’m so glad to hear that Filppula is coming back soon! He’s been extremely missed. As for the change from Newbury to Ritola, I hope it works out. We need to find a combination that works. Games like the one against Chicago would never have happened if almost our whole starting line wasn’t hurt. Let the hawks fans say what they want, but that shut out would never had been possible.

I wish Ritola the best of luck in the upcoming game against Chicago, and Valterri in the game against Columbus.

by Kalyn88 on Dec 21, 2009 8:51 PM CST reply actions

Games like the one against Chicago would never have happened if almost our whole starting line wasn’t hurt. Let the hawks fans say what they want, but that shut out would never had been possible.

Browsing the Second City blog on SBN, it seems like some of the Blackhawks fans agree.

by bleep bloop on Dec 21, 2009 11:52 PM CST up reply actions

That was a little more aimed towards the Hawk fans that I know who text me every hour to remind me they beat us.

by Kalyn88 on Dec 22, 2009 8:06 AM CST up reply actions

Don't know much about this Ritola kid...

But I sure like his number ;)

by 42jeff on Dec 22, 2009 10:42 AM CST reply actions

Long Season

We all know that hockey is a long season and many things can happen for the good and bad for a team.. Let the Hawk fans and TV people laugh and giggle about their team and beating the Wings. The Hawks have a very good team now. As we all know come April the whole game is pushed up a few notches.

by maksohockey on Dec 22, 2009 10:44 AM CST reply actions