Flyers hire Antero Niittymaki as scout
Former Flyers goalie Antero Niittymaki, recently retired in Finland at 32, will look at European prospects.
THE FLYERS have a familiar face returning to scout the goaltending crop in Europe.
Former Flyers goaltender Antero Niittymaki, who recently retired after a season in the Finnish Elite League, was hired by the team on Wednesday to not only identify European goaltending prospects but skaters as well.
"You don't need to spend much time with Antero to get a feel for his knowledge of all aspects of the game, and what it takes to play at the highest level," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said.
Niittymaki, 32, played 234 NHL games - and parts of seven seasons with the Flyers organization - before chronic hip injuries cut short his career.
Penn State officials confirmed to WJAC-TV that they're considering hosting an outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium sometime soon, whether it's an NCAA clash or an NHL marquee event.
Though there have been conversations in the past about hosting an NHL outdoor game between the Flyers and Penguins in State College, the event is unlikely to be on the NHL schedule for next year. The league already is hosting four outdoor games next season, including Penguins-Blackhawks at Chicago's Soldier Field.
Notre Dame, Michigan or Boston College could play the Nittany Lions at the 107,000-seat stadium - which is usually winterized to protect against the elements after the football season ends.
Penn State, the Flyers and the Penguins originally tried to organize a Winter Classic event in Happy Valley before the Flyers lured the 2012 event to Citizens Bank Park.
"I'd be all for that," Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien said Friday. "I feel very strongly about our basketball programs and our hockey programs. I think to play a hockey game in Beaver Stadium in January or in late December would be great for this area."
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