Noronen upset over 'Nucks role

[Bay Side]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20060706_163819_5464

There is at least one person in Vancouver not pleased with the arrival of all-star goaltender Roberto Luongo -- back up Mika Noronen.

According to CKNW in Vancouver, Noronen wants to be a starter in the NHL, something which will not happen as long as Luongo is around.

"Even if he doesn't play that well, he is going to play anyways. It is a (expletive) thing for me right now as I have no choice, I want to play in the NHL and not in Europe ... that's why I am hoping to sign a one-year deal and we'll see what happens after that," Noronen told the radio station during a Thursday interview.

The Finnish goaltender was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline. IN eight games played, he posted a 2-3 record with a 3.89 GAA.

"It's going to be tough. I have been a back up goalie for the past few years and I have been waiting and waiting, and now this year coming up it is going to be hard to take that spot. So I am going to come to camp, hopefully have a good camp and well when I can."

Due to Noronen's inexperience in game played, he qualifies for a two-way deal, something that does not sit well with the goaltender.

"I want a one-way deal, right now they qualified me two way because I didn't have enough games ... I am not going to sign a two-way deal."

Noronen was third on the Canucks' pecking order before the team traded Dan Cloutier to Los Angeles for a picks package.

[smashingt2312]

I dont think anyone would want mika as a starter.

[Sabres244]

He's a whiner, but if he actually gets a chance to start once he gets in a rythem is pretty damn good

[CupCrazy]

Jesus, does this guy ever stop whining?

[smashingt2312]

"Well Mika i think you need to shut you big YAPPER!!!"
http://www.paulduncan.org/files/matt_foley.jpg

[Norwoodsrevenge]

2-3 record with a 3.89 GAA

Sorry Mika, you don't have a leg to stand on.

[Thumper]

Of course he wants to start.

Anyone who is in a pro sport and doesn't want to be a starter or a first stringer or whatever, probably shouldn't be involved with pro sports. Or even sports in general.

Roloson knew what it was like playing behind Dominik Hasek. To this day he still has bad memories of playing in Buffalo because he never ever played.

Mika's never gotten a fair shot. He sat and rotted behind the average Biron and got past over for a better goaltender in Miller. Now he's playing behind a guy who will probably start for over 70 games if healthy. I don't think he's whining. I think he's being honest.

[Iggy72]

Of course he wants to start.

Anyone who is in a pro sport and doesn't want to be a starter or a first stringer or whatever, probably shouldn't be involved with pro sports. Or even sports in general.

Roloson knew what it was like playing behind Dominik Hasek. To this day he still has bad memories of playing in Buffalo because he never ever played.

Mika's never gotten a fair shot. He sat and rotted behind the average Biron and got past over for a better goaltender in Miller. Now he's playing behind a guy who will probably start for over 70 games if healthy. I don't think he's whining. I think he's being honest.

Agreed. Give him a break, folks. He went from competing for a spot with Alex Auld to permanent back up status behind Luongo. He was goalie of the year in the AHL, and it got him nothing. I'd be upset also.

Pax.
Iggy72

[CupCrazy]

I feel for the guy...but every time you turn around he's complaining to the papers about how upset he is. He's not a team player...he should be thrilled that Vancouver just picked up the best goalie in the league, but nooo...he's gotta go cry to the papers.

BTW, the Sabres gave him a few opportunities to head down to Rochester and get some games under belt, as a starter...this would've given him a chance to sharpen his skills and maybe show a few teams what he's capable of. He declined and opted to sit in the stands and rust...then when the Sabres did give him a chance, he got lit up by SJ...4 goals in 10 minutes. That was the last time he played for the Sabres.

You make your breaks...and sometimes you gotta grin & bear it and wait for your opportunity. Odds are that Luongo would get banged up at some point and that's when Mika would have his chance to shine. Now, once again, he's proven himself to be a whiny bitch that shoots his mouth off to the papers any chance he gets.

I used to like him, but I'm glad he's out of Buffalo.

[sukie]

So by your post...Where is the "feeling for the guy" part?

[Sabres244]

So by your post...Where is the "feeling for the guy" part?
He's got a good point, you dont seem to have much "feeling for the guy"

[CupCrazy]

So by your post...Where is the "feeling for the guy" part?
If I were in his situation, I would be frustrated as well. He rarely gets an opportunity to prove himself and the few times he has gotten a chance in net, he hasn't done very well. It would frustrate any person...but that doesn't give him a free ticket to go whine to the papers about it.

So, duh...how difficult was that to figure out on your own? :)

[Hockeystud1414]

Jesus, does this guy ever stop whining?
No. What did he do the entire time he was here?

[ArlieKoz13]

I feel for the guy...but every time you turn around he's complaining to the papers about how upset he is. He's not a team player...he should be thrilled that Vancouver just picked up the best goalie in the league, but nooo...he's gotta go cry to the papers.

If I was a mediocre goalie, and the team I played for picked up Roberto Luongo, I'm sorry, but I would not be thrilled. That means they don't have the confidence in me as a goaltender, and think I'm only suited for a backup role.

I don't blame him one bit for being upset, but then again, he's never proven himself....but then again he's never really gotten the chance.

[SabresFan220]

I do feel bad for Mika, I thought when we moved him to Vancouver I'd be seeing him on Hockey Night In Canada as a starter a few times next season. Then they snagged Luongo and there that goes. You knew Cloutier was gone, and they shipped him to LA because Mika was the cheaper contract. Mika will only get around 15 games next season as a backup because Luongo is a horse in there, he's like Fuhr used to be. Even if the Canucks brought in another goalie and let Mika walk he wouldn't get a starting job anywhere, but he has the capability of playing like a #1. Even if after dealing Biron we brought him back somehow to backup Miller, he'd get in 25 games and that might be it. This is a crossroads in his NHL career, he's either going to accept that he'll be a high end backup at best, or he'll get a chance to be a #1 somewhere and run with it. If niether of those things happen he'll be off to the Russian Super League or to play in Finland, and good luck to him from there.

[Iggy72]

On the bright side, Mika has scored a goal, something Luongo hasn't been able to do yet.

Pax.
Iggy72

[bduff54]

this guy is a joke, he is lucky he is even in the NHL at all.

[two4trippn]

If he plays better, he'll get a team, it's that simple. Earn it or go play in Europe.

[Woody]

Mika is a whiney sack of shit. If I was a GM I'd try to get someone to play in front of him too. Woooooo!!!! :niterider

[CupCrazy]

If I was a mediocre goalie, and the team I played for picked up Roberto Luongo, I'm sorry, but I would not be thrilled. That means they don't have the confidence in me as a goaltender, and think I'm only suited for a backup role.
A backup who's getting paid...what, $700k/year to sit at ice level and watch hockey...and occasionally act as a target during practice. He may even get his name on the Stanley Cup some day.

On second thought, I don't feel bad for him at all. He had multiple opportunities to prove himself worthy of something more than a backup role, and he failed almost every time. The only game I can think of where he actually played well, was the mid-season Ranger game that ended in a shootout...and he injured himself in that game.

He should keep his mouth shut and count his blessings.

[Thumper]

A backup who's getting paid...what, $700k/year to sit at ice level and watch hockey...and occasionally act as a target during practice. He may even get his name on the Stanley Cup some day.

On second thought, I don't feel bad for him at all. He had multiple opportunities to prove himself worthy of something more than a backup role, and he failed almost every time. The only game I can think of where he actually played well, was the mid-season Ranger game that ended in a shootout...and he injured himself in that game.

He should keep his mouth shut and count his blessings.

How about in Edmonton when he stopped 40 shots in a 1-1 tie? I believe it was 1-1....You don't remember him playing well out west? I'm sure he had a helluva game against the Flames as well. He's capable if he ever got the keys just handed to him like Biron did.