For a player who hoped for a ten-goal season, Antti Pihlstrom has done alright for himself. The 23-year-old left wing signed with Nashville as a free agent last June and entered his first professional season in North America intending to concentrate on adjusting to the United States on and off the ice. In the process, Pihlstrom became a leader within the ranks of the Admirals notching 27 goals and 18 assists with a +7 rating.

In the 78 games Pihlstrom played in for Milwaukee, he has developed into a player the coaching staff has come to rely on in tight situations.

“He brings us energy every night,” said Admirals head coach Lane Lambert. “He’s a tremendous skater with presence and speed. His speed alone creates offensive opportunities.”

Pihlstrom’s offensive style has become a staple of his game, building on speed and creativity with the puck. While many European players have struggled adjusting to the “dump and check” style of play in the U.S., Pihlstrom has been able to integrate the finesse he developed in Finland with the aggression and speed necessary for success in the AHL.

“This style of play isn’t easy. Sometimes we play three games a week and at the start of the season it was pretty hard,” he said of adapting. “Everything comes so fast here with the smaller rink. I wasn’t used to that. But now that I’m more comfortable with the game, I can go hard every time.”

Although his adjustment to playing in the U.S. took some time, Pihlstrom’s game hasn’t faltered. In four separate games this season he netted two goals, including December 18th against Grand Rapids when he did twice in just 14 second, and in five other occasions, he notched at least one goal and an assist. Off the ice, Pihlstrom has taken the adjustment in stride, joking that the hardest part was finding an apartment and good food. He is thankful however, for teammate, and fellow Finn Pekka Rinne, who showed him the ropes in Milwaukee.

Pihlstrom began playing at the age of five in his hometown of Vantaa. Located in southern Finland, he grew up in a region responsible for some pretty heady competition: Niklas Backstrom, Mikko and Saku Koivu to name just a few. Most notable, however, is the fact that Pihlstrom shares his heritage with NHL phenom Teemu Selanne who hails from just down the road in Helsinki. Noting his ability on the ice, Pihlstrom marks Selanne as the player who most influenced him to pursue professional hockey.

“He’s a good scorer and a fast skater. Selanne was the player. He was the big guy,” said Pihlstrom.

Pihlstrom began his pursuit of a career in hockey by playing in Finland’s SM-liiga, generally regarded as one of the best leagues in Europe. In four seasons, Pihlstrom skated in 212 games while posting 58 goals and 40 assists. In his 2006-2007 campaign with HPK Hameelinna, he was ranked third in goals and fifth overall in points, and during their playoff run he notched eight points, good for third on the team.

It that Pihlstrom’s dedication and perseverance has already begun to pay off. On December 14, Pihlstrom received the call that some players wait a lifetime for. The next night, he suited up in a Predators’ sweater in for his NHL debut in a 3-1 Nashville loss to Colorado. Despite the loss, Pihlstrom still managed to get a hit and a shot on goal while he was on the ice.

Even though he found himself back in Milwaukee shortly after, it’s safe to say that the taste of hockey at its highest level has him hungry for more, but like every player looking to move up to the big show, Pihlstrom recognizes there are aspects of his game he needs to improve to achieve his goal. One thing’s for sure, his attitude and determination will only help him to excel.

“It’s always been my goal to play here. I work hard every shift and I try to be a team player and just do good things. “