Ryan Sikes 
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LA Kings prospects Kasper Simontaival and Kim Nousiainen scored in KalPa’s 3-1 preseason win on Thursday.
It might only be preseason, but both LA Kings prospects Kasper Simontaival and Kim Nousiainen look primed for a big season.
Trailing 1-0 on Thursday, Simontaival got KalPa on the board with this beautiful tap-in right in front of the goalie. Watch how he puts himself in a perfect spot to receive the puck.
Esityöt Järvisen sekä Klemetin toimesta ja Simontaival puttaa sisään. 🤝
Tätä on ollut ikävä! 🤩#KalPa #Liiga #Kuopio pic.twitter.com/uCGYRIm6v5
— KalPa (@KalPa_Hockey) August 19, 2021
KalPa continued the scoring with Nousiainen showing some nice moves to create a little more time and space for himself before firing one home. Of note, Simontaival had the primary assist on this goal.
Se oli 𝐦𝐚𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐮𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐧 laukaus Nousiaisen lavasta. 😎#KalPa #Liiga #Kuopio pic.twitter.com/gTihgnm4AR
— KalPa (@KalPa_Hockey) August 19, 2021
Simontaival will be entering his first year with KalPa after developing in Tappara’s system since the 2015-16 season. Last year, the Kings 2020 third-round pick accumulated three goals and four assists in 30 games. He elevated his game at the 2021 World Juniors, scoring seven points in seven games for Team Finland.
Nousiainen returns to KalPa – wearing a letter to boot – after scoring nine goals with 18 assists in 54 games last year.