Jani Nyman, a promising prospect, has a chance because of it….

Let’s talk about hard shots.

Tom Watson’s amazing chip-in at the 17th hole of the U.S. Open in 1982. That was a hard shot.

Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany, a 192 Proof (96% alcohol) Polish vodka, has been described as like getting punched in the stomach. That would be a hard shot.

The folk hero William Tell is said to have split an apple in two with an arrow from his crossbow. The apple at the time was resting on the head of his son, and the act of marksmanship saved both their lives. That was a really hard shot.

Then there’s Jani Nyman.

For those who don’t know – and don’t feel bad, that’s almost everybody – Nyman is a 2022 2nd round draft choice of the Seattle Kraken. The winger, who turned 20 last month, has impressed Kraken brass with his play in a Finnish pro league against older, more experienced competition.

Many Kraken prospects, when their seasons ended, joined AHL Coachella Valley this spring to get a taste of North American pro hockey. But Nyman (pronounced NEW-man) was one of the few to suit up during the Firebirds’ playoff run. Nyman scored two goals in five regular season Firebirds games, and one more in nine postseason contests.

Then-Coachella Valley coach Dan Bylsma got to see the native of Valkeakoski, Finland up close and personal. As you’ll hear in this Kraken Reaction, the new Kraken coach came away impressed with his shot.