He's the Finnish goalkeeper who is the backbone of the CBR Brave.
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Petri Pitkanen is proving to be one of the recruits of the Australian Ice Hockey League season, playing a key role in the Brave's inaugural campaign.
The Brave (2-2) will be looking to continue its strong start when it hosts the winless Perth Thunder in a double-header in front of a vocal crowd at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre on Saturday and Sunday.
Pitkanen has been a major reason behind the Brave's resurgence.
The 22-year-old has given the side a steady presence between the posts, making 109 saves from 120 shot attempts at a save average of 90.8 per cent - the fifth-best in the league.
''All the guys have been amazing and everyone has made me feel welcome,'' Pitkanen said.
"Australia isn't famous for [ice] hockey, but there's some really good hockey players here. We can definitely make the top four and when you go to the playoffs there's only one goal and that's the championship.''
Brave captain Mark Rummukainen said Pitkanen had adjusted well to his new surroundings and gave the side the confidence to play an attacking game.
"He's kept us in every game this season and he's made an impressive start,'' Rummukainen said.
"If you have someone you're not very confident in back there, you play very different and more reserved, whereas now it's very comforting. He seems a bit quiet at times, but then he'll do something where he's the class clown, so he's a good guy.''
The Brave is coming off an outstanding 4-2 upset of the Newcastle North Stars on the road last Sunday.
This weekend will be its second straight double-header, but its first at home this season.
A big plus is the vocal support of the sold-out crowds at the boutique venue.
"It's a pretty small building, but you put 1000 people in there and it feels like 50,000,'' Rummukainen said.
"Everyone's screaming and going crazy. It's one of those intangible things and gives an extra 10 or 15 per cent, so they play a huge part in helping us get over the line.''
AUSTRALIAN ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
Saturday: CBR Brave v Perth Thunder; 5.30pm. Sunday: CBR Brave v Perth Thunder, 5pm.