Niemi: Back in familiar territory

CHICAGO - While the emotion of returning to the Windy City for Antti Niemi isn't quite as raw as it used to be, the veteran goaltender will always cherish his time as a Chicagoan.

It was there, of course, that the now 35-year-old Finn got his start in the NHL ranks and quickly made a name for himself by helping the Blackhawks hoist the Stanley Cup back in 2009-10.
"It's always great to get back to Chicago. It brings back some memories," said Niemi, who became the first Finnish goaltender to hoist hockey's top prize, working with current Canadiens goalie coach Stephane Waite. "When I'm at the United Center, it all comes back little by little, in pieces."
The Blackhawks didn't win the precious trophy on home turf, though. They closed out the Stanley Cup Final in Game 6 in Philadelphia that June. But, when they returned to Chicago with some brand new shiny hardware in tow, Niemi was floored by the response.
"Everything was just overwhelming. It was hard to believe that we actually got the Cup," recalled the 11-year NHL veteran of his remarkable 16-6 record, 2.63 goals-against average and .910 save percentage in 22 postseason outings. "It took a few days to realize that, to realize what we had done."

It was particularly tough for the Vantaa native to process his success because "it all happened so fast."
Niemi earned his rightful place in NHL history just a couple of years after inking a free- agent contract with the Original Six franchise and making the move across the pond to pursue his professional dreams.
"That was overwhelming, too, coming from Finland and being at an NHL training camp [in 2008]. Then, I remember playing in the AHL with Rockford before coming to Chicago," said Niemi. "The next year, I was getting ice time with the Blackhawks, playing a lot of games and winning games, and then we won the Cup."

But, the transition to North American life didn't faze him one bit, and he quickly embraced his surroundings when he was given the opportunity to call Chi-Town home.
"It's such a big city. Everything you can imagine, you can find there," praised Niemi, who resided in the Old Town neighborhood at Division and Wells. "And, people are so into their sports teams. They really follow them."
Second City links
Niemi still has ties to his former hockey home.
"There are a few friends that I look forward to meeting up with," said Niemi. "My agent has an office there. There are some people that work really hard for us."
If Niemi and his buddies do get together while the Canadiens are in town over the weekend, steakhouse and seafood restaurant Smith & Wollensky is a likely dinner destination.
He was a regular there at one point in time.
"We knew the chef," cracked Niemi.
Learning as he goes
A Stanley Cup title, new friends and food options aplenty aside, though, Niemi's stay in Chicago taught him an all-important lesson in life that he carries with him until this very day.
"Down deep, I just feel like I worked hard and was able to get some results in the end," concluded Niemi, who prides himself on his work ethic. "That was the biggest thing."