In the bustling hockey town of Brighton, Mass., the Burnsville Ice Center became a refuge for NHL goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo last winter. Despite the demands of his professional duties, Kaskisuo made the trek to Burnsville with SPHL player John Schiavo by his side, seeking to hone his skills and stay sharp for any potential call-up.
The memory of those cold December mornings at the rink still haunts Kaskisuo, as he recalls the uncertainty of his future during those early skates. “Going back and skating at that same rink this summer was giving me PTSD,” Kaskisuo shared with a chuckle. “Just from remembering those December mornings, going there and not really knowing what was going to happen.”
Despite offers from European clubs, Kasikisuo, who resides in Lakeville, Minn., with his family, remained committed to playing in North America. His dedication to the sport and desire for a shot at the NHL kept him motivated during those challenging times.
Now, on his second tryout in as many seasons, Kaskisuo finds himself in the spotlight once again, this time with the Boston Bruins. The opportunity arose just a week before camp, when the Bruins reached out to Kaskisuo’s agent, Jay Grossman, expressing their interest in bringing him on board.
While on a professional tryout (PTO) with the Bruins, Kaskisuo only receives a per diem of $137 from the NHL, with the team covering his accommodations and meals during camp. The uncertainty of his situation, with No. 1 goalie Jeremy Swayman still unsigned, adds an extra layer of pressure to Kaskisuo’s every move.
“I know there’s a lot of stuff going on,” Kaskisuo acknowledged. “There’s five other goalies too. Everybody’s in a different position. I can’t start focusing on them. I just need to do my own job. I understand that every day, any day could be my last day. I’m keeping that in mind and embracing the opportunity.”
In a candid YouTube video posted on Oct. 8, 2023, Kaskisuo opened up about his current situation as a free agent, expressing the challenges of waiting for the right opportunity to come along. The uncertainty of his future and the competitive nature of the NHL only add to the pressure Kaskisuo faces as he fights for a roster spot with the Bruins.
As the hockey world watches Kaskisuo navigate his way through the trials and tribulations of a professional tryout, the goalie remains steadfast in his determination to make the most of this opportunity. With his sights set on the NHL, Kaskisuo continues to prove that dedication and perseverance can lead to success in the unpredictable world of hockey.
