"The Finnish stopper had a sluggish performance at the 1999 WJC, one year after guiding his nation to a gold medal. "He's the sole reason why Finland won in 1998 and he has a proven track record in other top tournaments, so I'm not going to let one bad performance change my opinion of him," one scout said. "He'll be a No. 1 goalie in the NHL."" (Jim Kelley, The Hockey News Future Watch 1999)
"Formerly, Noronen - still a top prospect - was rated ahead of Biron, but a so-so season in 1998-99 dropped his value. Things should be interesting when he brings his game over to North American ice. Enjoyed a brilliant season in 1997-98 - was great at the WJC for Finland." (The Sports Forecaster 1999-2000, p. 79)
"Noronen has become the glue that has enabled the Amerks to grab first place in the Empire Division and keep it. He should eclipse the 30-win mark this season, something that hasn't been done in the AHL since 1994-95. The 20-year-old Finn has made a surprisingly easy transition to the North American pro game and played every minute in Rochester's recent 14 game unbeaten streak (12-0-2). "His progress has been outstanding and I can't say enough about what he's done in the streak," said Amerks' coach Brian McCutcheon." (Jim Kelley, The Hockey News Future Watch 2000)
"This netminder has been a pleasant surprise for the Sabres. With Dominik Hasek returning and Martin Biron waiting in the wings, the Sabres can be patient with the AHL Rookie of the Year. Noronen thrives on a big workload, which is why another year in Rochester will benefit him. He was a huge part of the Amerks run to the Calder Cup final as he pucked up right where Biron left off. His play could easily force a deal sooner or later." (The Sports Forecaster 2000-01, p. 68)
"The Sabres could have one of the better goaltending combinations in years to come if they decide to keep Noronen and current backup Martin Biron. Noronen, 21, named the top minor prospect by The Hockey News last season, had six shutouts in the American League playoffs a year ago. He started the season in Buffalo and earned two victories before Biron re-signed with the Sabres. Noronen had a rough start in Rochester, but has since settled down. He takes up plenty of space in the net and has great instincts. He's usually a step or two ahead of the play." (Bucky Gleason, The Hockey News Future Watch 2001)
"The Finnish netminder is perhaps the best goaltending prospect currently outside the NHL. He has dominated the AHL for two seasons in a row and is ready for the big league. Noronen was voted to the AHL's second all-star team in 2000-01 and also led the Rochester Americans to the best team goals-against average. He's a big goaltender with excellent flexibility and a propensity for making huge stops at the right time. Noronen finally has a golden opportunity. He is a lock to at least back up Martin Biron but will push the latter for playing time all season long." (The Sports Forecaster 2001-02, p. 70)
"Noronen has struggled this season after spending two years as the American League's most dominant goaltender. He also had a few problems after being called up twice this season by the Sabres. The Sabres like his size (6-foot-1, 210 pounds), his stand-up style and his anticipation, but given what he has done in the past, this season has been a bit of a setback." (Bucky Gleason, The Hockey News Future Watch 2002)
"With Martin Biron now established as the No. 1 man in Buffalo, Noronen is resigned to a role as a full-time backup - since he has nothing left to prove down on the farm. At 23, Noronen is among the best goaltending prospects in the game. He can dominate a game with his athleticism. The Finnish goalie has supreme confidence in his abilities, which makes him a sure-fire starter down the road. Noronen will continue his apprenticeship as the Sabres' backup in 2002-03 while providing Biron with friendly competition. However, both youngsters will soon be pushed by a third hotshot netminder in the system - Ryan Miller." (The Sports Forecaster 2002-03, p. 68)
"He has been in the AHL trying to regain his confidence following a terrible start with the Sabres. Noronen had a chance to claim the top job because Biron left the door open with his poor play. Instead, Noronen opened the door for Miller and was demoted. Noronen was 0-6-1 with a 3.54 goals-against average and .865 save percentage before getting sent down. He showed problems maintaining his focus while being used sparingly with Buffalo." (Bucky Gleason, The Hockey News Future Watch 2003, p. 22)
"Mika Noronen spent most of last season in [Buffalo coach Lindy] Ruff's doghouse, but responded well when given a chance late in the season and had the best goals-against average of the three. Noronen might be the obvious candidate for a trade, but such a move could backfire if the other two don't live up to their potential." (Sporting News Hockey 2003-04, p. 33)
"If Martin Biron has pressure to maintain his spot in Buffalo, the 26-year-old Finn is under even more under the microscope. Noronen played well at home for HPK Hameenlinna during the lockout, but is running out of time to prove he is Buffalo's best bet to become the starter. He needs a big training camp." (The Sports Forecaster 2005-06, p. 103)
REGULAR SEASON
Year Team GP Min W L T OL GA GAA Shots Sv% ShO G A PiM S/60 PERS 3STARS
95-96 Tappara Tampere Jr. FINLAND 16 962 37 2.31 2
96-97 Tappara Tampere FINLAND 5 215 17 4.74 0
97-98 Tappara Tampere FINLAND 47 1703 14 12 3 83 2.92 1
98-99 Tappara Tampere FINLAND 43 2494 18 20 5 135 3.25 1257 .893 2 0 0 4 30.24 943.00
99-00 Rochester Americans AHL 54 3089 33 13 4 112 2.18 1408 .920 6 0 3 8 27.35 966.04
00-01 Buffalo Sabres 2 108 2 0 0 5 2.78 39 .872 0 0 0 0 21.67 907.91 0-1-0 (3)
Rochester Americans AHL 47 2753 26 15 5 100 2.18 1143 .913 4 0 2 28
01-02 Rochester Americans AHL 45 2764 16 17 12 115 2.50 1217 .906 3 0 1 8
Buffalo Sabres NHL 10 518 4 3 1 23 2.66 217 .894 0 0 0 2 25.14 935.90
02-03 Buffalo Sabres NHL 16 891 4 9 3 36 2.42 411 .912 1 0 0 0
Rochester Americans AHL 19 1169 5 9 5 55 2.82 568 .903 2 0 0 6
03-04 Buffalo Sabres NHL 35 1796 11 17 2 77 2.57 821 .906 2 1 0 0
04-05 HPK Hameenlinna FINLAND 27 1614 14 8 4 54 2.01 740 .927 0 0 1 29
05-06 Buffalo Sabres NHL 4 169 1 2 0 12 4.26 77 .844 0 0 0 2
Rochester Americans AHL 2 121 0 2 0 6 2.98 59 .898 0 0 0 0
Vancouver Canucks NHL 4 170 1 1 0 10 3.53 77 .870 0 0 0 0
FIVE (5) NHL SEASONS 71 3652 23 32 6 0 163 2.68 1642 0.901 3 1 0 4
POST-SEASON
Year Team GP Min W L GA GAA Shots Sv% ShO G A PiM S/60 PERS
97-98 Tappara Tampere FINLAND 4 196 1 2 12 3.67 0
99-00 Rochester Americans AHL 21 1235 13 8 37 1.80 577 .936 6 0 0 6
00-01 Rochester Americans AHL 4 250 1 3 11 2.64 96 .885 0 0 0 0
01-02 Rochester Americans AHL 1 59 0 1 3 3.05 23 .870 0 0 0 0
04-05 HPK Hameenlinna FINLAND 9 482 4 4 21 2.61 256 .918 1