Jumpin' ...

Over the years, as a pro hockey player, Ville has developed certain skills, which give him a unique style of play. Everybody remember mimics of famous hockey players, and now, there is a few other ones to add..

Among these, Ville has acquired a special technique, which consists of jumping in front of the opponent's goalie while a teammate is shooting. [don't think that's because someone shouted "There's a mouse on the ice!!"]. Associated to his patented grin and non-stop babble in "finnglish", this non-conventional technique captures the goalie's attention and let Ville be at the right place at the right time. Sometimes it leads to a "garbage goal", but at least it has a terrible impact on the opponent's mental.

Ville is also well-known for his "Jaws movie poster" smile.
In 1997, as he started to play in Hershey, a scout wrote: "His pattented 'smile' is known throughout Hershey. It adds an added touch when he is on the ice. He clenches his teeth (with gums wide open) as if he was ready to strike and generally he does."

Years went by, Ville joined the NHL, scored a couple of goals, got a Stanley Cup ring, and kept his open-mouthed habit. Of course, he is tired of being asked all the time about his mimic, and he has come up with a good answer: "I always ask, 'Why are you right-handed?'". "It's the same thing."

Some of his teammates also have some interesting theories about it. Andrew Ferrence, for instance, noted that "[Ville] even does it when he's doing up his laces", "I don't know, if he's in pain or what.".
Shean Donovan also said "Maybe he's got big lungs and he's got a little more capacity to suck in all that air.". "I think it's pretty good, though," he continues. "It's his trademark. He's obviously an agitator, so as an opponent when you see that big grin coming, sometimes it makes you a little bit mad."