The journey continues as All-Star ‘Ratty’ thriving in his first year with the Spud Kings

IDAHO FALLS – Call him Ratty.

Johnny works too.

But as cool nicknames go, we’re going with Ratty.

Spud Kings forward Jonatan Raatikainen, AKA Ratty, says he doesn’t mind the nicknames since his surname might be difficult to pronounce.

None of that really matters to the 20-year old who’s enjoying his hockey journey that’s led him from Finland to Canada to Utah and eventually to Idaho Falls as a first-year player with the Spud Kings.

“I don’t remember a time I wasn’t playing hockey,” said Raatikainen, whose hometown is Kaaro, Finland. “I was put on skates as soon as I started walking. Pretty much everyone in Finland gets put into hockey at some point in their life.”

But by the time he was 16, the goal of playing hockey in North America began to take hold.

Raatikainen moved to Ontario for half a year and eventually found his way to British Columbia where he finished his last two years of high school and worked on his English language skills while playing hockey.

Next up was a roster spot last season on the Provo Predators, which were in the same league as the Spud Kings, but have since relocated to Casper, Wyoming as the Warbirds. Raatikainen joined Idaho Falls this season.

“It was tough, but something that I might not get this opportunity to ever do again,” Raatikainen said of leaving Finland as a teenager. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime. I’ve been really lucky … My family has always supported me through the years.”

Raatikainen, who will be 21 in the summer, has already gained enough confidence in his English language skills to breeze through an after-practice interview and is enjoying his hockey experience in North America.

Hockey is big in Finland and Canada, but it’s a different kind of ‘big’ in Idaho Falls, he noted.

“My high school in Canada was fun,” he said. “I really enjoyed my time there. This is close if not better. Playing hockey and enjoying the time and getting to come to the rink every morning and seeing my teammates and staff … It’s been super nice … The fans are super.”

The cultural adjustment has gone smoothly, as has his development on the ice as evidenced by his selection to the Mountain Division All-Star team.

“Jon is one of the most complete players in our league and he is an even better kid,” Spud Kings coach Anthony Bohn said in a text. “He’s dedicated to his craft every day and we’re proud to see him earn an all-star selection.”

Raatikainen said he was happy with the All-Star nod and looks forward to the team’s playoff push in the final stretch of the season.

His family is able to follow him by streaming games in Finland, even though it’s an early-morning broadcast. They are scheduled to visit in March and will get their first live experience of Idaho Falls and the Spud Kings.

For now, the focus is on hockey.

“I give everything and train and see where it takes me,” ‘Ratty’ said. “I’m trying to make the best out of it and enjoy the journey.”