Local goalies are getting some help from across the pond at the PCU Centre this week.

Finnish second division goaltender Juha Teräsvasara is providing instruction at the Gold In The Net camp, which began Monday and wraps up Friday.

Teräsvasara has been involved in the Gold In The Net program for several years back in Finland, and jumped at the opportunity to move from pupil to teacher.

"I was a student for several years," said Teräsvasara. "I asked if they needed help.

"I always like giving back."

This is Teräsvasara's second summer in Canada, having taught in the British Columbia loop in 2011. He said the content of the camps is universal, but the attendees are sometimes younger here.

"In Finland, the students are usually a little bit older," said Teräsvasara, adding it's beneficial for the students here to be challenged at the age they are.

Teräsvasara said he tries to work in some wisdom he learned at a young age into every session.

"Always give 100 percent, but have fun, too," said Teräsvasara.

Camp owner/instructor Daniel Wenham said the camp's first foray into Portage has been a success, as kids from Portage, Neepawa and Morden have come to play. Wenham added there are already those inquiring about next year's program, slated from July 15-19.

"There's been a lot of outside interest," said Wenham, a member of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. "A lot of people have been coming and checking it out, looking to sign up their kids for next year."

For more, please see Friday's edition of the Portage Daily Graphic.

dan.falloon@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: PDGdfalloon