Kelowna defenseman factory part one: this Finnish import acclimated to the smaller ice surface quickly and plays a style which dictates his gaining the offensive zone. A mobile defender whose polishing his passing and zone entries in hopes of progressing to the NHL as an eventual power play Quarterback. Has displayed fearless in the defensive end, willing to block shots, or step up in the opposition as they try and gain ice. Very aware of his positioning in his end or when he adjust into open ice going the other way. Always moving his feet and has a good short area burst to get to loose biscuit. His stickhandling allows him room in traffic. Displays an excellent stick to break up passes, and although his creativity is just emerging, he is very good at laying precision passes moving down deep in the attack zone. And his shot from the point is already coming at NHL velocity. A bit of a riverboat gambler. Still developing but may be second round consolation prize. Cool and collected and improving nicely.
—Bill Placzek—
