Miko Matikka

U20: Team Sweden vs Team Finland, April 16, 2022: In the 7-2 win over Team Sweden Matikka earned 11:08 in TOI, including 0:14 while on the power play. The late 2003 played a simple game and looked to be more focused on earning his coaching staff’s trust on the defensive side of the puck, but what stood out to us was his reliability on the forecheck. Matikka made quick reads on who was in what role on the forecheck and when he was an F2 or F3 he showed real ice awareness by understanding how to judge his width and depth. We also liked his willingness to stand at the top of the crease looking to create chaos and take away the goalie’s eyes. He is a big young man who’s heading to Denver University in the Fall and we feel that with a few years of college strength training under his belt he will be a right shot power forward turning pro weighing in around 215lbs.

U18 World Championships: Team Czechia vs Team Finland, May 2, 2021: Matikka is a bigger, skilled and physical forward who registered a goal on three shots in this contest. He did some of his best work on the forecheck, using long and powerful strides to close space quickly on defensemen. The forward was consistent in his physical play, not being overly aggressive, but always using his size to his advantage. He consistently won puck races, especially in the second half of the game where he began to create some dangerous turnovers below the Czech goal line. On his goal, Matikka displayed a quick release from a tight space. He caught a pass from a tough angle in the slot, quickly adjusted his body and snapped a shot off that beat the goalie low to the glove side. With the puck on his stick, he showed his ability to make plays up ice and on the rush, creating space with his feet and reach. Overall, Matikka was a consistent presence for Finland upfront and was most effective when he was driving his feet and winning puck races. Grade: A-