Player Spotlight: Aleksi Heponiemi

Aleksi Heponiemi is a Finnish-born centre who was selected 10th overall in the 2016 CHL import draft by the Swift Current Broncos. Heponiemi spent the majority of the 2015-16 season playing with the Ilves U18 squad in the Jr. B SM-sarja league where he scored 65 points (25g-40a) in 39 games. Aleksi also suited up for the Ilves U20 team in the Jr. A SM-liiga league and managed four points (2g-2a) in seven games. Additionally in the ’15-16 season he also played for U18 Finland team in the Hlinka Memorial hockey tournament and had five points (5a) in just four games.

Heponiemi’s best asset is his ability to make plays. Aleksi is a great stickhandler, has the ability the make nifty moves to stay away from defenders and uses his speed to protect the puck from the opposition. He is able to slow the play down or pick it up depending on the circumstances and is great at finding open teammates to capitalize on scoring chances. One of Heponiemi’s best qualities is his above-average hockey IQ. His vision and hockey sense is on another level and it really contributes to helping plays develop in both zones. Aleski is more of a perimeter player and needs to get stronger and go to the dirty areas on the ice as he continues to progress towards the draft. He is good at using a quick stick to win board battles but will need to be stronger on the puck.

Heponiemi’s defensive game is adequate but needs works in certain areas. His lack of size and strength seems to play a factor as he is not able to separate opposing players from the puck. Aleksi uses his strong hockey IQ to read and react to plays, which keeps him from being caught flat-footed a lot of the time. If he can start to develop some core strength it would go a long way in improving his defensive game.

Aleksi’s skating is very good and he has a nice stride. He has great speed and acceleration, which is beneficial given his size. He has the ability to change gears and fool defenders on the rush with his elusiveness. Combining good lateral movement and nice stickhandling, Heponiemi relies on his speed and hands in a lot of situations on the ice. Again, gaining weight could help improve his balance and make him able to play in the dirty areas on the ice.

Some minor improvements could be made to Aleksi’s game going forward. Aleksi has a tendency to try to make a lot of highlight-reel plays, which has its pros and cons. He has to be cautious as he tends to turn the puck over attempting to make the perfect play. He also has a below-average shot that I’m sure will improve as he continues to grow and progress a player. Keep your eyes on Heponiemi this year, as he’ll be one of the more exciting players to watch. There is a lot to like in his game and it’ll be interesting to see if he can continue to grow and develop.