Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.jokerit.com
- Name: Niko Hovinen
- Position: G
- Catches: Left
- Height: 6-7
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Birthdate: 1988-03-16
- Eligible for Draft: 2006
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Helsinki, Finland
- Acquired: 5th round (132nd overall), 2006
- Playing In: Europe
Niko Hovinen
Prospect Grade: 6.0 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Hovinen has developed in the Jokerit system in Helsinki. He established himself as an important junior national team player in 2004 and split international starter duties for two years, until ailments and fatigue led to a disappointing spring season, which caused him to be left out of the U18 World Championships in 2006. At draft time he was the starter of the Jokerit Jr A squad.
2007-08: The year was especially tough. Although his numbers at the A junior level were somewhat respectable, his SM-Liiga debut did not go well. If he is to get his career back on track, he will have to do that with the Pelicans where he will play in 2008-09.
2008-09: Starter for the Pelicans in FNL.
Talent Analysis
Standing at over 6'7, Hovinen is a towering presence even in butterfly stance. He is the biggest Finnish goalie of his generation but still its typical member as far as movement goes. Despite his immature but big body he has what it takes to dominate shooters with a butterfly style. He is calm but timid in his style of play: He doesn't lunge toward the puck forcefully enough and surprisingly gets pushed around. His ability to read the game is still undeveloped, which also hinders his puckhandling. Hovinen has fantastic game-breaking ability and possesses tools for development with few boundaries for his potential.
Future
Future Analysis Coming Soon...
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: August, 14th 2009
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