Storm select Niko Minkkinen 35th overall in the CHL Import Draft
Guelph, ON – Storm General Manager George Burnett announced today that the Guelph Storm have selected Finnish defenceman Niko Minkkinen with the 35th overall in this year’s CHL Import Draft.
The 6’4, 195 lbs right-shot defenceman from Jyvaskyla, Finland played the 2021-22 season with the JYP U20 team where he recorded 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points in 27 games. Minkkinen played in 5 games for Team Finland at the recent 2022 IIHF U18 World Championships where his team captured the bronze medal.
“Niko has great size, moves well, makes intelligent on ice decisions, and moves the puck effectively under pressure,” said General Manager George Burnett. “He brings international experience to our club, most recently competing at the U18 World Championships where his team earned a bronze medal.”
The late 2004-born Minkkinen is eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft.
- Height: 6’4
- Weight:195 lbs
- Shoots: Right
- DOB: 2004-10-11
- Position: Defence
- Last Team: JYP Jyvaskyla U20
- Nationality: Finnish
Welcome to Storm City, Niko!
