I was able to catch a lot of junior C hockey during this past season. There were quite a lot of players who impressed me, but here are just some of those players.
Arttu Kulmala (G, Tappara): Played actually two years up with Tappara and did play a lot. Very good understanding of the game and stick handling for a young goalie.
Elias Ulander (D. HIFK): One of the best skating defenseman in the league. Logged big minutes and was quite reliable all season long. Good puck skills, vision and offensive smarts.
Panu Linna (F, JYP): Was JYP's best player when I saw them playing. Very strong skater and made good plays in 1 on 1 situations. Seemed to have a good shot, too.
Niko Lönnroos (F, HIFK): Probably HIFK's best forward in the qualification, but I didn't see so good playing in the playoffs. Speedy skater who is a power play spesialist. In fact, he is a 2016 draftee
Veeti Vainio (D, Blues): Outstanding skater who will rush the puck up ice. For example in one game he scored two nice goals and showed good hands and an ability to distribute the puck. One of the most promising players in the Blues' system.
Eemil Laine (F, Jää-Ahmat): Jää-Ahmat is definitely not the biggest club, but Laine has been a great scorer both in the junior C and C2. Quick hands and has good skating abilities.
Other players who played well:
Waltteri Rannisto (F, HIFK): Strong, difficult to knock off the puck; would like to see more consistency.
Waltteri Ruuskanen (D, KalPa): Great size and good puck moving abilities.
Maximiliam Glässl (D, Blues): Excellent size and can move the puck, also a smart player.
Juho Rautanen (D, HIFK): Consistent, consistent. But also showed some good hands and power play abilities.
Jesper Mattila (D, Ilves): Has terrific puck moving abilities and good skating. Very good offensive defenseman. In fact, he is a 2016 draftee
Erik Embrich (F, HIFK): Two-way center who is a decent skater. Has a hard wrist shot and is able to create offense.
