LD Aron Kiviharju - TPS, FIN JRS (2024 Draft)
On this - Awarded the TPS E-junior of the year for the second year in a row:
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=b1a30df03a053ad4964777537508689f&oe=5BBE56C4
At WSI u-12 and WSI u-13 this year, C of both teams, made both tournaments' all star teams, scoring history at WSI:
u-12 at u-10: 4+6=10 in 7 gp
u-12 at u-11: 2+10=12 in 7 gp
u-12 at u-12: 5+6=11 in 7 gp
u-13 at u-12: 2+7=9 in 9 gp
Holds the top 3 all-time point scoring records for a defenseman at WSI u-12s.
Plays 2 years above his age group in Finland - Playing in C2 AAA-juniors next season. Very few Finnish players have played 2 years above their age group at this age(and this level) - Jesse Puljujärvi is the closest one that comes to mind. Defensemen - none in forever.
On play style:
PP quarter back, puck-possession defenseman. Actually responsible defensively, often lowest D and seems to play it very safe - quite good awareness defensively. However, the actual defending itself requires quite a bit of work. Very good in the defensive zone with the puck. Confident with the puck in general and capable of making plays.
On attributes:
Where to begin? Skating is amazing and he can make a difference with it even against players 2 years older. Acceleration is especially fantastic. Hands are otherworldly. Shot is great. IQ very high. Vision excellent. Passing very good - accurate, hard. Captain material - leadership.
The next season will be extremely interesting to follow because 12-year-old players just don't play in C2 AAA upper level in Finland(where his team is), especially defensemen. And he doesn't just hang around but actually is a proper 1D for the team and carries A or C.