Orvelo
Registered User
- Jul 3, 2015
- 132
- 0
This guy is the best 16 year old defenceman in the FEL i've seen. So poised.
Watched the Blues vs the Weasels last night and noticed this kid. I had no idea who he was, but he seemed to be a smart blue liner. He made a couple weak plays in the 3rd last night, but also had a few good rushes with the puck. Every other Espoo dman made far worse mistakes in that game, and he ended up looking like their most competent dman. Then I looked him up and found out he's 16. That's ridiculous.
Think about two years ago he was touted by Lehterä (if I remember correctly) to be the most talented defender coming up from the country ever. Obviously somewhat biased comments but what he's doing in the Liga right now is astounding considering the age and the kid seems to be living up to the expectations right now. I'd really love to hear a detailed scouting report on him.
Hopefully he makes the WJC team over Niku/Keskitalo. After a rough start in Liiga he has been extremely solid in the last few games.
http://www.iltalehti.fi/smliiga/2016031421267161_sm.shtml
Not confirmed yet but seems like Vaakanainen terminated his contract with Blues.
I know he said that he would like to stay in Finland but at this point going to North America for his draft year might be the best option.
What are the odds of him playing at the U18's this spring?
If he is healthy, for sure. He's been out for over a month already though.
His name in English is Valor Horizontalwoman according to Google translate.
Hopefully Tom Nybondas ( HIFK's sports manager) sings this kid to HIFK next couple seasons before he goes to NHL.
Vaakanainen is a lot better and considerably more talented than some non physical poodle Eemeli Heikkinen ( probably one of the lousiest dman's ever in HIFK)