Born: 1999-01-09
Team: Kärpät (Liiga)
Position: Center / Right Wing
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 154
REPORT: KÄRPÄT @ HIFK (LIIGA), FEBRUARY 8, 2019
In a game where either team couldn’t really get their offense going, Heponiemi stood out somewhat. The Florida Panthers second rounder scored the 2-0 goal. Kärpät cleared the zone off the boards and the winger picked up the puck. He entered the offensive zone and patiently looked for passing options. Because both HIFK defensemen backed up, he suddenly had a lot of room and decided to shoot, beating the goalie with a precise wrist shot. He displayed very good stick skills and awareness, both with and without the puck. He’s a high-end playmaker who can distribute the puck with subtle and clever passes. An agile skater who can stop and start quickly, yet I wouldn’t call him fast at the Liiga level. Still not very physical and lacks situational toughness. However, Heponiemi has an intriguing blend of skill and smarts which makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the league.