Anttoni Honka

Born: 2000-10-05

Team: JYP

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Right

Height / Weight: 5-9 / 176

REPORT: GERMANY @ FINLAND U20, FEBRUARY 9, 2019

Honka had a pretty good game for the Finnish U20 national team against Germany. It wasn’t the best performance I’ve seen from him, but he was still able to have an impact. The mobile right-shot defenseman logged third most ice-time on Team Finland (18:49) and recorded five shots on goal, the most on the team. Honka played with good poise and composure at the offensive blueline and showed crafty stickhandling on one occasion. His puck skills are high end. Honka is elusive on his skates, possesses good foot speed and lateral movement. However, I thought his passing could have been more crisp and precise at times. His one-on-one defending is an area for improvement.

REPORT: JYP @ HIFK U20, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Honka recorded two power play assists in the third period as JYP U20 eventually edged HIFK 5-4 in overtime. The right-handed defenseman was used in critical situations throughout the game. He played with noticeable confidence and composure with the puck. He has great puck skills and can move the puck with precise, crisp passes in all three zones. Honka is also a highly agile defenseman with great lateral mobility and footwork.

He constantly liked to join the attack, as if a fourth forward at times. Thereby, certain times he must assess better the risks of leaving his defensive position. His defensive game is a work in progress, but offensively the 16-year-old blueliner already possesses game-breaking skills at this level.

This report was first published at FinnProspects.com