Born: 2000-09-28
Tam: IPK (Mestis)
Position: Goalie
Catches: Left
Height / Weight: 6-8 / 203
REPORT: IPK @ ROKI (FIN 2), SEPTEMBER 26, 2020
Tikkanen made 29 saves in his first game in Finland’s second-highest league. IPK took a convincing 6-1 win, but RoKi did have some momentum in the second period, and that was when the 20-year-old netminder made some timely saves to maintain the lead for his team. The only goal that he allowed came late in the first period when he couldn’t move quickly and effectively enough across the crease to stop the shot on the rebound. He had a good grasp of how to use big frame to take away the net. He tracked pucks well through traffic and screens. His movements were not particularly fluid at all times, but I thought his mobility had improved from 2019-20. Furthermore, he read shooters well. Tikkanen remains a bit raw, but he has a pretty high ceiling. A good pick in the seventh round by the New York Islanders given his long-term potential.
REPORT: SAIPA @ HIFK U20, NOVEMBER 5, 2017
Tikkanen made 16 saves and allowed one goal, recording his second win for HIFK U20. Though he didn’t face plenty of shots, he did stop a penalty shot in the overtime. In addition, he made a solid desperation save in the second period, keeping the game tied at 1-1. There were things to like about the 6’6 puck stopper. He used his stick well to poke check pass attempts. He was able to hold his ground with players crashing to the net. His quickness and net coverage were pretty good. He read the developing play accordingly and showed patience in the crease. He could work on his puck handling skills and agility outside the crease.
Tikkanen is an interesting goalie prospect with upside, even though he’s a bit raw and should benefit from another season of development before being draft eligible in 2019.