Born: 2003-04-01
Team: HIFK
Position: Center/Wing
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 170
SEASON NOTES: 2018-2019
Kärkkäinen was the on-ice leader for the HIFK U16 team throughout the season. The captain scored important goals and constantly seemed to elevate the level of his play when it mattered most. He played both center and wing during the season and did not look out of place at the U18’s either. He has good size and protects the puck extremely well, using his strength, nimble footwork and agility to maintain possession in the offensive zone. Accurate and hard wrist shot, gets pucks on net and possesses good scoring touch. Besides his offensive abilities, Kärkkäinen is competitive. Doesn’t take a shift off, is strong on the backcheck and often takes hard strides to get back to his own end. All in all, he has shown the potential to become an all-around forward with versatility. Has been part of the Finnish U16 national team as well.