Photo: Jukurit.fi
Born: 2000-10-08
Team: Jukurit U20
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 5-9 / 168
REPORT: JUKURIT @ JOKERIT U20, DECEMBER 7, 2018
Linjala centered Jukurit U20 second line in a 3-2 shootout win over Jokerit. A late 2000 born center who turned 18 two months ago, his skating ability already stood out quite significantly. He’s a highly fluid and quick skater who displayed quick acceleration bursts. Linjala was smart with the puck and made plays in the offensive zone; certain times his passing could have been slightly more precise. Defensive zone coverage was pretty solid most of the time – made a nice stick check on one occasion in the second period and started the attack the other way. However, especially in the first period he was caught chasing the play as he was too high in the offensive zone. His positional play could use some improvement. On a more positive note, he won 10 of his 17 face-offs. Linjala’s development is worth monitoring.