Born: 2003-06-25
Team: Kärpät U18
Position: Center/Wing
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 5-8 / 141
REPORT: KÄRPÄT @ JOKERIT U18, AUGUST 1, 2019
Yliniemi played on the wing as Kärpät U16 edged Jokerit 6-2 in a preseason win. He was consistently one of the most dangerous players on the ice, displaying poise, skill and vision. He was able to escape from pressure and shake off defenders by making shifty and evasive moves. Yliniemi has a lot of puck skill, he can stickhandle very well under pressure and his shot is good as well – fired some high-velocity wristers. He even showed some creativity at times and he played well in the defensive zone, reading the game well and making smart decisions with the puck.
REPORT: KÄRPÄT @ JOKERIT U16, APRIL 6, 2019
Yliniemi centered the first line and was one of the most noticeable Kärpät U16 players in a 4-1 loss to Jokerit. An excellent stickhandler with quick hands, he showed flashes of high-level skill and vision. The smallish 5’8 center passed the puck well, both on his forehand and backhand, and created for others in the offensive zone. Yliniemi is a good skater who can accelerate quickly from a standstill position, and he carried the puck and made plays with pace. He played in key situations, including on the penalty kill, and he was fairly dependable defensively, despite being more of an offensive player. He’s a name to keep an eye on from the strong Kärpät team.