Born: 2000-05-28
Team: Chicago Steel (USHL)
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 170
REPORT: CHICAGO @ MUSKEGON (USHL), APRIL 29, 2019
Ruikka played on Chicago’s third defensive pairing in Game 2 against the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The 5’10” defenseman struggled somewhat in the early stages of the game, especially when he was under aggressive pressure in his own end. However, he improved as the game went on and made some good plays in the third period, completing more long-range passes to start the attack and overall showing good puck moving abilities. The Kärpät juniors product is an agile skater who is light on his feet and has good quickness in his first few strides. Ruikka is more of an offensive defenseman with good vision and puck skills. He is headed to Miami University for the 2020-21 season.