Born: 2000-06-17
Team: Jokerit U20
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height / Weight: 5-8 / 132
REPORT: BLUES @ JOKERIT U20, AUGUST 7, 2019
Halonen was very visible throughout the game on the first line and special teams. His quickness and puck handling skills made him dangerous on the rush, he carried the puck up the ice while displaying smooth hands. He played with his head up, allowing him to see the entire ice and process his options quickly. Halonen made some very good cross-ice seam passes in the offensive zone. He had a nice individual effort in the first period where he stickhandled into the middle of the ice and fired a good wrister on net. While he is on the smaller side, he did not avoid contact. On one occasion, he took a solid hit to make a play. Halonen, a former KalPa U18 standout, looks bound for a strong season with Jokerit U20.
SCOUTING REPORT AND NOTES FROM THE 2017-18 SEASON
Veikka Halonen was one of the players who stood out from KalPa U18 in the 2017-18 season. The small 5-8 tall winger scored 20 goals in 30 games. He’s a fluid skater with quick acceleration bursts and good stance. He’s quite elusive. Offensively, he is very gifted. He controls the puck well in tight spaces and has an accurate, quick slap shot that features good wind up. He’s poised and patient with the puck, and can hold onto it before making the next move. At times, he could make quicker decisions with the puck, plus he’s not the strongest player along the boards and in one-on-one battles. However, Halonen is the type of player who has the potential to develop into a very solid pro with time. In his U16 season with KalPa, he formed a great, lethal duo with 2019 draft eligible Leevi Aaltonen.