Topi Niemelä

Slightly built under six foot Finnish defender with four direction skating ability and solid positioning, and active stick. Displays good vision and good offensive skills with his mobility and feet and the jump from junior to Karpat has furthered his progression. Keeps his head up and makes plays using short area quickness, and has a really good shot. Walks the blue line on the power play for the right opening to shoot and has shown good instincts when on the point as to when to crept in. Has a strong low shot from the point.Sees time on the penalty kill. where he willingly blocks shots. Get over power in his end by the bigger stronger, older opposing players. Needs lots of upper body development, but is agile and there is plenty to like. 

--Bill Placzek--