By Warren Kozireski — 2016 New York Islander fourth round draft selection (120th overall) Otto Koivula has a history of favoring the pass over the shot as his 34 assists over 14 goals during his first 82 games with Ilves Tampere in SM-liiga shows.
That also played out at the recent IIHF Under-20 World Junior tournament in Buffalo as the 6’4”, 225 lb. left wing had two assists over Team Finland’s five games. He was also fifth on the squad with 12 shots on goal before his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Team Czech Republic in a shootout.
It didn’t help that their first round match-up was against one of the pre-tournament favorites—Team Canada—and finished in a 4-2 loss.
“Tough start; tough start,” Koivula said after the first game. “We played pretty good, but it wasn’t enough.
“We should watch tape and make the corrections that we need and play better.”
Team Finland then defeated Denmark 4-1 and Slovakia 5-2 before losing to Team USA 5-4 to end the preliminary round.
This marked the second World Junior tournament for Koivula, who played in all six games for his country last year but was held off the scoresheet.
“I think I’m faster and stronger than last year,” he said about the start to his season back home. “I think it’s going to be fun.”
Known for his hands and ability to use his large frame to protect the puck, the now-19-year-old was named Rookie of the Year after last season.
New York swapped a 2017 fourth rounder to trade up in 2016 to nab Koivula with the final pick of the fourth round and he may be one of those middle-round selections that pans out.
As for a timetable for when he may be coming to North America, Koivula said, “I don’t know, you have to ask the Islanders guys. But I want to be an Islander someday. I will work hard and be ready for when they want me to come.”
(NHL.com photo)
