Miko Matikka

July 2024- In a surprise move, Matikka will leave Denver and signed his entry-level contract with the Utah Hockey Club. After a successful freshman campaign at Denver, the future potential power forward seemed ready for the next challenge. Keith Duggan

May 2024- Matikka had a very successful freshman year at Denver. Matikka had 20 goals and 33 points in 43 games, helping Denver bring home a NCAA championship. He was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team and All-Tournament Team. Matikka will be back at Denver for 2024-25, where he will continue working on his power forward game and improving his speed and skating. Keith Duggan

January 2024- In the midst of a very strong freshman campaign at University of Denver, Matikka picked up his fourth NCHC Rookie of the Week award of the season. After a little bit of a slow start in college, Matikka has been on fire of late. He currently ranks second on the Pioneers and tied for first among freshman in the country with 14 goals. He also has six assists for 20 points, tied for sixth on DU. Each of Matikka’s 14 goals have come in the last 14 games and he has recorded at least a point in 14 of the past 15 contests. He’s currently on a three-game goal streak, three goals and two assists. Keith Duggan

June 2023- After racking up the points with the lowly Madison Capitols, a trade saw Matikka’s point totals fall slightly. He had 35 points with Madison but in 30 games with the Waterloo Black Hawks, Matikka had 11 goals and 20 points. Matikka will definitely join University of Denver this upcoming campaign. His skating still needs some work but with size, skill and an impressive shot, he’s a prospect to watch. Keith Duggan

December 2022- While Matikka was supposed to suit up for University of Denver this year, issues with NCAA clearinghouse arose as they often can with international students, leading him to spend this season in the USHL for Madison. While it was not exactly how Matikka planned to spend 2022-23, he’s definitely making the most of the opportunity. He currently has 13 goals and 30 points, good for second in USHL league scoring. After playing his whole career in Finland before this year, Matikka is taking no time adjusting to the smaller ice surface. A self-described power forward, he will play 2023-24 for University of Denver. Keith Duggan

July 2022 – Matikka was drafted 67th overall by the Arizona Coyotes. Pat Quinn

June 2022 – Matikka, who is moving to NCAA for the 22-23 season, had a solid season for Jokerit’s U20 team despite an injury that caused him to miss the first half of the season. He scored 19 goals and 33 total points in 30 games. His goals came mostly on the powerplay, where he was able to score with his hard one-timer from the left half-wall.

I considered Matikka as a second-third round pick before the season but his injury, unfortunately, affected his game. Standing 6-3 and weighing 187 pounds, he is big, but not a huge player by any means. However, he plays a physical game and can throw hard hits. For his size, he’s not a bad skater but definitely not a great one either – though I believe that is something that his long-term injury affected. I like his offensive abilities as he’s a good passer and has a hard shot. He controls the puck well and can be a dangerous shooter – mostly from one-timers and not so much from straight wrist shots. He can build up the rush up in transition, mostly with his good passing but has no problems taking the puck to the offensive zone either if he has time and space. Even though Matikka has good offensive skills, he isn’t the flashiest player and showed some questionable decisions from time to time. He’s a bit of a risky pick as I think he could become a good second line NHL player or end up as a third line Liiga player. However, going to the NCAA will probably be good for his career. Eetu Siltanen