Poikola Named First Star of the Week
February 1, 2016 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
Wildcats center Aleksi Poikola has been named the South Division's First Star of the Week, the NAHL announced Monday.
A native of Espoo, Finland, Poikola is the only player on the Wildcats who is currently playing in his first season in North America. Having played his entire life in Europe, Poikola has had to adjust to the quicker and more physical pace of North American hockey. It is safe to say he has done so successfully, having averaged nearly three points per four games this season.
Poikola led the way for the Wildcats last weekend in Topeka, scoring five points in a series for the first time in his junior hockey career. On Friday night, he and Ben Lown converged for multiple tallies, especially in the third period. Poikola would end the game with a goal and two assists.
Saturday night, Poikola was the only Wildcat who managed to solve Topeka goaltender Juho Niku. He fired the puck past his fellow Finn twice--once on the power play after being set up by Lown, and again while shorthanded in the third period after André Pison fed him a pass from behind the net. He was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise dismal night for the Wildcats, and his efforts earned him the Kona Ice First Star of the Game Saturday night.
"Aleksi has worked extremely hard to adjust to the quick pace of our league and playing stronger in traffic," Wildcats Head Coach John LaFontaine said. "Great to see his work paying off. He competes in all three zones and was rewarded for his play and dedication to improve."
Poikola is now sixth on the Wildcats in points, with 9 goals, 20 assists and a +10 rating through 40 games.
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