USHL Madison Capitols

Alumni Update: Kyle Kukkonen

Published on December 8, 2022 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Today's alumni update focuses on former Capitols forward Kyle Kukkonen. Kukkonen played with the Capitols last season for his lone full season with the team. The Minnesota native currently laces em up for the Michigan Tech Huskies of the CCHA.

Kukkonen spent his pre-junior hockey career in his hometown of Maple Grove. In his three years on the high school team, he was able to amass 147 points over 57 games played. During his high school career, he was selected in the 2018 USHL Entry Draft at pick number 67 by the Capitols in the fifth round. Although this ended up being his only time drafted in the USHL, this wouldn't be the only time that Kukkonen would be drafted. Due to the Capitols not playing during the 2020-21 season, Kukkonen found his way to the NAHL to play his junior hockey, before and after his high school season, playing with the Minot Minotauros. In 24 total games at the NAHL level, Kukkonen recorded 21 points.

Following his stint in the NAHL, Kukkonen was able to hear his name on the second day of the 2021 NHL Draft. He was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the sixth round at selection 162 overall.

Although he was able to play in three games as an affiliated player during the 2018-19 season, which he scored two goals in, Kukkonen became a mainstay in the Caps lineup during the 2021-22 season. He was able to become part of the 50-point club registering 53 points in 58 regular season games played last season. On the team's path to the Clark Cup Final, Kukkonen was able to add another five points in fourteen playoff games.

Following last season, Kukkonen made his way to Michigan Tech University to play with the Huskies of the CCHA. With the Huskies so far this season, he has shined bright just as he did in Madison last season. In 17 games, Kukkonen has recorded 13 points in 17 games. His performances during the week of November 21st led to him becoming the CCHA Rookie of the Week, the first Huskies player to be awarded the honor this season.

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2022


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