NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman Niilopekka Muhonen sends a pass along the blue line in the first period of a 3-0 win Wednesday at Co-op Place over the Red Deer Rebels.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
The Medicine Hat Tigers’ tallest player is starting to feel at home with his new club.
Defenceman Niilopekka Muhonen is enjoying himself more and more as the days pass and he gets acclimated and comfortable in Medicine Hat. The 6-foot-5 product of Kuopio, Fin. Is enjoying himself but he wants some more wins.
“I’m liking it, everything’s been good, but we need to be better at games and start winning some games,” Muhonen said ahead of Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Red Deer Rebels.
Muhonen has suited up in five games for the Tigers since his return from the Dallas Stars’ training camp in early September. He recorded his first WHL goal and point in his first game, scoring in the second period of a 4-2 loss at Red Deer on Sept. 27.
Muhonen picked up a loose puck in the high slot and fired a shot on net for his first in the WHL. He added an assist later in the frame to cap off the night. He was happy he could get his first goal as early as he did.
“It was nice to get the first goal in the first game, get it straight away,” Muhonen said. “So I don’t need to wait, I got it out.”
The 18-year-old says the shot felt good off his stick. He joked he won’t hold the fact he scored his first WHL goal in his first WHL game over fellow Finnish defenceman Veeti Väisänen, who is still looking for his first points in the league.
Tigers associate coach Joe Frazer says he’s liked how both defencemen have played and the confidence he’s seeing from Muhonen.
“Fans have gotten the chance to see how physical Nilo is going to be, he had a great goal against Red Deer,” Frazer said. “Both him and him and Veeti, each day they’re here, they’re going to keep getting better. There’s going to be an adjustment period, but we’re really excited about both guys. Give it a month or two and they’re really going to be dialled in.”
While he looks to contribute to sustained success on the ice, Muhonen has started exploring the city more and has found some different spots he likes to eat and visit.
Asked if he has a favourite, he says there’s too many good options.
He’s enjoying working with his teammates, getting to know them, and learning from the coaching staff.
“It feels more comfortable now, I can come to the rink and everybody’s always nice here,” Muhonen said. “Joe is a good person, he’s a good coach, so I just need to listen to him.”
