A Peek into the Secrets of Aleksi Heimosalmi + Interview

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Aleksi Heimosalmi is a Finnish-born defenceman, currently playing on loan for his hometown team Ässät in the Finnish Liiga. Heimosalmi's National Hockey League rights are owned by the Carolina Hurricanes. The team that selected him in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 44th overall. The Hurricanes have also inked Heimosalmi to a three-year entry-level contract this past season, before being loaned out to Finland.


Heimosalmi has always been a staple in the Finnish hockey system. The right-handed D-man has played in all of the top tournaments and leagues around the country. For example, he played in the U16, U17, U18, and World Juniors tournaments for his country.
 
One of Heimosalmi's biggest hockey performances has to be his play at the U18's in Texas. The Pori, Finland native scored two goals and had six assists in just seven games. He led the entire tournament in points by a d-man while being named the tournament's best defenceman and a top-3 player on his team. Finland also won gold at the event.


This past season, the young defenceman was sent to play for Ässät, where Heimosalmi spent most of the season with the Liiga team. Suiting up in 47 games, Heimosalmi recorded just three assists. It is also worth noting that the Liiga is a professional hockey league, and teenagers often struggle offensively.

Heimosalmi was also selected to play at the World Juniors in Edmonton. So far, he has played quite well, recording three assists in two games. He quarterbacks Finland's second power play unit while playing on the second pair alongside Eemil Viro.
Heimosalmi is best described as a capable two-way modern day defenceman. He skates smoothly with confidence; he flies up and down the ice. He transitions the puck really well. He likes to jump into the play. He makes the smart move, benefiting the offense. He is a pass-first player; he controls the power play as the quarterback. He matches the speed nicely and guides the opponent towards the boards. He plays fearsome and is a good puck retriever.

Interview:

Q: Who is your favourite hockey team?

"When I was younger I watched a lot of Porin Ässät games. Nowadays I like to watch the Carolina Hurricanes games a lot. My favourite teams are Ässät and Carolina".

Q: What is your favourite hockey memory?

"When I got drafted. It was an amazing feeling and it was my dream to get drafted. When it happened I was so happy".

Q: Who is a person you look up to?

"My dad for sure".

Q: Who is your favourite hockey player?

"Cale Makar and Adam Fox".