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Coachella Valley Firebirds rookie goaltender Nikke Kokko, who head coach Derek Laxdal referred to last year as the future of the Seattle Kraken, is seventh in the American Hockey League this season in goals-against average (2.23) and 10th in save percentage (91.4).
The Finnish 21-year-old, who stands 6-foot-4, also leads all rookies this season in wins, with 20.
On Wednesday, Kokko was honored by being named the goalie on the AHL's annual six-man all-rookie team. It's a recognition that not even rising star and leading scorer Jani Nyman received. Nyman is 11th in the AHL with 28 goals this season, and he's played fewer games than every player who has more.
Other players selected to the all-rookie team include forwards Ville Koivunen of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Justin Kryckowian of the Texas Stars and Bradly Nadeau of the Chicago Wolves and defensemen Luka Cagnoni of the San Jose Barracuda and Tristan Luneau of the San Diego Gulls.
Each player honored on the all-rookie team will receive a custom-designed crystal award in recognition of the selection.
[More: What is the Firebirds' goalie situation entering the Calder Cup Playoffs?]
Kokko joins current Kraken players Tye Kartye and Ryker Evans as Firebirds who have earned all-rookie recognition. Kartye and Evans each made it two years ago, at the end of the 2022-23 season. Kartye was named the AHL rookie of the year that season.
Selected in the second round by the Kraken, the Firebirds' NHL affiliate, in the 2022 NHL Draft, Kokko made his North American debut this season after beginning his pro career in his native Oulu, Finland. Kokko won his first six games of the season and went on to post a record of 20-9-2 through 32 appearances, as of Thursday.
From March 15 to April 12, Kokko did not allow more than two goals in a game for nine consecutive appearances.
Andrew John covers the Firebirds for The Desert Sun and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Firebirds' goaltender Nikke Kokko receives AHL all-rookie honors
Continue reading...
The Finnish 21-year-old, who stands 6-foot-4, also leads all rookies this season in wins, with 20.
On Wednesday, Kokko was honored by being named the goalie on the AHL's annual six-man all-rookie team. It's a recognition that not even rising star and leading scorer Jani Nyman received. Nyman is 11th in the AHL with 28 goals this season, and he's played fewer games than every player who has more.
Other players selected to the all-rookie team include forwards Ville Koivunen of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Justin Kryckowian of the Texas Stars and Bradly Nadeau of the Chicago Wolves and defensemen Luka Cagnoni of the San Jose Barracuda and Tristan Luneau of the San Diego Gulls.
Each player honored on the all-rookie team will receive a custom-designed crystal award in recognition of the selection.
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[More: What is the Firebirds' goalie situation entering the Calder Cup Playoffs?]
Kokko joins current Kraken players Tye Kartye and Ryker Evans as Firebirds who have earned all-rookie recognition. Kartye and Evans each made it two years ago, at the end of the 2022-23 season. Kartye was named the AHL rookie of the year that season.
Selected in the second round by the Kraken, the Firebirds' NHL affiliate, in the 2022 NHL Draft, Kokko made his North American debut this season after beginning his pro career in his native Oulu, Finland. Kokko won his first six games of the season and went on to post a record of 20-9-2 through 32 appearances, as of Thursday.
From March 15 to April 12, Kokko did not allow more than two goals in a game for nine consecutive appearances.
Andrew John covers the Firebirds for The Desert Sun and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Firebirds' goaltender Nikke Kokko receives AHL all-rookie honors
Continue reading...
