Honka Making Big First Impression

Swift Current Broncos defenceman Julius Honka continues to make quite an impression early in his WHL career.

The skilled Finn won the WHL Player of the Week in his first crack at the award.

"Feels good," Honka said. "I appreciate that. It's been a great start for our season."

After putting up 7 points in the exhibition, Honka exploded out of the gate with 6 points in a home and home sweep of the Regina Pats to open the regular season. He scored once and had 2 helpers in a 7-2 season opening win in Regina before adding 3 assists in the 3-2 home victory on Saturday.

"He's got so many different dynamics to his game that help us," said Broncos Associate Coach Darren Evjen. "The offence is obvious, his skating is so good. He's got such an ability to handle the puck and see things up ice... his one timer. He's just dangerous in so many ways."

"Defensively he's learning the game. Because he can skate so well... his mobility and his stick is getting better. He's just hard player to play because he can close down on you and he's so good with the puck."

In addition to the Player of the Week nod, Honka was also listed by NHL Central Scouting as one of only seven WHL players with an "A" rating in their preliminary rankings. Fellow Broncos defenceman Brycen Martin was also listed as an "A" player.

"It means a lot," Honka said. "It's been a big dream all my years of playing hockey."

The transition has gone well for the skilled blueliner as he lives with fellow Finn Eetu Laurikainen and feels like communication is getting better.

"At first it was a little bit hard," Honka said. "Now I can understand when people talk but sometimes it's hard to say it back."

One of the big moments in Saturday's win over the Pats was a hit by Shaunavon native Dyson Stevenson on Honka that drew the ire of teammate Connor Sanvido. He dropped the the gloves with Stevenson to stand up for Honka, but the rookie sensation knows teams are going to key on him physically.

"I know that and I'm ready for that."

The Broncos host Moose Jaw on Friday.