Bowling Green State University Athletics
Kantola Ranked 19th Best NCAA Prospect by Hockey's Future
June 13, 2007 | Ice Hockey
June 13, 2007
HOCKEYSFUTURE.COM - Kai Kantola, who completed his first year with the Bowling Green State University hockey team this past season, has been ranked the 19th best NCAA prospect by hockeysfuture.com for the upcoming National Hockey League Draft set for June 22-23, 2007 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
Kantola played in 36 games as a freshman, finishing with 11 points (5g, 6a). He finished in a tie for third on the team with three power-play goals, and had a career night with three assists in a 5-1 win over Western Michigan.
What Hockey's Future has to say about Kantola
2006-07 season: Kai Kantola is of Finnish descent, was born in Canada and calls Raleigh, NC home. However, his hockey skills and style of play are as equally noteworthy as his background. Kantola posted 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 36 games. He was originally selected to play for Finland at the IIHF WJC in December but was ruled ineligible because he had not played two consecutive years with Finland's national team (Kantola did play one year at the U-16 level).
Talent Analysis: Kantola is an aggressive power forward who can inject some energy into a team. At almost 6'2, he has a good frame but clearly needs to add size and strength to it. Where Kantola thrives are in the physical game and in tight situations. He can deliver some punishing checks and doesn't shy away from confrontations, especially when battling for puck possession. While Kantola isn't afraid to mix things up, he rarely does so at the expense of his team. His play in the corners and along the boards is quite good. Kantola skates with long, smooth, yet powerful strides but needs to develop a quicker first step.
Bowling Green head coach Scott Paluch's comments on Kantola: "We've always had Kai as a real good combination player. We think that he's going to be a pretty productive player as his career goes on with his skill package and size. Kai loves to compete and he brings an enthusiasm level that's contagious as well as a lot of intangibles and characteristics that coaches love."
To read the complete article click here: Top-20 NCAA Prospects
Special Thanks to DJ Powers and hockeysfuture.com for use of this article.
