Kyle Kukkonen is transferring to Wisconsin after a tough sophomore season at Michigan Tech.
Kyle Kukkonen was flying high after a freshman season where he scored 18 goals and had 27 points in 39 games for Michigan Tech. He was named NCAA Rookie of the Year for the CCHA Conference and named to the NCAA (CCHA) All-Rookie Team.
However, his sophomore season wouldn't reach the same heights, as he managed just one goal and 12 points in 27 games. A late-season injury also kept him out until the CCHA Mason Cup Playoffs Final, in which Michigan Tech came out victorious over Bemidji State by a score of 2-1. Still, Kukkonen felt a change of scenery was needed.
"There are a lot of ups and downs in hockey," Kukkonen said. "Sometimes when it's not going your way, you've got to find things to learn. There's a lesson in every day and like we talk about at (development) camp here, you've got to be a sponge and learn every day. Take little, small victories.
"When you're away because of an injury, you're doing what you can to get out there and luckily enough, I was able to get back for the CCHA Championship and then play in the regionals against Boston College.
Deciding to transfer schools can be a tough conversation for any player, especially when your family is part of the athletic program. Kukkonen's aunt, Suzanne Sanregret, has been Michigan Tech's athletic director since 2005. Kukkonen's parents also grew up in Houghton, MI and both of them attended Michigan Tech.
"It was hard telling my whole family," said Kukkonen. "It's kind of like a second home for me, and it will always be a second home for me. It will always have a special place in my heart and all those conversations with my family were difficult. They were just happy to support me and knew it was a good opportunity.
"They loved having me in Houghton and we all look back and enjoy those two years, but they're also super excited and pumped for me to move to Madison and play for Wisconsin. I'm super grateful for all the support from my family. It wasn't an easy decision, but the support through it all made it worth it and made it even more special to enjoy it with support from my family even though it was hard."
Kukkonen returns to the state of Wisconsin after he spent one season with the Madison Capitols in the USHL during the 2021-22 season. He was one of the Capitols' alternate captains and had 53 points in 58 games.
"Moving to Wisconsin this year is a new change in hockey scenery and will be good for me," Kukkonen said. "Coach (Mike) Hastings does a great job at Wisconsin with those players and it's something I'm super excited for. I played juniors in Wisconsin, so it was an easy fit for me because I fell in love with the city when I played there."
The mental side of hockey is Kukkonen's main focus for the upcoming season, in which he'll be on a new team with a new coach. He'll have to learn his new teammates' personalities and tendencies on the ice as well.
"When you're going into a new season, you want to be bigger, faster and stronger," Kukkonen said. "I think just working on the mental game of hockey as well. We had a meeting with one of the (Ducks) staff here (at development camp) and they talked about how ninety percent of the game of hockey is mental and I think that couldn't be more true. Just fine-tuning the mental game whether it's visualization or taking care of your body.
"Summer is a great way to get your body right and make certain jumps, whether it's gaining weight or keeping your body healthy. Just taking a lot of jumps (and) staying healthy. Going into the season with a fresh mind and a fresh body. Start strong and continue to go through the season strong."