Five Favorites: Niko Mikkola enjoys jamming to Motley Crue before games
Like any hockey fan, Mikkola's favorite piece of memorabilia is an autograph
Just because we’re enjoying another Florida Panthers run through the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it doesn’t mean we can’t pop out another edition of THN Florida’s Five Favorites series.
For those not keeping track, this is now five consecutive seasons making the playoffs and three years in a row reaching at least the second round.
It’s a great time to be a Panthers fan, as the current team is one of, if not the best constructed in franchise history.
A big part of that success, both literally and figuratively, is defenseman Niko Mikkola.
Florida signed the 6-foot-5 Finnish blueliner to a three-year, $7.5 million deal during the offseason, and so far they’ve received an incredible return on investment.
Mikkola played in all 82 games for Florida, providing incredibly consistent defensive play while sprinkling in some impressive offensive capabilities, often seen jumping up into plays at the perfect times.
THN Florida caught up with Mikkola at the Panthers new practice facility in Fort Lauderdale and asked him about a few of his favorite things.
As a quick reminder, or if you’re new to THN Florida, here’s what the Five Favorites series is all about:
With the idea in mind of getting to know the Florida Panthers a little more off the ice, we’re going around the locker room and asking different Panthers players a list of questions about their favorite things.
So far this season, we’ve sat down with Aaron Ekblad, Evan Rodrigues, Nick Cousins, Anton Lundell, Anthony Stolarz and Kyke Okposo.
Here are Niko Mikkola’s Five Favorites:
Favorite rink to play in: I don't know, there's so many good ones. I like it here (Amerant Bank Arena), and New York (Madison Square Garden) was pretty cool too. One of those two.
Favorite piece of gear/memorabilia: Probably an autograph. My hometown (Kiiminki) was close to, you know the former hockey player Janne Niinimaa? His summer cottage was next to the house where we grew up in, so I went there to get an autograph and he gave me his hockey card with the autograph, so that was one cool thing. I also got stung by a bee on the way, so I remember that too (laughs).
Favorite pre-NHL memory: I’d say the Under 20's, when we won the World Championship in 2016. Also, that was in Helsinki, so that was pretty cool.
Note: Mikkola and Team Finland defeated Russia 4-3 in overtime to win the gold medal at the 2016 World Junior Championship.
Favorite pregame song/music: I have a few, but usually it's Motley Crue. Something from them.
Favorite non-hockey hobby: Chilling at home (laughs), or just going on a walk. During the summer I play golf, so it depends if its offseason or on season. Offseason, probably go play golf and go to lunch with my buddies. That's about it.
A big thanks to Niko Mikkola for being such a great sport and sharing some of his favorite things with us.
There will be more Five Favorites stories coming at THN Florida, so stay tuned!
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