Black Hawks defenseman Atte Vikla joins me to discuss his first season in Waterloo, his transition to North America and his strong finish to the 2025-26 season.
The move to the United States Hockey League can be a steep jump from the minor hockey levels, but Waterloo Black Hawks defenseman Atte Vikla is making a smooth transition after coming over from Finland at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign.
Vikla has skated in 59 of the 60 games for the Black Hawks this season, recording six goals and 21 assists, placing fifth among all Black Hawks skaters with 27 points. During an interview on Wednesday afternoon, Vikla touched on how he has found his first season in North America with the Black Hawks.
“It’s been great playing here. I didn’t know what to expect when I came here, and I didn’t know much about the league. It’s my first time living away from home, experiencing billet brothers and parents, and it’s been great,” Vikla said. “The USHL is way better hockey than I played back home in Finland, and the fans in Waterloo have been amazing. I came here with an open mind, and it’s paid off.”
Last season, Vikla spent time with Jokerit U-20 and Jokerit of the Mestis League, Finland’s second-highest league. Vikla touched on the adjustments that he’s been required to make in his game to succeed in the USHL.
“The game is way faster, so it was kind of a shock to me at the beginning. The game is harder, faster and has pushed me to become a better player,” Vikla said.
The Black Hawks currently find themselves with a record of 16-40-2-2 through 60 games. After going to the Clark Cup final a year ago, the Black Hawks are a much younger group as they look to rebuild towards working towards another USHL title. Vikla spoke on how this season can help the Black Hawks’ core moving forward.
“We’ve had some tough stretches, but we’ve also had periods of success where we showed we can play with any team in this league,” Vikla said. “We have played a pretty good past 10 games, which is going to give the guys confidence that we can have a more successful year.”
The Black Hawks will close out the regular season with a two-game set in Sioux Falls against the Stampede. The Stampede have locked up first-place in the Western Conference, so this will be a good measuring stick finish for the young Black Hawks squad.
“This will be a really good test, finishing off the season against a top team,” Vikla said. “We can use these final games to see the level our name needs to be at to be at the top. This will be a good challenge for our group.”
In Vikla’s first season in the USHL, the 19-year-old has learned under former National Hockey League head coach Scott Gordon. Gordon spent time with both the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the Waterloo team.
“He’s an experienced head coach, he gives us great tips and really knows what he’s doing,” Vikla said. “He’s made me a better player, and that’s everything you want from your coach.”
As for the remainder of his career, Vikla is focused on achieving the ultimate goals that he set out for himself from a young age.
“My goal is to become a professional player, whether it’s in Europe or elsewhere,” Vikla said. “I just want to become the best player that I can be. I am going to keep working hard and be passionate about the sport that I love. I’m just going to be the best that I can every step of the way.”
The Black Hawks are back in action on Friday, April 3, against the Stampede. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.