Perhaps no player in No. 4 Denver’s lineup has played as consistently well this season as junior center Jaakko Heikkinen.

The native of Finland has done it all – score, defend, win face-offs, kill penalties – whether on the fourth line or in his new role with linemates Bobby Brink and Tyler Ward. When we last saw the Pioneers, that three-man tag team hung 10 points on Western Michigan. With two goals and two assists in that series, he was selected the NCHC’s Forward of the Week on Nov. 25.

His nine points, just 14 games into the season, are only four away from his career high.

Heikkinen took some time before practice recently to speak with Magness Mayhem about a host of topics, including his growth as a player and as a person since he took the bold step of following countryman Henrik Borgström to come play at Denver.

Thinking back a few years, what was your transition to Denver like?

I was playing juniors in Finland and didn’t have much knowledge about college hockey. Borgström came in here and did well. I was contacted by Denver. (At the time) I didn’t know how good it was but I gained more knowledge and talked to him. That got me intrigued. I was amazed by the level of talent and the level of play here. I took the path of wanting to come here. I haven’t regretted my decision at all. The level of hockey is unbelievable, and I enjoy living in Denver.

What’s your favorite part about DU?

What has stood out for me is the team; everyone is very connected. We’re like a big family here. That helped me make that transition to not only college hockey but to a different country. Everyone was very welcoming. … I like Denver’s weather. Everything is appealing here.

Has your family been able to see you play at Denver?

Yes, every year they’ve been able to come for a week or so. That’s really important for me to spend time with them. Being so far away from home I don’t have the time to see them very often. So it’s special.

Good starts are important to games and to one’s day. So what is your  breakfast of champions?

I really like yogurt and granola, add some berries. That’s my go-to. I’d say Pete’s pancakes, too.

Are you particular about any of your gear or do you have any routines?

A lot of guys are very detailed, but I’ve always been easy going. I don’t worry about that stuff much.

Did you have a favorite player growing up?

Definitely Sidney Crosby. I loved his game. He’s obviously a tremendous player.

Is there a team comedian we should know about?

I’d say the two funniest guys on the team are Liam Finlay and Kohen Olischefski. Those guys are really fun to be around. They’ll lighten up the room when it needs to be.

If there was a team enforcer, and I know fighting is a college hockey no-no, who would it be?

I’d say Jake Durflinger. He’s a guy who will stick up for his teammates. I know he’s not the biggest guy, but he’ll get under the skin of opposing teams. If you get in trouble, he’s a guy who will stick up for you. Another guy is freshman (defenseman) Justin Lee. He’s another guy who will be there to help you out.

Do you like music?

I enjoy listening to music, what the guys bring to the locker room to set the mood and get going. But I’m not a real musical person.

If you had to pick a teammate who might make a good rock star, who would it be?

That’s a tough one. I’d say Justin Lee. He could be a country-rock star. He has a good country vibe. He could pull it off very well.

We’d like to thank Jaakko for his time!

©First Line Editorial 2019