The Dallas Stars have selected Julius Honka from the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL.
Honka is a highly skilled defenseman who has had an impressive season in the WHL as a rookie. He finished fourth in rookie scoring with 56 points in 62 games, 12 points higher than fellow Dallas Stars prospect Dmitry Sinitsyn. His skating and offensive ability are top end and he has the potential to be a good powerplay quarterback.
He adds to an already impressive pool of defensive prospects that the Dallas Stars have and will play in the WHL for the next two seasons.
This pick is one of many sound picks that the Dallas Stars could have made. He’s got elite level talent, he can move and he withstood the pressure of the WHL while putting up an impressive number of points. Its a good pick.
Julius Honka, RD, 5’11”, 180lbs
| Regular Season | Team | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM |
| 2012-2013 | JYP U20 (Jr A. SM-Liiga) | 42 | 4 | 11 | 15 | -4 | 47 |
| 2013-2014 | Swift Current Broncos (WHL) | 62 | 16 | 40 | 56 | 10 | 52 |
| Post Season | |||||||
| 2012-2013 | JYP U20 (Jr A. SM-Liiga) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -5 | 25 |
| 2013-2014 | Swift Current Broncos (WHL) | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -5 | 6 |
Scouting Reports:
Future Considerations:
A small puck-moving defenseman, Honka has a strong stride with very good feet. Agility is top-notch. An elusive defenseman who slips between forecheckers with ease. Excellent passer who is always able to connect the dots. PP quarterback, managing and distributing the puck at the point well.
ISS
Honka’s development in Swift Current was extremely beneficial to him individually. He earned significant minutes in crucial offensive situations early into the season and become a very reliable producer for the Broncos. While not the biggest player, Honka is very adept at getting in the way defensively and he does not need much time or space to turn the puck up ice and into a dangerous opportunity for his teammates.
Hockey Prospect Black Book
Honka is a very productive and athletic offensive-minded defenseman. He’s a two-way type player with an excellent understanding of both sides of the puck. Combined with his tremendous skating ability and elite hockey sense, Honka is able to utilize his ability to read the play quickly and con- trol the tempo of the game. Honka is a gifted skater who possesses dynamic mobility and footwork.
McKeens Hockey
delivered an immediate impact for the Broncos establishing himself from the beginning
of the season as their most skilled blue liner .. smooth, talented skater with effortless and elegant figure-skater quality blade work .. light on his feet and stable, reaches top speed within two strides – skating is very natural and effortless ..