Smaller rink and all, Kahkonen ready for pro hockey in North America

ST. PAUL -- There's a natural transition to go through when it comes to playing hockey in Europe and playing in North America. Going from larger, the IIHF standard-sized rinks that measure 197-feet by 98.5-feet across the pond, to the smaller NHL-sized rinks (200-feet by 85-feet) ups the pace of the game.
"The ice is different, the size of the ice is different, the dots are different, it's a totally different view of the ice," explained Wild director of player development Brad Bombardir. "Things are coming at you a little quicker and the angles are totally different.
"It's almost a new game totally when you make that leap."

For a goaltender, the quickness that tends to allow for easier zone breakouts can be an especially large changeover. But Kaapo Kahkonen, who was drafted by the Wild in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, is ready for the challenge. The goaltender out of Helsinki, Finland is set to make his North American debut this season.
"There's gonna be some adjustments obviously," said the 21-year-old. "The rink is smaller than back home, so I need to get to know the things here. and the Wild] coaches are doing a good job with that.
"It's quicker. [It's a