Olli Juolevi

Olli Juolevi
Juolevi with the London Knights in 2016
Born (1998-05-05) 5 May 1998
Helsinki, Finland
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 198 lb (90 kg; 14 st 2 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Left
NHL team (P)
Cur. team
Former teams
Vancouver Canucks
Utica Comets (AHL)
TPS
NHL Draft 5th overall, 2016
Vancouver Canucks
Playing career 2017present

Olli Juolevi (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈolli ˈjuoleʋi]; born 5 May 1998) is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected fifth overall by the Canucks in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Born and raised in Finland, Juolevi developed in the Jokerit program before he moved to North America to play major junior hockey with the London Knights in 2015. After one season with them, he was drafted by the Canucks.

Internationally Juolevi has represented Finland in three World Junior Championships, winning gold at the 2016 tournament.

Playing career

At age 14, Juolevi began playing junior hockey in Finland for Jokerit's U16 team in 2012–13. By the following year, he was playing for Jokerit's U20 team in the Jr. A SM-liiga. After scoring 32 points (6 goals and 26 assists) in 44 games, Juolevi was named to the league's First All-Star Team and awarded Rookie of the Year.[1] During the off-season, Juolevi was selected 45th overall by the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) at the 2015 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. Juolevi committed to the Knights shortly thereafter, leaving his junior career in Finland.[2]

With 42 points (9 goals and 33 assists) in 57 games, Juolevi ranked third among OHL rookie defencemen and 13th among defencemen overall in 2015–16.[3] He was named to the OHL Third All-Star Team and Second All-Rookie Team.[1] During the 2016 OHL playoffs, he added 14 points (3 goals and 11 assists) in 18 games, ranking second among all defencemen,[4] as the Knights won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions. With the Knights advancing to the 2016 Memorial Cup, Juolevi recorded seven assists in four games and was named to the tournament's All-Star Team, helping London to a national championship.[1]

Having played a key role in London's championship season, he was highly regarded by scouts. NHL Central Scouting ranked him fifth among draft-eligible players competing in North America, praising his offensive play.[5] During the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, he was the first defenceman selected, fifth overall by the Vancouver Canucks. On 5 August 2016, Juolevi was signed to his first professional contract in agreeing to a three-year entry-level contract with the Canucks.[6]

International play

Medal record
Representing  Finland
Men's ice hockey
IIHF World U20 Championship
2016 Finland

Juolevi played for Finland at the 2016 World Junior Championships, where they won gold on 5 January 2016. In recognition of his play, he was named to the tournament All-star team.

Juolevi was named captain of Team Finland for the 2017 World Junior Championships. However, Team Finland was unable to match their success from the previous year, placing ninth and having to defeat Team Latvia to avoid relegation.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2013–14 Jokerit Fin-Jr. 111340
2014–15 Jokerit Fin-Jr. 446263228 51232
2015–16 London Knights OHL 579334216 18311144
2016–17 London Knights OHL 5810324236 143588
2017–18 TPS Liiga 387121914 112570
Liiga totals 387121914 112570

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2014 Finland IH18 5th 40114
2016 Finland WJC 1st, gold medalist(s) 70994
2017 Finland WJC 9th 60220
2018 Finland WJC 6th 51340
Junior totals 22115168

Awards and honors

Award Year
International
IIHF World Junior Championship Gold Medal 2016
IIHF World Junior Championship All-Star Team 2016

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Olli Juolevi". Elite Prospects. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  2. "JUOLEVI & MATTINEN COMMIT TO KNIGHTS". London Knights. 2015-07-17. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
  3. "2015–16 OHL Defencemen Leaders". Ontario Hockey League. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  4. "2016 OHL Playoff Defencemen Leaders". Ontario Hockey League. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  5. "Dubois jumps to top of draft rankings". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
  6. "Canucks sign Juolevi to entry-level contract". Vancouver Canucks. 2016-08-05. Retrieved 2016-08-05.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Brock Boeser
Vancouver Canucks first round draft pick
2016
Succeeded by
Elias Pettersson
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