Born: 2003-06-03
Team: Tappara U18
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 190
REPORT: RUSSIA @ FINLAND U17, AUGUST 11, 2019
Virolainen centered the fourth line for the Finnish U17 national team in the final game of a three-game set against Russia. He is a sizeable playmaker with good reach, stick skills and puck control. He valued possession, passed the puck in a timely manner and used his teammates effectively for passing options. He won seven of his nine face-offs. What Virolainen lacked in quickness he made up for with his smarts. His acceleration and mobility need quite a bit of work and his first few strides are a tad heavy. However, I like his vision and offensive instincts. He clearly understands the game both with and without the puck.
REPORT: TAPPARA @ HPK U18, JANUARY 19, 2019
Virolainen played a strong, dependable two-way game as the second-line center for Tappara U18 in a 5-4 overtime win. The first goal of the game was set up by Virolainen, who backchecked well, stole the puck away and passed it to Verneri Ahonen, who was alone in front of the net. He used his stick well to disrupt opponents on other occasions as well. His stickhandling was above-average and he controlled the puck well along the boards. At this point in time, it is clear that Virolainen needs to work on his skating; however, he got to the right spots to defend and read the play well.