Viljami Juusola

Born: 2003-04-19

Team: Kalix HC (HockeyEttan)

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Left

Height / Weight: 5-9 / 137

REPORT: KALIX @ BORLÄNGE (HOCKEYTTAN), FEBRUARY 13, 2021

Juusola had an excellent performance and stood out especially offensively. He had an assist on his team’s third goal as he started the transition, carried the puck into the offensive zone, displayed slick puck control by maneuvering around defenders and set up his teammate for a one-timer. He scored a goal late in the third period with a one-timer from the point that found its way through bodies on net. In the first period, he showed off his offensive vision by making an excellent pass to the slot for a scoring chance. He activated from the blueline to the hashmarks as the weak-side defenseman multiple times and he could also join the rush. He showed offensive confidence and made strong plays with the puck in each zone. Moreover, Juusola is a competent defender as he used his stick and body well to win battles. He played with his head on a swivel and showed awareness in the defensive zone. I also liked his attitude as he did not quit on plays. He is a modern defenseman with crisp mobility in all directions, very good puck skills and the ability to process his options quickly and make the right decisions.

REPORT: RUSSIA @ FINLAND U17, AUGUST 9, 2019

Juusola was the best player on the Finnish U17 national team against Russia. He played with lots of confidence and carried the puck into the zone multiple times trying to create offense and make something happen. He constantly pushed the pace of the game in the right direction. The left-shot defenseman is very mobile and skates well backwards. He was also able to reach good top speed. Juusola has swift hands, he controlled the puck well at high speeds and his passing was crisp and precise. He scored the 2-1 goal with a solid slap shot from the point, beating Pavel Kanaev who was very good in net for the Russians. Juusola also defended well against opposing rushes and his skating allowed him to keep up with the Russian forwards. He has all the tools to develop into a strong three-zone defenseman.

REPORT: KÄRPÄT @ HIFK U18, JANUARY 6, 2019

Juusola registered two assists and was relied upon in crucial moments of the game as Kärpät U18 smashed HIFK 9-0. He’s a competent and intelligent two-way defenseman who shows promise at both ends of the ice. His positioning in the defensive zone was solid, especially in front of the net. He has a very good shot selection, he showcased a high-velocity wrist shot, as well as a hard slap shot from the point. He moved the puck effectively and got pucks up the ice quickly. Moreover, he’s a strong skater with quick feet and good mobility. Juusola is the top 2003 born Finnish defenseman in my book at the moment, and he has the potential to develop into a very good player down the road.