Born: 2002-08-12
Team: JYP
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 201
REPORT: JYP @ ILVES (LIIGA), MARCH 17, 2021
Ottavainen had another solid performance on the backend for JYP. He defended well with his stick and poke checked the puck away from forwards several times. He has the strength and intensity to make life miserable to the opposing forwards. Offensively, he did not hesitate to jump into the rush as a second-wave option. There were some moments where his puck control and handling looked somewhat awkward, but he was patient on the breakout. He had power play time, even at 5-on-3, and displayed a quick catch and shoot release. Ville has pretty good mobility and can skate with the puck up the ice. He has improved his foot speed this season, allowing him to maintain tighter gap control and overall be more involved in the play.
REPORT: JYP @ ÄSSÄT (LIIGA), FEBRUARY 26, 2021
Ottavainen was assertive defensively and could defend effectively both his body and stick. His large wingspan and long reach were assets, however, he got twice beaten wide by the puck carrier, as he stopped his feet from moving. Early on in the first period his passing was inaccurate even on simple and routine plays, but he looked more relaxed and comfortable with the puck as the game went on. When there wasn’t a lane to move the puck tape-to-tape, he made two area passes into the offensive zone, leading his teammates to open ice. Late in the third period he was able to prevent a potential tap-in goal by clogging the lane on a cross-ice pass. He got almost two minutes of power play time and made effective passes on the man advantage. He made a positive impact in what was his fourth career Liiga game.
Cover photo: Kitchener Rangers