Vili Saarijärvi

Vili Saarijärvi
Born (1997-05-15) May 15, 1997
Rovaniemi, Finland
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 161 lb (73 kg; 11 st 7 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Right
NHL team (P)
Cur. team		 Detroit Red Wings
Flint Firebirds (OHL)
NHL Draft 73rd overall, 2015
Detroit Red Wings
Playing career 2015–present

Vili Saarijärvi (born May 15, 1997) is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman, currently playing for the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Saarijärvi was drafted 73rd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career

Junior

During the 2014–15 season, Saarijärvi recorded six goals and 17 assists in 57 games for the Green Bay Gamblers, leading the Gamblers' defenceman in scoring, and finishing tied for 20th in scoring among all USHL defenceman. His first career USHL goal was a game-winning overtime goal on October 4, 2014, against the Chicago Steel. Following an outstanding season, Saarijärvi was named to the All-Rookie Second Team.[1] He was featured in the 2015 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.[2]

On June 30, 2015, Saarijärvi was drafted 9th overall by the Flint Firebirds in the CHL Import Draft.[3] On August 12, 2015, the Flint Firebirds signed Saarijärvi to an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) contract for the 2015–16 season.[4] Saarijärvi played his first OHL game with the Firebirds on September 24, 2015, where he recorded his first career OHL point, an assist, in a game against the Saginaw Spirit.[5] Saarijärvi scored his first career OHL goal against Liam Herbst of the Ottawa 67's.[6] Saarijärvi was named the OHL Defenseman of the Month for the month of October 2015. During his first full month in the OHL, he recorded two goals, and nine assists in 11 games, including three multi-point games. He is currently tied for the lead in scoring among OHL defensemen with 16 points in 14 games.

Professional

On July 3, 2015, the Detroit Red Wings signed Saarijärvi to a three-year, entry-level contract.[7]

International play
Medal record
Competitor for  Finland
Ice hockey
World U18 Championships
2015 Switzerland
IIHF World U20 Championship
2016 Finland

Saarijärvi represented Finland at the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he led all defenceman in scoring, recording three goals and six assists in seven games, and won a silver medal. He was selected as the tournament's best defenceman and was named to the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championship All-Star Team.[8] Saarijärvi represented Finland at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he recorded four assists in seven games, and won a gold medal.[9]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2014–15 Green Bay Gamblers USHL 57 6 17 23 14 — — — — —
USHL totals 57 6 17 23 14 — — — — —

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2014 Finland IH18 5th 4 1 2 3 2
2015 Finland U18 2nd 7 3 6 9 4
2016 Finland WJC 1st 7 0 4 4 2
Junior totals 18 4 12 16 8

Awards and honours

Award Year
USHL
USHL All-Rookie Second Team 2014–15 [1]
International
IIHF World U18 Championship Best Defenceman 2015 [10]
IIHF World U18 Championship All-Star Team 2015 [11]

References

  1. 1 2 "USHL Names 2014-15 All-Rookie Teams". USHL. May 22, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Rosters Named for 2015 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". USHL. December 30, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Firebirds Select Red Wings Draft Pick Saarijarvi & Kantner in CHL Import Draft". Flint Firebirds. June 30, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Red Wings Draft Pick Vili Saarijärvi To Play in Flint This Season". Flint Firebirds. August 12, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Flint Shuts Out Saginaw 3-0 In Historic OHL Season Opener". Flint Firebirds. September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Firebirds Score 7 in "Pink Out" Victory over Ottawa". Flint Firebirds. October 16, 2015. Retrieved October 16, 2015.
  7. ↑ Roose, Bill (July 3, 2015). "Wings ink Saarijarvi, who may play in Flint". Detroit Red Wings. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Gamblers Defenseman Captures Silver Medal". Green Bay Gamblers. April 26, 2015. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Kapanen gives Finland gold". IIHF. January 5, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Best Players Selected By the Directorate" (PDF). IIHF. April 26, 2015. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Media All-Stars" (PDF). IIHF. April 26, 2015. Retrieved April 26, 2015.

External links

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