Sheffield Steelers add physical Finnish 'edge' to bolster their Elite League title chances
WHEN you are seeking a fresh challenge with a new team – especially in a new country – it always helps if you can gain first-hand knowledge from a trusted source.
One conversation with Mikko Juusola was enough for defenceman Aatu Aarnio to help make his mind up that he should join his fellow Finn at Sheffield Steelers. Forward Juusola quickly made himself a firm favourite in South Yorkshire and had already agreed to return for a fourth season.
“As soon as I knew Sheffield were interested, I spoke with Mikko and he had so many great things to say about the club, the city and the atmosphere inside the arena,” said Aarnio, who makes the move to the UK after spending the last four seasons with Vaasan Sport in the Liiga.
He may not have been on the roster of any of the big-hitters in FInland's top league, but the fact Aario has made more than 180 league and play-off appearances there since 2022 means he arrives in Sheffield with a promising pedigree, enough to make Steelers’ head coach Aaron Fox leap at the chance to add him to the Steelers’ back-end.
“Aatu is a big, solid two-way defenceman who skates well and brings a physical edge to our group,” said Fox of the Naantali-born 25-year-old, who was loaned out to ICEHL’s Pioneers Vorarlberg for part of last season.
“I watched a lot of video on him and felt he really fits the way we want to play and what we ask of our defencemen.
“His skating ability, combined with his knack for making clean retrievals and efficient breakouts, will really help our transition game.
“He has an excellent gap, is aggressive in the right areas against the rush and defends extremely well. He gets stops, has a great stick and stays composed when winning battles.
“He will bring a high level of compete to our group and is someone who can really excel in our league.”