Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Olli Juolevi has added another impressive achievement to his hockey résumé: winning the 2026 Liiga championship. The 28-year-old Finnish blueliner helped lead Tappara to victory over KooKoo to claim the Finnish league's prestigious title.
While Juolevi didn't suit up for the final and has been sidelined since April 21, his contributions throughout the season were key. This marks his second Liiga championship—he previously hoisted the trophy with Tappara in 2024. In total, Juolevi has played 105 career games in Liiga, tallying 10 goals and 31 points.
Drafted fifth overall by the Canucks in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Juolevi's journey has taken him across Europe after his last North American stint during the 2022-23 season. Over the past three years, he's competed in Sweden's SHL with Timrå IK before returning to Finland with Tappara. This season, he recorded three points in 18 regular-season games and averaged nearly 14 minutes of ice time across eight playoff appearances.
For hockey fans who love tracking player journeys from the NHL to European leagues, Juolevi's story is a testament to perseverance and finding success abroad. Whether you're gearing up for your own season or just celebrating championship wins, the right gear can make all the difference. From Tappara-inspired styles to classic hockey apparel, there's no better time to show your support for champions past and present.
