DENVER - University of Denver sophomore goalie Juho Olkinuora (Helsinki, Finland) has decided to forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility after signing an entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets, it was announced Monday.
Olkinuora will join the St. John’s IceCaps of the American Hockey League on an Amateur Tryout Contract.
Olkinuora, was undrafted and signed with Winnipeg as a free agent, finished his two-year DU career with an overall record of 22-14-8 to go along with a goals against average of 2.27 and a .927 save percentage. In 2012-13, Olkinuora enjoyed a breakout campaign as he posted a record of 13-6-5 while boasting a 2.35 GAA and a .927 save percentage.
“We could not be happier for Jussi,” DU Associate Head Coach Steve Miller said. “Former assistant coach Derek Lalonde and I were fortunate to recruit him to Denver. He made tremendous strides over his two collegiate seasons in large part due to daily work with Coach (David) Lassonde and the friendly and respectful competition with Adam (Murray) and Sam (Brittain). They each brought the best out of each other. We wish Jussi the best during the next step of his career.”
Olkinuora is the second DU underclassman to turn pro following the 2012-13 season, joining Scott Mayfield (New York Islanders).
He is also the 19th underclassman to sign a professional contract over the last 19 seasons. Olkinuora joins Mayfield (2013), Beau Bennett, Jason Zucker, Drew Shore (2012), Matt Donovan (2011), Marc Cheverie (2010), Joe Colborne (2010), Patrick Wiercioch (2010), Tyler Bozak (2009), Chris Butler (2008), Brock Trotter (2008), Geoff Paukovich (2007), Ryan Dingle (2007), Paul Stastny (2006), Matt Carle (2006), Brett Skinner (2005), Mark Rycroft (2000) and Matt Pettinger (1999) as Pioneers who left school early to turn pro since 1999.
Bozak, Butler, Carle, Wiercioch, Shore and Stastny are currently playing in the NHL.
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