Ruikka scored twice and added a pair of assists over Madison. The Oulu, Finland, native also plays an approach that Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy applauds.

“Uula has been a rock-solid contributor for us for the past two seasons,” Hardy said. “He’s talented, but he’s a very selfless teammate who does not seek individual attention, which is why we are even more proud that the league has recognized his contributions.”

During Chicago’s 14 games this season, the Providence College commit has three goals and eight assists, placing him amongst the top five defensemen in scoring in the USHL.

Ruikka and his teammates will travel to Sioux City to take on the Musketeers for a pair of road games on Saturday and Sunday.

The post Uula Ruikka named USHL Defenseman of the Week appeared first on The Rink.

Ville Ruikka, Uula’s father, coaches soccer in their hometown in Finland but knew that soccer was not for Uula early on.

“I played soccer and coached in a major junior league here in our hometown,” Ville said. “Uula played soccer for many years but told me that hockey was his passion and someday he was going to chase his dreams.”

Ruikka was drafted by the Lincoln Stars of the USHL in Phase II of the draft, but elected to stay at home and play for the Karpat U18 team in Finland. While with Karpat U18, the left-handed shooter registered 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) in 37 games. He also spent six games with the Karpat U20 team where he registered one assist.

In the 2018 USHL Phase II Draft, Chicago selected Ruikka and brought him overseas for his rookie season. The Miami University commit wasted no time scoring his first USHL goal, as he found the back of the next at Madison on October 12, 2018. Ruikka’s first multi-point game would come only eight days later when he registered a goal and an assist against the Green Bay Gamblers.

“Uula is a wonderful kid who has done a good job transitioning from Finland and adapting to a new culture,” said Chicago Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy. “On the ice, he is a team-first guy with a lot of skill to go along with his great skating ability.”

Being 14 hours from home was not only an adjustment for Uula but also his family.

However, Ville has felt good at home knowing he has had a great billet family.

“The billet family concept is really great and we are much more relaxed knowing a great family is taking care of our son,” Ville said. “We visited Chicago one week in October and met Brian and Marcy Gravenhorst. They are a real nice family.”

Having electronics definitely has helped the 18-year-old adjust being away from home. Uula uses his laptop and smartphone for so much communications that sometimes it seems like he is home in Finland. Ville said the family communicates with Uula regularly using FaceTime and WhatsApp.

Ruikka now has a few days off with his teammates to prepare for their second-round playoff opponent this Saturday. Hardy also looks forward to having the defenseman next year.

“He has been an asset for us this year and should take an even bigger step next season,” Hardy said.

The post Ruikka enjoys rookie season away from home, adds team-first attitude on defense appeared first on The Rink.