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Former Northern Michigan University hockey player Sami Salminen signs with top Finnish league

By Ryan Stieg 2 min read

MARQUETTE -- Another former Northern Michigan University hockey player has inked a professional deal this spring.

Sami Salminen, who played with the Wildcats this past season, is returning to his homeland of Finland after signing a contract with Vaasan Sport.

Vaasan plays in the Liiga (also known as the Finnish Elite League), which is Finland's top division.

"By signing a contract with Vaasan Sport, I've achieved my dream to play in the highest league in my home country," Salminen said in an NMU press release.

"I'm excited to begin my professional career this upcoming season."

Salminen, a towering 6-foot-4 center, provided a much-needed force in front of the net for the Wildcats.

He could also deliver bruising hits and did a great job screening the opposing goalie for Northern to connect on one-timers.

Salminen's specialty was faceoffs, where he was second on the team in win percentage (.554) last season and third in faceoff wins (154).

Even though Salminen had to deal with injuries for a good chunk of his NMU career, he still picked up 30 points with his most prolific season coming in the 2014-15 when he scored six goals and totaled 12 points in 29 games.

He also was a three-time WCHA Scholar Athlete and Academic Team member.

Before coming to Northern, he played for Finland at the Under-16, U17, U18 and U20 teams and spent the 2012-13 season with the North American Hockey League's Wichita Falls, Texas, Wildcats, earning 27 points in 48 games.

Ryan Stieg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 252. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.

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