Silvertips select Julius Miettinen in CHL Import Draft
EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett Silvertips have selected left winger Julius Miettinen with the 30th-overall pick in the 2023 CHL Import Draft.
Miettinen, an ’06-born Helsinki, Finland native, skated the 2022-23 season with HIFK Helsinki U20 where he posted 10 goals and 12 assists in 38 games played. He also was a member of Finland’s national team at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, netting three goals in seven games en route to a bronze medal.
Comin' in HOT, Julius Miettinen mixtape 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/iq7AE8xLsJ
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) July 12, 2023
“Right from the get-go we identified [Julius] as a player we wanted to pursue,” Silvertips general manager/head coach Dennis Williams told media after the Draft. “He has a big frame, he has really good skill, he competes. He definitely has the potential to be a pro… We wanted to add some size and grit to go along with the skill [currently on the roster]. We think he will fit in nicely.”
At the U18 level in 2021-22, Miettinen registered nine goals and 11 assists in 25 games played.
“Julius is the full package,” commented Silvertips European scout Alessandro Benin. “He’s a big, strong power forward with tremendous hands and a very high compete level. He’s very motivated.”
Benin highlighted the process of preparing for the CHL Import Draft, one that lasts over 12 months. “There’s quite a bit of teamwork with myself, [assistant GM] Mike Fraser and [general manager/head coach] Dennis Williams. I saw Julius for the first time two years ago.”
“Julius has been a top target for us since December,” he added. “There is always a transition when European players come to North America. It takes time. Julius should have a lot of NHL eyes on him this season.”
Miettinen will be eligible for the NHL Draft in 2024.
Everett will be retaining ’04-born Czech winger Dominik Rymon as their second import player. The Silvertips have released ’05-born Swiss goaltender Tim Metzger.
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