Teemu Selanne’s son grew up in southern California, is currently playing in Wisconsin, and now will head to Boston for the next chapter of his hockey career. Eetu Selanne announced yesterday that he has committed to play his college hockey at Northeastern University. The Huskies are the defending Hockey East champions and will look to get even stronger with the addition of Selanne in 2017-18.
In Teemu’s oldest son, Northeastern is getting a smart, two-center. Though he lacks the offensive firepower of this 10-time All-Star father, Eetu is developing into a solid defensive forward. With Teemu still playing in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks just three years ago, Eetu was also playing in SoCal as a member of the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. Even in a market not typically known for it’s junior hockey, he drew the attention of several teams. This season he is beginning his second year with the Madison Capitals of the USHL and looking to better his 10 points in 48 games from 2015-16. Though Eetu may lack NHL potential at this point in his hockey career, a (likely) four year stint at Northeastern, playing against the best competition in college hockey, should help him develop into a more well-rounded player. Given the legacy of his last name, Selanne will be given every chance to make in to the big leagues.
Should Eetu fall short of his pro goals, he does not represent the last chance for a Selanne family line in the NHL. Younger brother Leevi Selanne is just 16, playing for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, and is considered to be the best of Teemu’s three sons. Leevi may stand a chance to hear his name called on draft day in a few years.
Not long after Eetu announced his commitment to the Huskies yesterday, former Jr. Kings teammate Dakota Raabe of the BCHL’s Wenatchee Wild also announced that he is headed to the NCAA, set to play for the University of Michigan Wolverines in 2017-18. Selanne is also joined by Eeli Tolvanen (BC) and Kasper Kotkansalo (BU) as high-profile Finns who will soon be Hockey East rivals.