The first rounder will move from the top professional league in Finland to the top junior league in Canada.

Emil Hemming was the latest addition to the Finnish Mafia for the Dallas Stars, and now fans in North America will get a better look at his skill set in the Ontario Hockey League, widely considered the most competitive junior hockey league in Canada.

The Stars selected Hemming 29th overall in the first round of the 2024 draft. He is a physical, big bodied Finn with a quick shot, and was deemed as one of the best shooters in the 2024 draft class. He spent the last season playing in the Liiga, Finland's top professional league. At only 17 years old, he cut his teeth playing against grown men. 

Hemming was selected 15th overall in the 2024 Canadian Hockey League import draft earlier this month. He was one of 15 Finns drafted, marking the highest total for the Scandinavian country in the draft's history. Hemming first signed a three-year entry level contract with the Stars, and has now signed with the Barrie Colts in the OHL. 

"We're extremely happy to have Emil commit to us here in Barrie. He brings a high-end skillset to our lineup that we feel is going to translate well on a smaller ice surface. His goal-scoring ability and shot we feel are already at a pro level... by coming over to the OHL, we feel the increased ice time and power-play time will greatly help Emil get ready for his dream of being in the NHL," Colts head coach Marty Williamson said.

The Stars prospects head to Traverse City to take on the Detroit Red Wings on September 14 and 15. While the roster has not yet been announced, it is likely that fans will be able to see Hemming in action alongside other prospects within the Stars organization.

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