Eetu Orpana sits down to discuss his first season in Dubuque, his experience playing for Finland and his upcoming commitment to the University of Wisconsin
Eetu Orpana is heating up at the perfect time for the Dubuque Fighting Saints. As the Fighting Saints look to secure a bye in the United States Hockey League, Orpana is playing his best hockey with six games to go in the regular season.
Over Orpana’s last 13 games, the forward has recorded seven goals and 10 assists, in what is the 18-year-old’s best stretch in his first season at the USHL level. During an interview on Thursday, Orpana touched on the hot streak he is currently riding.
“I wanted to be hot when springtime comes. These are the most important games of the year,” Orpana said. “I had a couple of bad games before Christmas, so on the Christmas break, I was focused on how I could get my game going again. Now I’m used to the USHL game and how we play. I’m more capable of using my skills to get goals and points.”
For the season, the Finnish-born forward has appeared in 52 games, totalling 14 goals and 26 assists. The 40 points place Orpana in a tie for fifth among all Fighting Saints skaters. Orpana spoke about what has helped him to achieve that high level of success right away in his first season in North America.
“It helps playing with really good players here in Dubuque. We have really great coaches, and the tactics they use has helped me fit in,” Orpana said. “I’ve just been trying to play my game and see what happens.”
Prior to joining the Fighting Saints, Orpana was playing back home in his native country of Finland. When trying to figure out the best path for his career, Orpana felt that a jump to the USHL would help continue on the path he sees for himself.
“I was playing in Finland last season, but it’s hard to make professional levels playing there. After playing in the Under-18 World last year, I started talking to my agent about the college path. We thought that the USHL would be a good step, and the idea to play here came to us,” Orpana said. “My experience has been unbelievable so far. Dubuque is such a great place to play, all the guys are great, and I’m loving it so far.”
Orpana has competed at multiple tournaments representing Finland. At the Under-18 tournament last season, Orpana recorded two goals and four assists. The experience of playing for his home country is something Orpana will always cherish.
“That’s everyone’s dream, of course, I can’t say enough about that,” Orpana said. “It’s a dream come true for me. Every time I have my Finland jersey on, I have an extra smile on my face, and I do my best out there. It’s such an honor to represent Finland.”
As for watching and supporting hockey in Finland, Orpana spoke about how big the sport is back home in his native country and who he looked up to as a young player growing up.
“It’s really big in Finland. The players and culture is really supported. It’s kind of like Canada, where everyone knows about it and supports it,” Orpana said. “Aleksander Barkov is my biggest idol. He played on my hometown team before going to the NHL. He’s a centre, plays a 200-foot game and just plays the game in a perfect way.”
The Fighting Saints Youngstown Phantoms, Green Bay Gamblers and Cedar Rapids RoughRiders are the teams that have clinched a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Orpana provided insight into what has allowed the Fighting Saints to post a record of 35-17-4-0 through 56 games played.
“We are the highest scoring team in the league. We have lots of guys that can score, our top guys are unbelievable, but at the same time we have four lines that can produce,” Orpana said. “Our special teams is a big thing. Our power play is the best in the league, and our penalty kill is really good too. That has helped lead us all year.”
Orpana has achieved his goal of gaining a college commitment, as when the forward takes the next step in his career at the University of Wisconsin as a member of the Badgers. The jump to college hockey from the junior level is a big one, but Orpana knows what he can bring to the lineup.
“I play a 200-foot game. I’m more of a playmaker who is really good around the net front and has an ability to make room for my teammates,” Orpana said. “It’s a big jump to college hockey, so I’m going to keep working to improve my game.”
With his eyes set on a Clark Cup, Orpana touched on what it would mean to him to bring a title home to Dubuque.
“It would be such a pleasure to win for the fans in Dubuque. It’s such a good atmosphere, so it would mean a lot to me,” Orpana said. “It would be an honor and we all deserve it.”
The Fighting Saints return to action on Saturday when they host the Gamblers. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.