FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks hockey program has announced the addition of forward Joel Lehtinen out of Matinkyla, Finland. The 6-4 forward joins the Nanooks after two seasons at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass. 

Joel brings a unique combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ to our program," said head coach Erik Largen. "At 6-foot-4, he has the ability to impact the game in all three zones, and his experience at both the junior and NCAA levels will add valuable depth to our lineup. Joel is a strong competitor who continues to develop offensively, and we're excited to see what he can accomplish in a Nanooks jersey.

Lehtinen played in Finland from 2018-23 before coming over to the North American Hockey League in 2023-24 with the Minot Minotauros. He made an immediate impact for Minot in 53 games, scoring 16 goals and posting 35 assists for 51 points. He added a +19 plus/minus and 40 PIM. In nine playoff games he scored eight points on two goals and six assists with a +3 and eight PIM. After his time in juniors, Lehtinen joined Stonehill College. In his first season with the Skyhawks he appeared in 27 games, registering eight points off three goals and five assists. 

In year two, he skated in 34 games for Stonehill. He posted 15 points off six goals and nine assists while adding a pair of power-play goals. He had multiple three-game point streaks throughout the season and recorded a multipoint game against the Nanooks in the inaugural United Collegiate Hockey Cup on March 6. 

He is the son of Jaana and Jere Lehtinen and has two siblings, Anna and Sofia. 

Additional signings will be announced throughout the summer. 

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