Steel Acquire Goaltender Veeti Louhivaara
USHL Chicago Steel

Steel Acquire Goaltender Veeti Louhivaara

Published on December 22, 2025 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Steel have acquired Finnish goaltender Veeti Louhivaara, the team announced Monday.

A native of Jyvaskyla, Finland, Louhivaara played in his hometown for JYP in the Finnish SM-sarja appearing in nine games this season with the U20 team and posted a 2.52 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. He posted similar numbers last season, also with the U20 team, playing in 18 games while boasting a 2.94 goals against average and a .902 save percentage.

Louhivaara's best season came in 2021-2022 with the JYP U16 team, where he posted a 10-4-0 record in 14 games while recording two shutouts with a 1.72 goals against average and a .943 save percentage.

"We're very excited to welcome Veeti to our organization," said Steel Associate Head Coach and General Manager Tyler Haskins. "We are thrilled to be able add a goaltender of his caliber to our roster. We believe he will be a great fit for our team and a key part of our success moving forward."

Louhivaara is regarded as a clean skater, with good balance and strong pushes. He is also adept at moving from post-to-post, and can stretch all the way across while down in the butterfly with ease, according to the EliteProspects 2024 NHL Draft Guide.

The New Jersey Devils selected Louhivaara in Round 5 of the 2024 NHL Draft. The Devils used their second pick of that draft in Round Two to select former Omaha Lancers goaltender Mikhail Yegorov.

The Steel will open the post-holiday break with two games against Youngstown and two big promotions starting on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 6:05 pm with Chicago Blackhawks Night featuring Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornileson and mascot Tommy Hawk.

Chicago will host its first Sunday matinee the following day on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 3:05 pm for KIDZ BOP Day featuring music, videos, and prizes from KIDZ BOP. Fans can stay after the game for a Post-Game Skate with the Steel.

Tickets for all Steel home games are on sale now starting at just $10.

For a limited time, Steel Suites are on sale for just $30 per person (min. 12 tickets) when purchased online. This offer is valid for December home games, excluding Dec. 27.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:

Saturday, December 27 vs. Youngstown Phantoms (6:05 pm CT) | Chicago Blackhawks Night featuring Jim Cornelison and Tommy Hawk

Sunday, December 28 vs. Youngstown Phantoms (3:05 pm CT) | KIDZ BOP Day with Music, Videos and Prizes from KIDZ BOP | Post-Game Skate with the Steel

Friday, January 2 at Dubuque Fighting Saints (7:05 pm CT)

Check out the Chicago Steel Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 22, 2025


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