Oliver Suvanto is balancing high school studies with life as a Tappara player, doing schoolwork on team bus journeys and completing much of his coursework online. The 18-year-old says he sometimes finds it hard to get started after a long day, but that studying begins to flow once he settles into it. His greatest joy, he says, is being on the ice.
Suvanto played 48 regular-season games last term, recording two goals and nine assists, and collected a Finnish championship medal despite not making Tappara’s playoff lineup. Washington Capitals selected him 18th overall in the first round of the NHL Draft this summer. He says he wants to take the next step and play better than last season.
The centre has focused on skating, strength and protecting the puck, and works on individual skills with Tappara skills coach Ville Nieminen. Suvanto also credits his father, former Liiga player Harri Suvanto, and veteran teammate Henrik Haapala with helping him develop. He moved from Turku to Tampere in 2024 and says establishing routines helped him adjust to combining school and hockey.