Player Rep Spotlight: Otto Koivula (Bridgeport Islanders)

Otto Koivula is the PHPA Player Representative for the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL.  Koivula grew up in Finland and spent his junior hockey career with Ilves before playing two seasons of professional hockey in the SM-liiga with Ilves Tampere where he won the SM-liiga Rookie of the Year Award in 2017.  He was drafted by the New York Islanders in the 2016 NHL Draft and would later make his North American professional debut with the Bridgeport Islanders in 2018.  Koivula is now in his sixth season with the Islanders organization and has appeared in 28 NHL games.

How did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

Our team needed a Player Representative, and I used the information that I gathered the past two years from our previous Representative, Chris Terry. I felt confident to step up to this role and do it myself. My role as Player Rep is to help our players and educate them about the PHPA to help find an answer to every question they have. I’m the main communication between the PHPA and our team.

You spent your junior hockey career with Ilves before playing two seasons of professional hockey in the SM-liiga with Ilves Tempere as well.  What were some of the key things you learned in the program that helped you develop into a professional hockey player?

I would say that I was very lucky to have the coaches that I had in my junior career.  They helped me grow into a man and have the right outlook in life. Playing pro hockey when I was 17 to 19 years old was an adjustment and very eye opening. Sharing the locker room with older players and competing against them was very good for me. I am always going to be grateful what they taught me from how to be a professional to taking care of your body every day so you can have a longer career.

You represented Finland at two World Junior Championships.  What was that experience like and do you have a favourite memory?

We didn’t have the best performances at the world juniors that I participated in, but I wouldn’t change anything. Playing with some of my best friends together for your country is something special and I really want to have that opportunity again. The best experience was definitely the exhibition game against Team Canada. A sold-out Bell Centre and there were still multiple days left until the tournament started. We got crushed but I will remember that game forever.

You were drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders.  Did you attend the NHL Draft in Buffalo?  If not, what were you doing when you found out that you had been drafted?

I was actually at our summer house in Finland with all my family. We watched the draft live and we were waiting to see if I would get drafted. Then the New York Islanders announced my name, and I shared tears with everyone and then we went to the sauna to celebrate.

You made your NHL debut on November 16, 2019.  What do you remember/ what stood out to you the most when you played in your first NHL game?

First thing I remember was that my wife Priska traveled to see my first game from New York and that is very special to able to share that memory together forever. The game was in Philly and it was an afternoon game. The crowd was very into the game.  I felt very nervous at first, but it went well. My dream came true.

Who is someone you’ve tried to model your game after?

Evgeni Malkin and Jori Lehtera. Two of my childhood heroes. I always liked how they see the ice and how they make everyone else better. Both are heavy and big but have a tremendous skillset.

Who is the funniest Bridgeport / New York Islanders teammate and why?

I could say so many people here, but I must give it to my good friend Jeff Kubiak. We share the same dry humor and at least we think we are both funny.

What do you miss the most about not living in Finland during the season? Are there any foods or traditions that you miss?

I miss my family and friends the most. My grandmothers used to come see my every home game and that is definitely something that I miss a lot.

What’s your favourite place you’ve travelled to? Where would you like to go that you haven’t been?

We visited London and Paris the last two summers, so I want to highlight them. They both have a lot of culture and old historic buildings which I like to go explore. Tokyo is the city I really would like to go see next. I want to know more about the Asian culture, there is something mysterious about that part of the world what I would like to go see.

Favorite musical artist / podcast you enjoy listening to the most?

My favorite musical artists are The Walters and Coldplay. I am also a big fan of basketball so everything related basketball I like to listen. Bill Simmons and The Lowe Post podcasts are the most popular shows that I listen to.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of hockey?

It’s a summer hobby of mine in the offseason. Growing up there was a disc golf course right next to our home and I fell in love with the sport. My hometown Nokia is hosting the Disc Golf World Championships in 2025 at the same exact course. Huge recommendation for everyone to pick up a disc golf disc and try it!