Pittsburgh Review

The future looks promising for Joel Blomqvist, who had an impressive first season in North America. Pittsburgh’s 2020 second-round draft pick was named an AHL All-Star while posting a 25-12-6-1 record with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

The 22-year-old goaltender is calm and composed between the pipes and maintains that demeanor off the ice. Those who know him describe him as a quiet, laid-back individual. Blomqvist recently provided more insight into his background and interests in a Q&A session.

When asked where he was speaking from, Blomqvist said, "Right now I'm back home in Finland, and where I'm talking from now is from my parents’ house. My hometown (Nykarleby), it’s a pretty small town. But it’s close to the small sea here in Finland. So yeah, it's pretty nice here."

Regarding his activities back home, he shared, "I like to go out in the water. My hometown is pretty close to the water here. Also, my family has a summer house on an island. You have to go there with a boat. I like to hang out there during the summer."

Blomqvist often drives the boat himself but mentioned that if his older brother is present, he usually takes over.

On fishing, Blomqvist noted, "I like to usually just be in the moment...Fishing is the only thing I focus on." His best catch was "a salmon I caught with my dad...seven and a half kilos [about 16.5 pounds]."

Blomqvist also spoke about his favorite foods: "That salmon soup keeps haunting me still today! [Laughs]. Usually if we catch them ourselves, we smoke that fish...Steak is always good [laughs]. But yeah...smoked salmon."

He explained being Finnish Swede: "Usually if I talk with someone from North America, I describe it as a Canadian who speaks French."

Sauna culture came up as well: "It’s pretty big here...almost every home back here there's at least one sauna." His routine involves staying for 1-2 hours after cooling off by swimming.

When asked what he misses most about home when in North America, Blomqvist mentioned coffee and bread: "We have a little bit different-tasting coffee here...Then I also like the bread much better here."

Blomqvist described his parents' professions: "My mom, she's a nurse...And my dad he's an engineer." He acknowledged that he might have followed similar career paths if not for hockey.

In his spare time in North America, Blomqvist engages in remote schoolwork from Finland and plays PlayStation with friends: "...it's a good way to get your thoughts away from hockey..."

He began playing hockey at age three through skating school and later transitioned to goaltending because of interest in goalie equipment.

Regarding helmet design preferences: "...my last season in the U.S. was my first time having free (reign) with customizing the mask..."

Blomqvist did not have one favorite team growing up but followed NHL stars like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.

Finally, on nicknames used in hockey circles: "...like Blommer, Bloomy..."