Joel Armia Bio
Joel Armia is a Finnish professional ice hockey winger for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2011 NHL entry draft. Armia has also previously played professionally for Porin Ässät of the SM-liiga as well as the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens.
Early Life and Background
Joel Armia was born on 31 May 1993 in Pori, Finland. He attended a Swedish-speaking school known for nurturing talented ice hockey players. Growing up in a sports-oriented environment, Armia was exposed to various sports, including association football, which he played as a junior for his local club, Musan Salama. His early experiences in sports laid the foundation for his future career in ice hockey.
Path to Hockey
Armia began his hockey journey in the youth ranks of Porin Ässät. In the 2008–09 season, he emerged as a standout player, leading the U16 SM-sarja with 27 goals and earning the Keijo Kuusela award. His impressive performance in junior leagues caught the attention of scouts, and by the age of 17, he was promoted to Porin Ässät’s senior team during the 2010–11 season. He quickly made a name for himself, recording 18 goals and 11 assists in his rookie SM-liiga campaign.
Joel Armia Career
Early Career (2010–2015)
Armia’s professional career began in 2010 with Porin Ässät, where he continued to develop his skills. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2011 and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team in June 2012. During the 2013–14 AHL season, he played for the Rochester Americans, where he recorded seven goals and 20 assists. Armia made his NHL debut with the Sabres on 23 December 2014.
Breakthrough (2015–2018)
After being traded to the Winnipeg Jets in February 2015, Armia began to establish himself in the NHL. He scored his first NHL goal on 2 January 2016 and had a breakout season in 2017–18, finishing with 12 goals and 29 points in 79 games. His performance during this period solidified his reputation as a reliable winger.
Notable Works and Milestones
Armia’s signature moment came during the 2020–21 NHL season when he played a crucial role in the Montreal Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals. He was instrumental in the playoffs, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Joel Armia Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joel Armia has been recognized for his contributions on the ice, particularly during his playoff performances.
Joel Armia Awards Won
Joel Armia has received accolades for his achievements in ice hockey, including notable recognition during his time with the Montreal Canadiens.
Joel Armia Family
Joel Armia is married to Emilia Harjunen. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Emma, in May 2022.
Personal Life
Armia was born and raised in Pori, Finland. He has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family and career. In early 2025, it was announced that he and his wife are expecting their second child.
