Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Juuso Välimäki is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 6, 1998, in Tampere, Finland, Välimäki grew up in Nokia, where his family supported his development into a professional hockey player.
Juuso Välimäki is married to Vilma Välimäki, and the couple has two children. Their oldest son, Nooa Casper Välimäki, was born on August 4, 2024. The family welcomed a second child before November 2026, although the younger child’s name and birth date have not been widely reported.
Välimäki also has two younger brothers who played hockey during childhood. His parents supported his professional ambitions, with his mother and brothers relocating from Finland to the United States during his junior hockey career.
Juuso Valimaki’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Juuso Välimäki is married to Vilma Välimäki. The couple have been together since before his NHL career became established and have built a family while living in North America.
Their relationship was publicly documented in September 2021, when the Calgary Flames announced that Välimäki had proposed to his longtime girlfriend earlier that summer.
According to the team’s official Firestarter podcast, Välimäki became engaged in June 2021 while spending the offseason in Finland.
By August 2024, sports journalist Craig Morgan identified Vilma as his wife in a detailed player profile published by ALLCITY Network.
The couple welcomed their first child that month and subsequently moved to Utah, where Välimäki was preparing to play for the newly established Utah Hockey Club.
In November 2026, Välimäki again spoke publicly about his wife and children while preparing for the Carolina Hurricanes’ NHL Global Series games in Finland.
He explained that becoming a husband and father had changed his perspective on professional hockey, helping him manage disappointment and focus on what mattered most outside the rink.
Who Is Vilma Välimäki?
Vilma Välimäki is the wife of Finnish NHL defenseman Juuso Välimäki and the mother of their two children.
Although she generally keeps her personal life private, Vilma has accompanied her husband through several important stages of his professional career.
In November 2023, she played an important role in helping him obtain medical attention after he suffered a serious facial injury during an NHL game against the Dallas Stars.
According to Finnish hockey reporting, Välimäki was struck in the face by a puck and required extensive medical treatment.
After he experienced delays receiving treatment at a hospital, Vilma contacted the NHL Players’ Association for assistance.
The injury required approximately 55 stitches and resulted in several damaged or missing teeth.
Her involvement demonstrated the importance of having family support during a serious medical emergency.
In August 2024, Vilma and Juuso welcomed their first son, Nooa, shortly before relocating to Utah.
The couple subsequently welcomed a second child.
Details about Vilma’s maiden name, education, professional occupation, and early family background have not been reliably established in major hockey publications.
When Did Juuso Välimäki Get Married?
The exact wedding date of Juuso and Vilma Välimäki has not been reliably confirmed in widely available public reporting.
However, the Calgary Flames confirmed their engagement in September 2021, while an August 2024 ALLCITY Network profile identified Vilma as his wife.
Therefore, their marriage took place sometime between those publicly documented milestones.
Juuso Valimaki’s Children
Juuso Välimäki and his wife Vilma have two children.
Their first child, Nooa Casper Välimäki, was born in August 2024. The birth of their second child was confirmed through interviews published in November 2026.
In an NHL.com article published on November 10, 2026, Välimäki explained that fatherhood had significantly changed his approach to hockey and life.
1. Nooa Casper Välimäki
Nooa Casper Välimäki is Juuso and Vilma’s oldest child.
He was born on August 4, 2024, shortly before the family’s move to Utah.
His full name and birth date were documented in an August 31, 2024, interview published by ALLCITY Network.
The birth marked an important milestone for Välimäki, who was preparing for a new NHL season while adjusting to the responsibilities of fatherhood.
During the interview, he explained that caring for a newborn had changed his daily routine.
He discussed waking up early to attend to Nooa and how becoming a father had encouraged him to appreciate the importance of spending time with loved ones.
The family moved to Utah approximately one week after Nooa’s birth.
They purchased their first home and began adjusting to their new surroundings while Välimäki continued his NHL career.
Nooa was two years old in November 2026.
2. Juuso Välimäki’s Second Child
Juuso Välimäki and Vilma welcomed a second child before November 2026.
The child’s existence was publicly confirmed by Välimäki during interviews ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes’ NHL Global Series games in Helsinki.
Speaking with NHL.com on November 10, 2026, the defenseman explained that having two children had given him a different perspective on his career.
He acknowledged that, earlier in his professional life, disappointing performances sometimes affected his mood for several days.
After becoming a father, he found it easier to return home and concentrate on spending time with his children.
In another interview published by NHL.com in Finnish, Välimäki discussed bringing familiar Finnish products back to North America for his family.
He specifically mentioned children’s food and baby formula as important items.
Although the birth of his second child is confirmed, reliable public reporting has not established the child’s name, exact birth date, or sex.
Juuso Valimaki’s Parents
Juuso Välimäki grew up in Nokia, Finland, with his parents and two younger brothers.
His family played an essential role in helping him develop his hockey skills and eventually pursue opportunities in North America.
Although he has discussed his parents’ support in interviews, their full names have not been independently confirmed through the authoritative public sources reviewed.
Father: Juuso Välimäki’s Dad
Juuso Välimäki’s father was part of the family environment that supported his early development as an ice hockey player.
Growing up in Finland, Välimäki participated in youth hockey programs around Nokia and Tampere.
His family encouraged him to pursue the sport seriously while continuing his education.
When Välimäki decided to move to North America in 2015, the decision represented a significant change for the entire family.
He later explained that he had discussed the opportunity extensively with his relatives before deciding to join the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League.
Although his father’s influence was part of the family support he received, reliable information about his father’s full name, occupation, and personal background remains limited.
Mother: Juuso Välimäki’s Mom
Juuso Välimäki’s mother played a particularly important role in his hockey career.
Her dedication became evident when she relocated from Finland to the United States to support her son during his junior hockey years.
In 2015, Välimäki moved to Washington state to join the Tri-City Americans.
Initially, living away from Finland was challenging because he was separated from his family and adapting to a different culture.
However, his mother recognized an opportunity to reunite the family while supporting Juuso’s professional ambitions.
In 2016, she moved to the Tri-Cities area with Juuso’s two younger brothers.
The family lived together during the 2016–17 hockey season, providing a more familiar home environment for the young defenseman.
According to a June 16, 2017, article published by Sportsnet, Välimäki praised his mother’s decision to relocate.
He explained that the move had been positive for the entire family because his brothers could attend school and play hockey while experiencing life in another country.
Living with his family also helped Välimäki concentrate on his development during an important NHL Draft year.
During the 2016–17 WHL season, he recorded 19 goals and 42 assists for 61 points in 60 regular-season games.
His performances helped establish him as a leading prospect ahead of the 2017 NHL Draft.
Although his mother has been recognized for these sacrifices, her full name and professional occupation have not been reliably documented in the major public profiles reviewed.
Juuso Valimaki’s Siblings
Juuso Välimäki has two younger brothers. Both played ice hockey during childhood and accompanied their mother to North America in 2016.
Their existence and sporting background were confirmed in a Sportsnet interview published on June 16, 2017.
1. Juuso Välimäki’s First Younger Brother
One of Välimäki’s younger brothers participated in organized ice hockey while growing up in Finland.
When Juuso moved to the United States to play junior hockey, his younger brother initially remained in Finland with the rest of the family.
However, the family reunited in Washington state the following year.
According to Välimäki, both younger brothers attended school and continued playing hockey after moving to North America.
The experience allowed them to learn about a different culture while continuing their athletic development.
His brother’s individual name, date of birth, and later hockey career have not been independently established through reliable public reporting.
2. Juuso Välimäki’s Second Younger Brother
Juuso’s other younger brother also played hockey during childhood.
He accompanied their mother and sibling to the United States in 2016.
The move allowed the brothers to live together again while Juuso continued his development with the Tri-City Americans.
Välimäki publicly expressed appreciation for having his younger brothers nearby, explaining that the experience was beneficial for the entire family.
Although both siblings participated in hockey, there is insufficient reliable information to confirm whether either established a professional playing career.
The second brother’s name and personal background have not been widely documented.
Does Juuso Välimäki Have a Sister?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Juuso Välimäki has a sister.
Sportsnet and other major hockey publications consistently identify his two younger brothers as his publicly documented siblings.
Therefore, no sister should be identified without additional verified information.
Juuso Valimaki’s Famous Cousin: Sami Välimäki
Sami Välimäki is Juuso Välimäki’s cousin and a Finnish professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour.
Sami was born on July 16, 1998, in Nokia, Finland, approximately three months before Juuso.
The cousins grew up in the same Finnish town and spent considerable time together during childhood.
According to an interview published by MTV Uutiset in December 2020, the two participated in numerous activities together, including hockey, football, and street floorball.
Their grandparents frequently took them on family outings, including visits to swimming facilities and trips around Finland.
Both cousins initially developed an interest in ice hockey and played in local youth programs.
However, they eventually pursued different sporting careers.
Juuso concentrated on becoming a professional hockey defenseman, while Sami devoted himself to golf.
Sami turned professional in 2019 and became a successful international golfer.
In February 2024, the cousins reunited in Arizona while Sami was competing at the WM Phoenix Open.
At the time, Juuso was playing for the Arizona Coyotes.
Speaking to The Hockey News, Juuso expressed his admiration for Sami’s abilities as a professional golfer.
In March 2026, the Chicago Wolves published another article discussing the cousins’ relationship.
Juuso explained that they remained close and followed each other’s sporting achievements despite their demanding professional schedules.
Juuso Valimaki’s Family Background and Childhood
Juuso Välimäki was born in Tampere, Finland, and grew up in nearby Nokia.
He began playing hockey through local youth programs, including Nokian Pyry and later Ilves Tampere.
His family supported his interest in sports, while his two younger brothers also developed a passion for hockey.
During childhood, Juuso regularly spent time with his cousin Sami, who later became a professional golfer.
As Välimäki developed into a promising defenseman, he attracted attention from international hockey scouts.
In 2015, he moved to the United States to join the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League.
The move allowed him to gain experience playing North American hockey while continuing his education.
His mother and younger brothers subsequently joined him in Washington state.
In 2016, Välimäki captained Finland to a gold medal at the IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
His strong performances with Tri-City helped establish him as one of the leading defensemen eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft.
On June 23, 2017, the Calgary Flames selected him in the first round, 16th overall.
Välimäki made his NHL debut with Calgary during the 2018–19 season.
His professional career subsequently included time with the Arizona Coyotes and Utah Hockey Club.
In January 2026, the Carolina Hurricanes acquired him from the Utah Mammoth.
He initially played for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League before signing a one-year contract with Carolina on June 24, 2026.
During the 2026–27 season, Välimäki returned to the Hurricanes’ NHL roster and earned an opportunity to represent the team during its Global Series games in Helsinki.
How Marriage and Fatherhood Changed Juuso Välimäki’s Perspective
Becoming a husband and father has had an important influence on Juuso Välimäki’s approach to professional hockey.
Earlier in his career, he experienced several serious injuries, including knee problems that disrupted his development.
He also struggled with the mental challenges associated with uncertain playing opportunities and disappointing performances.
However, marriage and the birth of his children helped him establish a different perspective.
In a November 10, 2026, interview with NHL.com, Välimäki explained that he had learned not to allow hockey results to dominate his personal life.
He said that returning home to his wife and children helped him separate the challenges of professional competition from his family responsibilities.
Speaking with The News & Observer in November 2026, he also described the happiness of coming home to children who were simply excited to spend time with their father.
His family provided stability during a period when he was attempting to establish himself with the Carolina Hurricanes.
While preparing for the NHL Global Series in Helsinki, Välimäki also discussed maintaining Finnish family traditions while living in North America.
He explained that he regularly brought Finnish baby food, formula, chocolate, and other familiar products back to his family.
These small traditions helped the Välimäki family maintain its connection to Finland while living abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Juuso Valimaki’s Family
Who is Juuso Välimäki’s girlfriend?
Juuso Välimäki is married to Vilma Välimäki. They became engaged in June 2021 and were publicly identified as husband and wife by August 2024.
Who is Juuso Välimäki’s wife?
His wife is Vilma Välimäki, who has supported his hockey career through his time with Calgary, Arizona, Utah, and Carolina. The couple has two children.
When did Juuso Välimäki get married?
The exact wedding date has not been reliably confirmed. However, the couple became engaged in June 2021 and were married by August 2024.
Does Juuso Välimäki have children?
Yes. Juuso Välimäki and Vilma have two children, as confirmed by NHL.com in November 2026.
Who is Juuso Välimäki’s oldest child?
His oldest child is Nooa Casper Välimäki, who was born on August 4, 2024.
What is Juuso Välimäki’s second child’s name?
The name of his second child has not been reliably confirmed in major public sports reporting.
Who are Juuso Välimäki’s parents?
His parents raised him in Finland and supported his professional hockey ambitions. His mother relocated to the United States with his two younger brothers in 2016. Their full names have not been independently verified.
What did Juuso Välimäki’s mother do for his career?
She moved from Finland to Washington state with his two younger brothers so the family could live together while Juuso played for the Tri-City Americans.
Does Juuso Välimäki have siblings?
Yes. Juuso Välimäki has two younger brothers who also played ice hockey during childhood.
Does Juuso Välimäki have a sister?
There is no reliable public confirmation that he has a sister. His two younger brothers are his publicly documented siblings.
Is Sami Välimäki related to Juuso Välimäki?
Yes. Professional golfer Sami Välimäki is Juuso’s cousin. Both grew up in Nokia, Finland, and participated in sports together during childhood.
Where is Juuso Välimäki’s family from?
Juuso Välimäki was born in Tampere and grew up in Nokia, Finland. His family later spent time in Washington state during his junior hockey career.
Which NHL team does Juuso Välimäki play for?
Juuso Välimäki plays for the Carolina Hurricanes. He signed a one-year contract with the organization on June 24, 2026.
Combining a deep passion for hockey with an analytical mindset, Carmen Marins covers the NHL from the opening night of the season all the way through the Stanley Cup playoffs. She focuses on game strategy, team chemistry, trade deadline updates, and player performance metrics, breaking down high-speed ice action into engaging, accessible insights for readers.
