Jets prospect defenceman Ville Heinola spent most of the 2022-23 campaign with the Manitoba Moose although he did get into 10 games with Winnipeg this season. It was his most productive season from a points perspective as he finished the season with 37 (4G 33a) in 48 games.
He reflected on not being able to play game 5 of the series with the Admirals due to injury, where he saw the most growth in his game, playing in the NHL, what he needs to do to be a full time NHLer, developing mental strength, playing with Chisholm/Gawanke, benefits of internal competition and his plan for summer.
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Some notable quotes:
On the path to becoming an everyday NHLer:
“I feel like the biggest part of me is getting my strength up, being able to battle there. Of course getting faster so I can handle the speed. That’s really one thing I want to focus on is getting my speed up”
On developing mental toughness:
“For me I just try to take it daily….when you go to bed you can say ‘I worked hard today. I gave everything. You can’t give anything more’. I feel like that’s the mental part of it.”
His summer plans:
“Work hard as I can. From my mindset just gonna give everything this summer. Not even think about anything else. Just working hard. Then it’s come here and show that.”
