The Windsor Spitfires have added a Finnish defenceman in the 2019 CHL Import Draft.
The Spitfires selected right shooting blueliner Ruben Rafkin with the 14th overall pick.
The 17-year-old Rafkin -- who is listed at 6-feet and 188 pounds -- says he is excited about joining the Spitfires, and knows the City and the team well.
"Of course I know the coaches, I've got some friends in Windsor, and I know they have a nice rink and good program, and also I know they have a really beautiful city," says Rafkin, who is friends with Finnish goalie Kari Piiroinen, who plays for the Spitfires.
Rafkin is from Turku, Finland but played for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL last season, posting two goals and eight assists, along with 90 penalty minutes in 38 games played.
Windsor GM Warren Rychel says they targeted Rafkin in the draft.
"This kid caught our eye with his physical play and he played at the World Under 17's," says Rychel. "He's the kind of guy that is not fun to play against, he's going to clear the net, he's going to hit and guys in the league are going to be aware when he's on the ice, and it's certainly an element we don't have right now on our blueline."
Rafkin also represented Finland in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording a goal and an assist in six games.
He tells AM800 Sports he brings a lot to the table for the Spitfires.
"Pretty skilled, fast, I play really hard, kind of annoying to play against," says Rafkin. "Usually, a lot of guys hate me when they play on the other team, but when I'm on their team, they like me, so I'm a good teammate."