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Emil Hemming Eyes Spot Among ‘Finnish Mafia’ as He Joins Dallas Stars’ NHL Ranks… read more…
Emil Hemming, one of Finland’s most promising young hockey talents, is setting his sights on becoming the newest member of the Dallas Stars’ unofficial but storied “Finnish Mafia.” The 18-year-old forward, who was selected by the Stars as the 29th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, joins a growing lineage of Finnish players who have left their mark on the franchise — and he is eager to add his own name to that legacy.
The term “Finnish Mafia” is used affectionately by fans and media to refer to the notable group of Finnish players who have played for the Stars over the years. From Jere Lehtinen and Antti Miettinen to current team cornerstones like Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz, Finnish skaters have carved out a strong presence in Dallas. For Hemming, following in their footsteps is both an honor and a motivator.
“I’m very proud to be part of this organization,” Hemming said in a recent media session at the Stars’ development camp. “I know about the great Finnish players that have come through here. It’s something special, and I hope I can continue that tradition.”
Hemming spent the 2023-24 season playing for TPS in Liiga, Finland’s top professional hockey league, where he impressed scouts with his combination of speed, physicality, and offensive instincts. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Hemming brings a strong frame and two-way presence to the ice, traits that the Stars covet in their system. In 38 games with TPS, he notched 10 goals and 9 assists — solid numbers for a teenager in a league filled with seasoned professionals.
But more than just the stat line, what caught the Stars’ attention was Hemming’s relentless work ethic and hockey IQ. His coaches in Finland praised his maturity and poise under pressure, qualities that suggest he could make a smooth transition to North American hockey in the coming years.
Stars general manager Jim Nill echoed those sentiments after the draft, calling Hemming “a high-character player who competes hard every shift and has a lot of upside.”
“He plays a responsible game,” Nill said. “He’s not just offense — he takes care of the puck, he backchecks, and he’s got a physical edge to his game. He fits the mold of what we look for in Dallas.”
That mold is largely shaped by the current Finnish stars on the roster, particularly defenseman Miro Heiskanen, widely regarded as one of the NHL’s elite blueliners, and forward Roope Hintz, who plays a pivotal role in the Stars’ top-six. Their success has not only helped define the team’s identity but has also provided inspiration for players like Hemming back in Finland.
“Growing up, I watched Roope and Miro and saw how they played over here,” Hemming said. “I looked up to them, and now to be in the same organization — it’s a dream come true.”
While Hemming is not expected to jump directly into the NHL lineup this fall, his development will be closely monitored by the Stars’ front office and coaching staff. The likely plan is for him to either return to Liiga for another year of seasoning or possibly join the AHL’s Texas Stars later in the season, depending on his progress and contractual circumstances.
Regardless of where he plays, the organization is confident in his long-term potential.
“We’re going to be patient with Emil,” said Scott White, the Stars’ director of player personnel. “We want to make sure he’s fully ready before making the jump, but all the tools are there. He just needs to keep growing, and we think he’ll be a very effective NHL player.”
One area where Hemming already stands out is his versatility. He’s capable of playing both wings and has experience on both power-play and penalty-kill units. That adaptability could prove valuable as he climbs the professional ranks.
“He’s coachable and adaptable,” said TPS head coach Tommi Miettinen. “You can put him in different roles and he finds ways to contribute. That’s what makes him special.”
Back in Dallas, the Stars’ Finnish core has also shown early signs of mentorship. Hemming has already spent time with Heiskanen during team functions and is expected to lean on his veteran countrymen for guidance throughout his journey.
“It helps a lot to have other Finnish players here,” Hemming said. “They know what it’s like to come to a new country, new language, new style of hockey. I know they’ll help me feel more comfortable.”
The Stars, who reached the Western Conference Final in 2024, are looking to stay competitive for years to come. Their strategy involves a careful blend of veteran leadership and youthful talent — and they see Hemming as a key piece of that future.
“He’s someone we believe can grow into a top-six role down the road,” Nill added. “But there’s no rush. We want him to develop at the right pace and be ready when the opportunity comes.”
For now, Hemming remains focused on improving each day, fully aware of the expectations that come with being a first-round pick — and a potential successor to the “Finnish Mafia” legacy.
“I know there’s pressure,” Hemming said with a smile. “But it’s good pressure. I just want to work hard, be humble, and hopefully one day help this team win a Stanley Cup.”
As the next chapter in Dallas’ Finnish pipeline begins, all eyes will be on Emil Hemming — a young talent with the tools, the mindset, and the ambition to live up to the name and perhaps o
ne day help write a new era of Stars hockey.
