A solid, two-way performer for the Golden Knights, Mikko Ollila played a prominent role in four of the most successful seasons in Clarkson’s history, and along with classmates Ben Maidment and Aaron Gates was part of the only class at Clarkson to reach 100 wins with a four-year mark of 100-40-7 from 1995-99. During his time with the Green and Gold, Clarkson won two ECAC regular season titles (1996-97, 1998-99), one conference tournament championship (1999) and participated in NCAA postseason play in each of his four years.

 

A native of Kangasala, Finland, Ollila, who played both at forward and on defense, skated in 143 career games and recorded 91 points on 15 goals and 76 assists along with posting a +50 plus/minus.

 

In his senior campaign of 1998-99, Ollila served in an assistant captain’s role as the Knights posted a 25-11-1 overall record and won both the ECAC regular season title, with an 18-4 mark, and conference tournament championship, with a 3-2 victory over St. Lawrence in Lake Placid. Ollila was the Green and Gold’s second leading scorer with 33 points, including a team-high 24 assists. He was honored with Clarkson’s Paul J. Pilon Award at the conclusion of the season.

 

Along with his success on the ice, Ollila was a standout student, who earned his bachelor’s degree after his junior season and was a graduate student during his senior campaign. He was honored as a GTE Academic All-American.

Q&A
  Name: Mikko Ollila

Nickname(s) while a Golden Knight: Mikko
 
Years Played/Position: 1995-99/Center-Defense 

Clarkson Major: Finance & Economics
 
Why did you decide to choose Clarkson:
Got recruited to play hockey out of Finland and liked everything else about the school.

Favorite Clarkson Hockey moment(s):
ECAC Championship Game vs. SLU in 1999 in Lake Placid

Most Memorable Clarkson teammate(s):
Aaron Gates and Ben Maidment.

Favorite Team to gain a victory over, why:
Cornell – great rivalry with good teams throughout my 4 years.

 
Favorite Arenas to Play in:
Lynah Rink, Lake Placid Arena, Gutterson Fieldhouse.

Favorite Class/Professor(s):
John Mullen.

Favorite memories of Potsdam, North Country:
Family dinners at the Putnams’ house on Sundays.

Where did you live when attending Clarkson:
Freshman Dorms, Woodstock and Townhouses.

What did you do after Clarkson:
Played 1 year professionally in Germany, and then started a career in Software first in Atlanta, then in London, and now in Seattle.  

What are you doing now:
I am a Product Management Director at a Seattle online company called Lockerz.

 
Family:
Wife, JoAnn. Son, Gideon (2 years), Daughter due in May ‘11.

Current Hometown:

Seattle WA.

Hobbies:

Entrepreneurial projects, going to the gym.