Jori Lehtera was born on December 23, 1987, in Espoo, Finland. Growing up, he fell in love with the game of hockey and dreamed of one day making it to the highest level of competition.
Lehtera got his first taste of professional hockey when he joined Jokerit in the SM-liiga in 2006. It was here that he honed his skills and began to stand out as a promising young talent in Finnish hockey.
Lehtera's talent did not go unnoticed, and he quickly made a name for himself in the SM-liiga. In 2009, he was voted MVP of the season while playing for Tappara, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the league.
In 2014, Lehtera represented Finland at the Winter Olympics and helped lead his team to a bronze medal finish. This achievement further solidified his reputation as a top-tier player, both domestically and internationally.
Lehtera's success in the SM-liiga caught the attention of NHL scouts, and in 2014, he signed a two-year deal with the St. Louis Blues. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his hockey career, as he made the transition to North American hockey.
Lehtera comes from a hockey-loving family, and his uncle Tero Lehtera also had success in the sport, winning a gold medal representing Finland at the 1995 Ice Hockey World Championships. This familial connection to the game has deepened Lehtera's love and passion for hockey.
During his time with the St. Louis Blues, Lehtera had the opportunity to play alongside legendary goalie Martin Brodeur. This experience allowed him to learn from one of the best in the game and further develop his skills on the ice.
Lehtera's career has been marked by success at every level of competition. His hard work, dedication, and natural talent have made him a standout player in every league he has played in. As he continues to grow and evolve as a player, the future looks bright for this Finnish hockey star.
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