Toni Rajala

Toni Rajala (born March 29, 1991) is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League. He is a prospect for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.

Draft
He was drafted 101st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career
Rajala began playing junior hockey with the Ilves Tampere system in 2005–06. By 2007–08, he had worked his way up to the Junior A level of the SM-Liiga, tallying 35 points in 33 games. Rajala turned pro with Ilves Tampere in 2008–09, tallying 5 points in 21 games during his professional rookie season in the SM-Liiga. On 16 July 2009 Rajala signed an two way contract NHL/AHL with Edmonton Oilers.

Rajala was selected in the first round of the 2009 CHL Import Draft (14th overall) by the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He joined the Wheat Kings for the 2009-10 WHL season.

International play
Rajala debuted internationally for Finland at the 2008 IIHF World U18 Championships, recording 5 points in 6 games as Finland placed sixth. The next year, he was named to Finland's under-20 team for the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Canada, and managed 3 points in 6 games; Finland finished in seventh place. Later that year, in April 2009, Rajala competed for Finland at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships in the United States. He led the tournament in scoring with 10 goals and 9 assists and broke the previous point record held by Alexander Ovechkin. Rajala was selected as the best forward in the tournament, and was named to the tournament All-Star Team, helping Finland to a bronze medal. Rajala also represented Finland at the 2010 World Junior Championships which were held in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Awards

 * Won an IIHF U18 bronze medal with Finland in 2009.
 * Named IIHF U18 Best Forward in 2009.
 * Named to the IIHF U18 All-Star Team in 2009.