WSU Summer Session ad
The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen
WSU Summer Session ad
The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen
WSU Summer Session ad
The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen
Categories:

WSU hockey adds Finnish defenseman Emil Riska to the roster

The 20-year-old defenseman finds his way to the Palouse after a season in the USPHL
Zach McFarlane, Sports reporter
April 3, 2026
SMITH SLYE
WSU hockey goal tender Alexei Kuhl’s mask resting on the boards during the Collegiate Classic in Winthrop, Wa on Nov. 22 2025.

Washington State adds international talent to its backend with commitment from defenseman Emil Riska.

Riska, a 20-year-old from Helsinki, Finland, is a current player on the Islanders Hockey Club in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). The two-way defenseman recorded 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists) in 43 games this season. This performance ranks him as one of the biggest offensive threats amongst defensemen in the league.

With two senior defenseman walking the stage this semester, Riska will bring a veteran presence, as well as size and versatility to the Cougars’ defensive and offensive game next season.

Tags:
More to Discover
More in Hockey
WSU hockey goal tender Alexei Kuhl's mask resting on the boards during the Collegiate Classic in Winthrop, Wa on Nov. 22 2025.
Jesse Pope transfers to the Cougs from Milwaukee
David Bushkin (2) and Reed Mullin (21) sitting on the bench for WSU hockey's 2026 prospect camp.
Bringing some "Seoul": Coug hockey adds Junsang Park from Korea
WSU defender Collin Keenan and goalie Cole Eastman share a fist bump during their match against Gonzaga, March 27, 2026.
"My absolute favorite team": Collin Keenan skates away for the last time
Samuli Sihovnen looks across the crowd of hockey fans on Jan. 9 2026 in Tri-Cities (Courtesy of Brandon Mendoza).
"Doesn't feel like it's over": The Finland forward caps off his hockey career with the Cougs
Former Coug hockey player Luke Juergensen stares out at the ice during WSU hockey's prospect camp.
"Something I'll be with forever" Luke Juergensen reflects on his short Cougar career
WSU hockey defenseman Sam Hembree warms up ahead of a game against the University of Idaho
"I'll never forget that": Sam Hembree says goodbye to the Cougs
About the Contributor
SMITH SLYE
SMITH SLYE, Evergreen sports co-editor
Smith is a sophomore broadcast news major from Carnation, WA, a small town just outside of Seattle. As a diehard Cougar, Seahawks, Mariners and Kraken fan, writing for the sports section is all he could ask for. Whether it is through photography, game recaps, features or columns he wants to showcase the best that sports have to offer. Smith started as a hockey and baseball beat reporter in spring 2025.