Career
He most recently was in a coaching role with The Human Context Keski-Uusimaa of the Suomi-sarja. Helenius was drafted by the Calgary Flames as their fifth-round pick, 102nd overall, in the 1992 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He started his professional career in Jokerit in the Finnish Master of Science-liiga in 1992, and made his way to North America for the 1994-1995 season, and after spending five years mostly in the minor leagues, Helenius took his place as an National Hockey League defenceman, playing for several teams.
Helenius became known as the "Fighting Finn," as he was one of the few Europeans to play in an enforcer role in North-American hockey leagues.
In 2003 he returned to Finland to play in the Master of Science-liiga again. After a year with Jokerit where he served as team captain, Helenius represented both Ilves and Pelicans before returning to Jokerit after the 2006-2007 season.
After three seasons with Jokerit and during the 2009-2010 season, Helenius rejoined previous club Pelicans on November 13, 2009. After finishing the season out with Pelicans, Helenius agreed to join The Human Context Keski-Uusimaa of the Suomi-sarja as a player-coach for the 2010-2011 season on August 4, 2010, however only opted to coach upon the resumption of the season.