Early career Myllys was born in
Savonlinna, and started playing
ice hockey for the local team Savonlinnan Pallokerho or
SaPKo. He played his first adult season (1982–1983) in SaPko, but moved to
Tampere for
SM-Liiga games in
Ilves. Myllys spent a total of three seasons (1983–1986) with Ilves, then moved to
Rauman Lukko where he stayed for two seasons (1986–1988) before moving to the
NHL.
NHL career Myllys gained a spot in the
Minnesota North Stars lineup. He played 6 NHL games in the 1988–1989 season but spent most of the year with the North Stars' farmteam,
Kalamazoo Wings of the
IHL. In his 3 seasons (1988–1991) with North Stars Myllys never played more than 10 games in a season. He spent most of these seasons in the IHL. When the
San Jose Sharks were formed in 1991 Myllys moved to San Jose along with several North Stars players in the Dispersal Draft. Myllys played 27 games with the Sharks during the 1991–1992 season. This was his last season in the NHL, as Myllys returned to Finland in 1992.
Return from the NHL In 1992 Myllys joined the
1 Divisioona team KooKoo. After one season with KooKoo, Myllys moved to Lukko and stayed there for the 1993–1994 season. After his second season since his return in Finland, Myllys signed with Swedish
Elitserien team
Luleå HF. Myllys established himself as a star in Sweden, staying with Luleå for 7 seasons (1994–2001). During that time Myllys won several awards and played twice in the Elitserien all-star game. Myllys also scored two goals in two Elitserien games, which is a rare feat for a goaltender. Myllys returned to Finland in 2001. Jarmo Myllys signed with
Espoo Blues in 2001. He played with the Blues for 2 seasons (2001–2003) with little success. After his time with the Blues, Myllys moved closer to his hometown in order to play with
SaiPa and played there for the 2003–2004 season. Myllys played in Elitserien with
HV71 in the playoffs, then returned to SaiPa for his final season. Myllys retired from professional ice hockey after the 2004–2005 season. ==International play==