Ilves dropped a big contract news: "We value his loyalty"

Ilves has signed a two-year extension with defender Jarkko Parikka. With the new contract, Parikka will continue with Ilves until spring 2029.

Parikka, 28, has represented Ilves throughout his entire Liiga career. He will begin his 12th consecutive season with the club this fall. Parikka played his first games with Ilves in the 2015-16 season.

Parikka has played a total of 527 regular season games (38+88=126) and 70 playoff games (2+5) for the club. From the seasons 2018-2026, his point total shows an impressive +112. Parikka has won bronze with Ilves three times in the years 2022, 2023, and 2025.

Last season, Parikka recorded 2+7 points in 53 regular season games and 1+2 points in 13 playoff games.

Parikka has played the third most regular season games in Ilves’ club history and is only three games away from second place. In terms of playoff games, he is already in second place. At the top of both statistics is Raimo Helminen.

– It is wonderful that our longest-serving player wants to continue with Ilves in the coming seasons at the peak of his career. Jarkko has grown into a quality player in our league and has played and continues to play some of the best years of his career with us. We highly value his loyalty to the club, commented Ilves’ sports director Timo Koskela in the club’s statement.

– Jake has already given a lot to our club and will continue to do so. We wanted to agree on the extension well in advance, so it is great that he is still committing to Ilves.

Parikka has also played 18 A-international matches for the Lions.