Ilves strengthens its defense with a familiar Canadian from the NHL
Tampereen Ilves strengthened its defense with a new Canadian acquisition on Tuesday. The club announced that it has signed a comprehensive contract for the next season with 29-year-old defenseman Austin Strand. The right-shot defenseman has played 26 NHL games in his career.
Strand arrives at Ilves from the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets. The 191-centimeter defenseman recorded 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 49 games during the concluded AHL season.
– Strand is a accomplished and experienced defenseman who will make us a better team. At 29 years old, he is in the prime years of his career. We believe Finnish hockey will suit Austin perfectly, and we are very excited that his European career begins at Ilves, says sports director Timo Koskela.
Koskela believes Strand will quickly adapt to the demands of the Liiga.
– Austin’s combination of size, movement, and reach allows for a solid defensive game, and in offense, he moves the puck simply and effectively for the team. Austin will be available to us from the very first preseason games, which is important for starting the adaptation to the larger rink and the everyday life of Liiga hockey right away, Koskela continues.
In the NHL, Strand has represented the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. The upcoming season will also be his first in Europe.
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