Kärpät secured a promising defender with a long-term contract - set a tough goal!

Oulu Kärpät has signed a long-term extension with their promising defender Veeti Ruotsalainen.

Kärpät announces that the 19-year-old Ruotsalainen has signed a three-year extension that will keep him with the Oulu team until spring 2030.

Ruotsalainen has risen to Kärpät’s Liiga team through the club’s junior system. The defender, hailing from Oulunsalo, made his Liiga debut in January 2026. So far, he has played 17 games in Liiga with stats of 0+3.

Last season, Ruotsalainen primarily played for Kärpät’s U20 team, where he was the most effective defender.

Kärpät’s sports director Kimmo Kapanen sees significant potential in the young player for the future.

– Veeti has shown that he can play fearlessly even at the Liiga level. We believe that his development will continue strongly and that he will play a big role in Kärpät’s future teams. He reads the game well and brings a lot of the skills needed in today’s hockey to our defense. This contract signifies strong mutual trust and a shared desire to build for the future, Kapanen says in Kärpät’s announcement.

Ruotsalainen is pleased to continue in a familiar environment. The young defender also sets a high goal for the coming years.

– It means a lot to continue in my own youth club. It has always been a dream to play in Liiga for Kärpät. It has been a good place to develop, and I see Kärpät as a place where I can continue to grow and where all the necessary resources for a hockey player are available. Playing has felt good, and I have been given a lot of responsibility.

– We are definitely aiming for at least one championship with this contract! Ruotsalainen declares.