Kärpät announced two high-profile defensive signings on Wednesday, as it reported the transfers of Kalle Loponen and Aleksi Matinmikko (in the article image) to the predator jersey. Of the duo, Matinmikko, 26, who celebrated the Finnish championship with Tappara, has a one-year contract, while Loponen, 25, coming from KooKoo, has a two-year contract.

– Aleksi is a quality and versatile defenseman who can play a significant role in all situations. He had a strong season, as evidenced by his plus-minus statistic victory. He brings movement, physicality, confidence, and additional skills in special situations to our defense. We expect him to be one of our leading defensemen in the upcoming season, commented sports director Kimmo Kapanen on Matinmikko’s arrival.

Matinmikko finished the past season with impressive stats of 9+25=34 in 60 regular-season games.

Loponen, returning from the silver club KooKoo to his youth club, recorded stats of 5+22=27 in the regular season.

– Kalle has developed into a quality Liiga defenseman in recent years, bringing us puck-handling skills and strength in special situations. He is at a good age as a player, and we believe he will take further steps towards the top of the Liiga in the coming seasons, Kapanen states.

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Topics Kärpät League Loponen Kalle Matinmikko Aleksi