Six-time Finnish champion Veli-Matti Savinainen, 39, is one of the notable summer signings for TPS.

The forward, who has also won World Championship gold in his career, is expected to be a role model for the young players in Turku. Savinainen has already taken notice of TPS’s youth department.

– The young ones are definitely going a thousand miles an hour on the ice, Savinainen states on TPS’s YouTube channel.

– Once we can add a bit of sense and calmness to that, it will be good. The season is long and we are constantly learning more. The young ones will certainly take on more responsibility all the time. It remains to be seen how many young players will take a big step this season and establish their place in the Liiga circles, Savinainen continues.

The experienced professional is aware of his role in the team.

– I am certainly here to bring a certain kind of experience and routine to the daily activities. To set an example for the young ones on how to stay at the top even at this age, Savinainen sees his role as the father figure of the team.

Known as one of the best players in front of the goal in the Liiga, Savinainen scored 10+13=23 points in 47 regular season games last season while playing for Tappara.

LUE MYÖS:

Read more