Niilo Halonen continues his career at Sweden’s second highest league level.
Niilo Halonen is leaving HIFK behind. TOMI JOKELA / AOP
Blocked pucks at Helsinki IFK Niilo Halonen moves to the ranks of the Swedish Västerås IK, the club informs on its website.
Halonen, 24, has signed a one-year contract with Västerås, who play at the second highest league level in Sweden.
– He is a young and calm goalkeeper with the strengths and abilities we want, Västerås’ sporting director Niklas Johansson says in the announcement.
Halonen has played the previous three seasons in the SM league with HIFK’s goal. However, Halonen had to make way, especially this season, when the young Roope Taponen took the role of the number one goalkeeper for himself.
Halonen saved 19 regular season games this season with a save percentage of 85.3.
– I’m looking for a new start to my hockey career and I’ve heard very good things about Västerås. That’s why it feels good to join the club and show my talent, says Halonen.
Halonen is thus playing abroad for the first time in his career. He has previously played in the SM league in addition to HIFK in KooKoo. Halonen has also represented Mestis clubs Jokipoiki and SaPKO.