Iikka Kangasniemi found a new club.
Iikka Kangasniemi dressed in Pelicans’ turquoise last season. Tomi Natri / All Over Press
Striker Iikka Kangasniemi30, has signed a one-year contract with Kiekko-Espoo, the club says in his announcement.
Known as a fast and skilful striker, Kangasniemi represented Lahti Pelicans last season, where he scored nine goals and a total of 35 power points.
Espoo is a familiar place for Kangasniemi as he started his main career in the Blues in Espoo in 2015-16.
– Really happy here. Ten years ago we left here and it’s great to be home again. It’s really awaiting feelings and it’s great to play again, the player comments in the release.
The team also has a familiar face to Kangasniemi, as head coach Jyrki Aho Coaches Blues during Kangasniemi’s debut season.
Blues expects the attacker to the attack head. Kangasniemi has banged 282 points in the 402 SM League regular season (105+177).
– I try to bring efficiency to the offensive game and the plot. Skating and feeding have always been my strengths. I believe these are what I expect from me and I do my best that expectations are realized.
In addition to Blues and Pelicans, Kangasniemi has also represented HIFK in Finland. Outside Finland’s borders, he has played at SHL’s MODO and Czech HC Energy Karlovy Vary.
The team’s camper Aho did not cover his satisfaction with fresh acquisition.
– Iika has a good game concept and was an extremely skilled player at a young age in the blues. Iikka has grown up as a person and as a player. Age and experience have brought understanding and safety to gaming, and made Iika a more versatile player. It is great to continue the journey together after several years when you have seen how we have grown and developed everything on this trip, he said in the release.