Published11. November 2024, 11:42
Ice hockey: Sami Vatanen should leave Geneva at the end of the season
The Finn would have signed a two-year contract with JYP Jyväskylä in his country according to Central Finland. If this is confirmed, it will be the end of an era at Genève-Servette.
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Ruben Steiger
Sami Vatanen has been playing for Genève-Servette since the 2022-2023 season.
Martin Meienberger/freshfocus
At 33, after 12 years away from his country, the Finn from Genève-Servette Sami Vatanen decided to return home at the end of the season. According to local media «Central Finland»the defender has reportedly signed a two-year contract with JYP, the club from the town of Jyväskylä where he was born.
The attacking fullback was trained at JYP and made his debut in the Finnish first division before leaving for North America during the 2012-2013 season. He had spent 9 years across the Atlantic (473 NHL matches). He joined the Vernets in 2022, the year in which he became world champion and Olympic champion with Finland.
The end of the 2023 title spine
If this departure is confirmed, it will undoubtedly mark the end of an era for Genève-Servette. Sami Vatanen was the backbone of the group that led the Eagles to the first Swiss championship title in their history. He even opened the scoring during the finalissima against Bienne on April 27, 2023.
Sami Vatanen played a decisive role in winning the title of Swiss champion of Genève-Servette.
Pascal Muller/freshfocus
Most of the key men in this triumph have already left the GSHC. Henrik Tömmernes (Frölunda) and Linus Omark (Luleå) joined other organizations after this coronation. Valtteri Filppula (Jokerit) and Daniel Winnik (retirement) left at the end of the 2023-2024 financial year.
As for Teemu Hartikainen, he is also expected to return to Finland. According to information from «Savo Sanomat» published on October 25, the formidable striker would have signed up with KalPa Kuopio, a club of which he is co-owner, for a period of two years.
