PRAGUE – The offensive of Sparta Prague hockey players will be strengthened by Finnish forward Kristian Vesalainen.
The 26-year-old native of Helsinki with representative experience, who has more than seven dozen starts in the NHL, underwent a medical examination in the capital on Monday and signed a contract with the club until the end of next season. He will join the team at the upcoming tournament in Davos. The Praguers announced his arrival before today’s duel of the 33rd round of the extra league against Olomouc.
Vesalainen worked this season at home in Finland, where he wore the jersey of Hämeenlinna. In 30 games, he scored 16 points thanks to two goals and 14 assists.
He was also checked by the NHL
“Kristian is a big and strong player who skates excellently for his figure. He is also very good when playing with the puck. A hockey player of indisputable qualities, who has also been tested by the NHL.” stated sports director Tomáš Divíšek about the new signing on the club’s website.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Sparta and Prague. It’s a big organization and an ambitious club with a rich history and a lot of passionate fans. Sparta has almost the highest attendances in Europe, that’s something amazing. I’m really looking forward to the support of the fans. I can’t wait to start a new chapter of my career here.” said Vesalainen.
Sparta added to the squad also with regard to the more serious injury of another Finnish forward Jani Lajunen, who will be missing from the team in the near future and his return to the ice is still in sight.
“Kristian is a versatile player, he can play in the center and on the wing. In a situation where we are missing Jani and we needed to supplement the team appropriately, he was an ideal choice for us. We are happy that he will join us until the end of this season and for the whole of the following season.” declared Divíšek.
Vesalainen grew up playing hockey in IFK Helsinki, but he played for the first time among the seniors in the jersey of Swedish Frölunda, with whom he also won the Champions League. He is the world champion with the Finnish 18 and also the champion of the Finnish and Swedish leagues. In 2017, Winnipeg reached for him in the NHL draft from the 24th position. In the Jets jersey, he played 70 regular season games in three seasons and scored five points (2 + 3). In four games, he also tasted the atmosphere of elimination battles for the Stanley Cup.
While working on the farm in the AHL, he met the current supporter of Prague, Michael Špačka, in Manitoba, Nik Seppäl in IFK, and Mikael Seppäl from the Finnish national team. “I discussed the engagement in Sparta with them. I talked to Špaček and Niko. They both told me nothing but nice things about Sparta and Prague. To be honest, they made my decision much easier for me.” said Vesalainen.
The first European club outside of Scandinavia
Sparta will be his first European station outside of Scandinavia. “Of course, it will be a challenge, something completely new. But I see it as another positive step in my career. I have played at the highest level in several leagues around the world, I can adapt quickly. It will be a big challenge for me and I believe it will help me to further improve my game.” verí Vesalainen.
And what can Sparta supporters expect from him? “I think a big and technically skilled player who likes the puck and creates the play. I have a good shot and I enjoy being involved in the offensive. At the same time, I work hard for the team and want to have an impact on the game every game.” uvead Vesalainen.
- Author: © List/
- VIDEO: Facebook/HC Sparta Prague
- Source: CTK
