Petri Vehanen
FinlandBiography of Petri Vehanen
Petri Vehanen is a Finnish ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the KHL club "Ak Bars". He has had a successful career playing for various clubs in Finland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, and Germany.
Career in SM-liiga
Vehanen began his career in SM-liiga, playing for Lukko, the team from his hometown. He quickly established himself as the starting goaltender for Lukko and had a strong season in 2007/08, earning himself a spot on the Finnish national team. He was awarded the best goaltender at the Karjala Tournament in 2009.
Europe
Vehanen also played in Europe for various teams including HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in Russia, Viking Hockey in Norway (where he was named the best goaltender), Val Pusteria Wolves in Italy, and Mora IK in Sweden. In the middle of the 2009-10 season, he joined the Kontinental Hockey League with Ak Bars Kazan. He immediately made an impact, helping Kazan win the Gagarin Cup and being recognized as the league's best goaltender based on goals against average, save percentage, and shutouts. After three seasons with Ak Bars, Vehanen returned to Lukko for a single season before resuming his KHL career with HC Lev Prague. Vehanen led Prague to their first ever Gagarin Cup final in the 2013-14 season before the club was disbanded.
Eisbären Berlin and Retirement
On July 20, 2014, Vehanen signed a one-year contract with Eisbären Berlin in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). He remained with the team until the completion of the 2017-18 season. He announced his retirement in late April 2018, shortly after losing in the DEL finals.
International Play
Vehanen made his international debut in 2008 when he was selected to represent Finland at the 2008 IIHF World Championship. His debut came in a game against Norway, which Finland won 3-2 in overtime. Vehanen was the starting goaltender for Finland when they won gold at the 2011 IIHF World Championship. In the final game, Vehanen made 32 saves as Finland defeated Sweden 6-1.
