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Veli-Matti SavinainenFinnish ice hockey player, left and center forward.
Date of Birth: 05.01.1986
Country:  Finland |
Content:
- Veli-Matti Savinainen: Finnish Ice Hockey Star
- Success with Espoo Espoo and Finnish Championship Title
- KHL Stint with Yugra and Move to Sweden
- Return to the KHL with Torpedo and International Success
- Continued Success and Championships with Tappara
- Accolades and Legacy
- World Championship silver medal in 2014
Veli-Matti Savinainen: Finnish Ice Hockey Star
Early Career and Journey to the SM-LiigaVeli-Matti Savinainen, a left-wing and center, embarked on his hockey journey as a junior with FoPS and Espoo Blues. In 2005, he made his professional debut in the Finnish second-tier league, Mestis, with FoPS. Two years later, he earned a promotion to the top-tier SM-Liiga, signing with Espoo Espoo.
Success with Espoo Espoo and Finnish Championship Title
Savinainen spent six seasons with Espoo Espoo, culminating in a championship victory in the 2012/13 season. During his tenure at Espoo, he established himself as a valuable player, contributing both offensively and defensively.
KHL Stint with Yugra and Move to Sweden
In 2013, Savinainen signed a two-year contract with Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk in the KHL. However, due to foreign player restrictions, his contract was terminated in 2014. He subsequently joined Leksand IF in Sweden for the 2014/15 season.
Return to the KHL with Torpedo and International Success
After a brief stint in Sweden, Savinainen returned to the KHL, signing with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in November 2014. He immediately made an impact, scoring a goal in his debut match. Savinainen has represented Finland at the IIHF World Championships in 2013 and 2014, and is a regular member of the Euro Hockey Tour squad.
Continued Success and Championships with Tappara
In 2015, Savinainen returned to Finland and joined Tappara, where he flourished and played a significant role in securing two consecutive Finnish championship titles in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons.
Accolades and Legacy
Throughout his career, Savinainen has achieved notable success, including:
3 Finnish Championship titles (2012/13 with Espoo Espoo, 2015/16 and 2016/17 with Tappara)
