Release from 17.06.2025

Former league MVP Antti Karjalainen signs with Cortina

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Back in the 2022/23 season, Finnish netminder Antti Karjalainen delivered a standout performance for HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice – strong enough to earn him the league’s MVP honors. His most recent appearance in the Alps Hockey League actually came in Cortina, when the Slovenian side clinched their first-ever championship title. Now, after two seasons abroad in Scotland and France, the 29-year-old is returning to the AHL – this time with Hafro Cortina Hockey.

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Karjalainen posted an outstanding campaign with Jesenice, finishing with a stellar .949 save percentage and playing a key role in the team’s championship run. His performance earned him the 2022/23 Most Valuable Player award as voted by league media.

The Finnish goaltender then moved to the Glasgow Clan in the EIHL before suiting up for GAP in France last season. Now he’s back in the Alps Hockey League, reuniting with head coach Gaber Glavic – the duo were title-winners together with Jesenice in 2023.

“Already during my first conversation with Gaber, I could feel his trust and belief in my abilities,” said Karjalainen. “His vision of how I can contribute to the team was inspiring. I know that Cortina is the right place for me to keep growing and chasing big goals. It’s exciting to join a club that plays such a big role in Italian hockey. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates – we want to work hard as a team and have a successful season.”

Foto (c) Vito de Romeo