Release from 07.02.2021

Linz signs two new forwards

Short text 281 CharactersPlain text

The Steinbach Black Wings 1992 boost their offense with two new signings. The Upper Austrians added 33-year-old Latvian national team player Gints Meija, who played 552 KHL games for Dinamo Riga, to their roster. In addition, 22-year-old Finn Atte Karppinen is also coming to Linz.

Press release 1238 CharactersPlain text

Gints Meija has played for the club from the Latvian capital since Dinamo Riga entered the Kontinentale Hockey Liga in 2008. In 552 KHL games, the winger recorded 51 goals and 69 assists. Now, for the first time, the Latvian national team player has accepted an offer from abroad and is moving to Linz. With compatriot Oskars Bartulis, the 33-year-old already knows a player in Upper Austria with whom he has a lively exchange. Meija will take the place of Andrew Kozek. On his return to Linz, the Canadian recorded six goals and four assists in 38 games in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League. "With Gints Meija we have found a player with a lot of character and KHL experience who will help us in the decisive phase of the championship," says Black Wings manager Gregor Baumgartner.

Atte Karpinnen is also new to the Linz squad. The 22-year-old Finn has played in the second highest Finnish league for the last three years. This season he recorded 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) in 18 Mestis games for IPK. Injured Alexander Lahoda was signed off for the second new arrival. "With Atte, we have signed an up-and-coming forward who is eager to play and brings some offensive potential," adds Baumgartner.