Laakkonen returns Blaze

Photo: Scott Wiggins

Experienced forward Janne Laakkonen will be back with the Coventry Blaze for a second full season in 2021/22.

The Finn assisted on 49 goals in 43 games in 2019/20 and was a huge part of the Blaze's push at the top of the standings before the league was cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic. He returned to the Blaze for the Elite Series and was 1+7 through 14 matches.

Now 39, Laakkonen has a wealth of experience for playing hockey in his native Finland, as well as Belarus, France, Kazakhstan, Poland and Sweden. He represented his homeland at U20 level, and was voted on to the second line of the 2020 EIHL Fan All-Star team.

"In Janne, we get an elite playmaker. In 2019/20 he led the league in assists and was a big reason for our powerplay being one of the best. He makes guys around him better and his experience is crucial with a younger team," said Head Coach Danny Stewart.

"He’s a big part of our group. He’s a true pro in how he takes care of himself, and he may be the best passer we have had here in my time with the Blaze.

"His ability is tough to replace, and we wanted to get him back on our side for the upcoming season."