SIGNING: Clan snap up Vainonen
The Glasgow Clan, sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West, are delighted to announce the signing of Finnish defenceman Mikko Vainonen.
The 27-year-old is moving to Scotland from Italian side Cortina, where he spent the end of last season after having spells with Czech Republic sides Orli Znojmo and HC Frydek-Mistek.
And the experienced former Finnish Under 20 international is hoping for a more settled campaign in Scotland with the Clan.
“I’m excited to be at the Clan in the upcoming season and I can’t wait to meet the guys on the team and the staff,” he said.
“Last year was a tough and weird year for me, as for everyone of course. I’d never played for three different teams in a season before, which is a new personal record.
“Next season, I only want to be in one team as it makes the season a lot easier and I hope things can go a bit normally for me.
“When I spoke to the coach, he convinced me it would be a good place to come and play plus the city is nice. The rink is good and the fans are great and that was what sold it for me.
“I hope we can have a good season, pick up lots of win and have some fun.”
Vainonen has played in his native Finland with SaiPa, Assat and Sport, in Germany’s DEL with Krefeld Pinguine as well as Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL.
More recently, he’s turned out for Austrian side Dornbirner and last season, split his year between the three clubs, finishing in Italy.
Clan head coach Malcolm Cameron spoke of what Vainonen will bring to the team and reckons he could be just the man for his team.
“Mikko is a big, strong defenceman, who is also a good skater. The reports I received tell me he can play in various situations, particularly powerplay and penalty kill.
“He’s good in front of the net and in the corners and while he’s a relatively young player, carried a lot of experience so he’s a good fit of our club and I can’t wait for him to be part of the Clan this year.”
He is the 12th signing confirmed for the 2021/22 season after Shane Starrett, Colin Campbell, Rodney Southam, Matt Haywood, Jordan McLaughlin, Mathieu Roy, Medric Mercier, Nolan LaPorte, Colton Yellow Horn, Jordan Buesa and Cody Sol.
Vainonen will wear the #7 jersey for the Clan next season.
