Story Summary
EHC Kloten have signed Finnish forward Joona Luoto on a short-term contract to cover for injury absences among the club’s imports. Luoto arrives effective immediately and is under contract until the end of November, with an option to extend his stay until the end of the season. Team manager Ricardo Schödler highlighted Luoto’s physical game, shot and net presence and suggested his previous National League experience will allow him to contribute straight away.
Key Facts
- Joona Luoto has joined EHC Kloten on a contract running until the end of November, with an option to extend to the end of the season.
- EHC Kloten currently has four of their six imports available; Brandon Gignac (elbow) and Pontus Åberg (upper body) are sidelined with injuries.
- Luoto played 52 games for SC Bern in 2023-24, scoring 20 goals and adding 10 assists.
- After his spell at SC Bern, Luoto joined HV71 in the SHL.
- Prior to signing with Kloten he was without a team this season.
- Team manager Ricardo Schödler said:” With Joona Luoto, we are getting a physically strong player who makes his presence felt, has a good shot, and is particularly strong around the net.”
IHM Discussion
The signing is a pragmatic, short-term response to an immediate roster shortfall among Kloten’s import players. With Brandon Gignac and Pontus Åberg unavailable through injury, Kloten have added a player who already knows the National League. Luoto’s 20 goals in 52 games for SC Bern in 2023-24 underline his scoring record at this level, while his subsequent spell with HV71 gave him further experience in the SHL.
A contract to the end of November, with an option through the season, gives Kloten cover for the current absences while retaining flexibility. Schödler highlighted Luoto’s physical presence, shot and work around the net, attributes that could help him settle quickly into the line-up.
Why It Matters
For Kloten, the addition strengthens forward depth while two imports are sidelined. For Luoto, it is an opportunity to return to the National League after beginning the season without a club; his previous record with SC Bern gives him a proven background in the competition.
Mini Q&A
How long is Joona Luoto’s contract with EHC Kloten?
Luoto is signed until the end of November, with an option to extend his contract until the end of the season.
Why did Kloten sign Luoto?
Kloten signed Luoto to compensate for injury-related absences among their imports; Brandon Gignac (elbow) and Pontus Åberg (upper body) are both sidelined, leaving only four of six imports available.
What recent experience does Luoto bring?
Luoto played 52 games for SC Bern in 2023-24, scoring 20 goals and 10 assists, then moved to HV71 in the SHL before spending this season without a team.
What did Kloten’s manager say about Luoto?
Team manager Ricardo Schödler said:” With Joona Luoto, we are getting a physically strong player who makes his presence felt, has a good shot, and is particularly strong around the net.”
What Comes Next
Contract checkpoint: Luoto’s deal runs until the end of November; the club holds an option to extend the contract until the end of the season, which will require a decision before or at that deadline.