Story Summary
Ässät have parted company with forwards Kasperi Ojantakanen and Axel Skinnari after both players’ arrangements with the Liiga club ended at the close of October.
The 31-year-old Ojantakanen joined Ässät on a fixed-term deal and made 15 appearances, recording one goal. Skinnari, 22, played 11 Liiga games without a point after the club opted not to continue the trial period included in his one-plus-one-year contract.
Jarno Kultanen thanked both players for their contribution while Ässät dealt with a difficult injury situation. Ojantakanen and Skinnari are now free to seek new clubs.
Key Facts
- Kasperi Ojantakanen made 15 appearances for Ässät and recorded one goal.
- Ojantakanen’s fixed-term contract with Ässät ended at the close of October.
- Axel Skinnari played 11 Liiga matches for Ässät without registering a point.
- Ässät did not exercise the option to continue Skinnari’s one-plus-one-year contract after its trial period ended at the close of October.
- Jarno Kultanen said Ojantakanen and Skinnari helped Ässät through a difficult run of injuries.
IHM Discussion
The two departures close brief chapters for players brought in during a demanding period for Ässät. Ojantakanen supplied one goal in 15 games, while Skinnari’s 11-game spell ended without a point. Their exits also reflect the different contract structures involved: Ojantakanen’s fixed-term agreement reached its end, while Ässät chose not to extend Skinnari beyond his trial period.
Kultanen’s comments place both spells in the context of injury cover. The club’s acknowledgement of their contribution is notable even as it moves on from the pair.
Why It Matters
Ässät lose two forward options at once, although both players were signed for short-term circumstances rather than as confirmed long-term fixtures. For Ojantakanen and Skinnari, free-agent status opens the door to a fresh opportunity elsewhere after limited Liiga action in Pori.