Story Summary
SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers have extended the contract of Latvian goaltender Ivars Punnenovs. The agreement keeps the 32-year-old at the National League club until 2028 and includes an option for an additional year.
Punnenovs returned to Rapperswil-Jona in early 2024 for his second spell with the Lakers. This autumn, he has made ten appearances, recording a 3.14 goals-against average and an.885 save percentage.
Key Facts
- Ivars Punnenovs has signed an extension with SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers through 2028, with an option for one further year.
- The 32-year-old Latvian goaltender has been in his second stint with Rapperswil-Jona since early 2024.
- Punnenovs made his top-flight debut with the Lakers during the 2013-14 season.
- He has played 360 games at the highest level for Rapperswil-Jona, the SCL Tigers and Lausanne HC.
- Punnenovs has made ten appearances this autumn, posting a 3.14 goals-against average and an.885 save percentage.
IHM Discussion
The extension removes Punnenovs from the group of players approaching the end of their contracts and gives Rapperswil-Jona a longer-term commitment from an experienced National League goaltender.
Punnenovs’ career has included spells with the Lakers, the SCL Tigers and Lausanne HC, while his return to Rapperswil-Jona has now developed into a multi-year arrangement. Team manager Claudio Cadonau pointed to both his consistency and his calm presence within the squad when explaining the decision.
Why It Matters
Goaltending continuity carries particular value over a long National League season, and the Lakers have chosen to retain a netminder with substantial experience at this level. Punnenovs has reached 360 top-flight appearances and already knows the organisation from two separate spells.
His current figures provide the immediate backdrop to the agreement: ten appearances this autumn, a 3.14 goals-against average and an.885 save percentage. The new contract establishes his place with Rapperswil-Jona beyond the current deal.
Mini Q&A
How long is Ivars Punnenovs under contract with Rapperswil-Jona?
His new contract runs until 2028 and includes an option for one additional year.
What are Punnenovs’ statistics this autumn?
In ten appearances, he has posted a 3.14 goals-against average and an.885 save percentage.
What Comes Next
Punnenovs is contracted to Rapperswil-Jona until 2028, while the club holds an option for an additional season.