Story Summary
Kladno have announced a one-year contract extension for Finnish forward Niko Ojamäki, retaining their leading scorer for next season. The 31-year-old is the fourth player confirmed by the club for the coming campaign during the international break, following Jakub Konečný, Griffin Mendel and Daniel Audette.
Ojamäki has made a strong start to his second season with the Knights. Despite missing two games, he leads Kladno with 17 points from 10 goals and seven assists, while his 10 goals make him the second-highest scorer in the Tipsport Extraliga. Kladno sit third in the league table.
The forward said continuing with the club was an easy decision after the progress made by the organisation and team over the past year. He also pointed to the positive experience of his family in Kladno and his desire to help the side pursue success.
Key Facts
- Kladno have signed Finnish forward Niko Ojamäki to a new one-year contract for next season.
- Ojamäki is 31 and is in his second season with Kladno.
- He leads Kladno with 17 points, including 10 goals and seven assists, despite missing two games.
- Ojamäki is the second-highest goalscorer in the Tipsport Extraliga.
- Kladno are third in the Tipsport Extraliga table.
- Ojamäki recorded 29 points, with 13 goals and 16 assists, in the previous season.
- Jakub Konečný, Griffin Mendel and Daniel Audette had already signed for Kladno for the coming season.
- Sporting director Tomáš Plekanec said Ojamäki has regularly demonstrated his importance to the team.
IHM Discussion
This is a significant early piece of Kladno’s planning. Ojamäki’s production has been substantial in both of his seasons at the club, and the extension keeps together a productive connection with Audette, his Finnish-Canadian team-mate who also arrived from Kloten last summer.
The timing is notable as well. With the current campaign not yet halfway complete, Kladno have moved quickly to establish part of next season’s group. Ojamäki’s willingness to remain was clear in his comments, while Plekanec stressed that the agreement was reached swiftly. For a side currently near the top of the standings, retaining its leading points producer removes one major decision from the off-season agenda.
Why It Matters
Ojamäki supplies both finishing and playmaking from the forward group. His 10 goals account for the larger share of his 17 points, but the seven assists underline a broader offensive contribution. Keeping that output in place gives Kladno continuity as the club continues to build its squad for next season.
The deal also follows extensions for Konečný, Mendel and Audette. Those announcements do not define the full roster, but they show Kladno are acting early to retain players they want to carry forward.
Mini Q&A
How long is Niko Ojamäki’s new Kladno contract?
Ojamäki has signed a one-year extension that will keep him at Kladno for next season.
What are Ojamäki’s statistics this season?
He has 17 points from 10 goals and seven assists, having missed two games.
Why is the extension important for Kladno?
Ojamäki is Kladno’s leading scorer and the second-highest goalscorer in the Tipsport Extraliga.
Coach Mark Comment
Missing two games and still leading Kladno in scoring gives this extension its weight. Ojamäki has not merely supplied a few early goals; he has remained at the centre of the club’s offence while Kladno have climbed to third place.
The one-year agreement suits what both sides have seen so far. Kladno keep a forward producing in his second season, and Ojamäki stays in an environment he says works for both his hockey and family life. That is a sound bit of continuity to settle before the season’s bigger games arrive.
What Comes Next
Ojamäki is contracted to remain with Kladno for next season, alongside fellow extension signings Konečný, Mendel and Audette.
IHM Final View
Kladno have held on to a player who has been central to their current position in the Tipsport Extraliga. Ojamäki’s scoring record, previous-season production and stated desire to stay made this a logical extension, and it gives the club a valuable measure of certainty for next season.