Story Summary
Julius Junttila, 35, has retired from playing, Kaleva reported. Junttila joined his youth-system club Kärpät on a contract for the remainder of last season, and that campaign became the final season of his career. He told Kaleva that the decision matured over the winter and that he does not regret it.
Key Facts
- Julius Junttila, 35, has retired from playing, reported by Kaleva.
- Junttila returned to his youth club Kärpät last season on an end-of-season contract signed in October.
- Last season with Kärpät was the final season of Junttila’s playing career.
- He won three Finnish championships with Kärpät in 2014, 2015 and 2018.
- In spring 2018 Junttila was selected both as the regular-season and the playoff best player.
- Junttila won SM-bronze with Kärpät in spring 2024.
- He spent the majority of his career playing in Oulu.
- Junttila played two seasons in Sweden’s SHL.
- He played in the KHL with HK Sibir Novosibirsk and with Jokerit.
- In the season before last he played in the Czech Extraliga.
- Junttila represented Finland at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Games.
IHM Discussion
Junttila’s retirement closes the career of a prominent Liiga forward whose best years were anchored to Kärpät. His career included a peak 2018 season in which he was selected as the best player in both the regular season and play-offs, alongside three Finnish championships and an Olympic appearance in Pyeongchang.
Why It Matters
For Kärpät the departure of a long-serving club youth product and three-time champion is notable for culture and continuity as much as for on-ice output. Junttila’s medals and 2018 MVP recognitions underline the standard he set at the club; his retirement marks the end of a career that bridged domestic titles, international play and several spells abroad.
Mini Q&A
Who has retired?
Julius Junttila, the 35-year-old forward, has retired from playing.
When and where was the retirement reported?
Kaleva reported the retirement on a Monday.
How did Junttila finish his career?
He finished his career with his youth-system club Kärpät after signing a contract for the remainder of the season in October; that season was his last.
What are the main highlights of his career?
Junttila won Finnish championships with Kärpät in 2014, 2015 and 2018, was named both regular-season and playoff best player in spring 2018, won SM-bronze with Kärpät in spring 2024 and represented Finland at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics.