Defenseman Les Lancaster has signed a one-year contract extension to remain at Ilves until spring 2024.
Les Lancaster has recorded 22 points (8 goals, 14 assists) in 28 Liiga games and three assists in six CHL games in his second season at Ilves. The 27-yeard old American holds the third place in points scored among the league’s defensemen.
Last season Lancaster scored 35 points (9 goals, 26 assists) in 57 regular season, finished fourth in points scored among the league’s defenseman and won bronze with Ilves.
– Les Lancaster’s contract extension is a great thing for the club and the league. He is a very dynamic defenseman who brings huge added value into our game night after night. We know exactly what we get with Les, says Ilves sports director Timo Koskela.
– Les’s offensive skills are world class. He has an excellent shot and game vision, he moves the puck extremely well and can support the attacks without the puck or lead the rushes with the puck when the opportunity knocks. Les has also taken huge steps in his defensive play during his seasons at Ilves. Les Lancaster is an important part of our team next season as well, and we are very happy about his contract extension.
Watch Lancaster’s interview on YouTube
Contract situation for the 2023–2024 season
Goaltenders (1)
Jakub Málek 2024+1
Defensemen (6 + 2 options)
Karri Aho 2023+1, Santeri Airola 2023+1, Otto Heinonen 2024, Veeti Hietaniemi 2024+1, Otto Latvala 2024+1, Les Lancaster 2024, Jarkko Parikka 2025, Tuomas Salmela 2024
Forwards (9 + 4 options)
Samu Bau 2024+1, Nikolai Hakala 2023+1, Joona Ikonen 2024, Emil Järventie 2024+1, Joona Korhonen 2023+1, Jakub Kos 2023+1, Panu Mieho 2024, Matias Mäntykivi 2024, Jani Nyman 2024, Eetu Päkkilä 2024, Miro Ruokonen 2024+1, Aku Räty 2024, Tommi Tikka 2023+1
