Niko Peltola agrees to two-year contract extension with Ilves. Playing his most productive season so far, Peltola’s new contract keeps him in Ilves until spring 2022.
Niko Peltola played 18 regular season games (0+6=6) with Ilves last season as he began that season with Ässät from Pori. During the post season he recorded four points (1+3=4) in seven games. As a part of his previous contract with Ilves, Peltola had an option to play abroad which he didn’t use.
Peltola has already broken his career-high in points this season as he has recorded 27 points (4+23=27) in 48 games. Currently, he is eight in points and ninth with a plus-18 rating among defensemen in Liiga. Peltola’s plus-minus rating is the second highest among Ilves players.
He began his career in Liiga with Ilves in 2010 and this season is Peltola’s sixth wearing the yellow and green jersey. He has also represented Jokerit, Sport and Ässät and has recorded 144 points (29+115=144) in 496 games in Liiga. In 24 post season games Peltola has recorded five points (1+4=5). In addition, Peltola has played 14 games in KHL and two games with the Finnish national team.
– The past year with Ilves has been great – I’ve enjoyed playing hockey and happy with my life here. We have a very good team and it’s great to continue my career here. We are constantly striving to develop and grow – the work ethic and culture within the organization is at proper level. I like the way the organization is going forward and towards success, says Niko Peltola.
– This season has been good, but there is room to improve. On a personal level, getting into scoresheet is a nice touch, but on my opinion the main way I can bring value to the team is by defending well and playing solid all-around game. The success in regular season has given me confidence. Also, the atmosphere inside the locker room builds confidence because everyone can come in as they are, he continues.
Peltola wants to give credit to fans as well.
– The crowd has found their way to Hakametsä and the support has been great throughout the season. I want to thank and show my appreciation to our fans. During my years playing for Ilves, I’ve seen the development of the fan base by the side of development of the whole organization, Peltola concludes.
Ilves’ sports director Timo Koskela is pleased with the contract extension and Niko Peltola’s contribution as an important member of the team.
– Niko is an important player for us. He plays a central role in our defense and is capable of playing big minutes at a high level and compete reliably against opponents’ best players. Niko is a versatile player who has the ability to play in different roles and make a difference in several ways. We are very happy that we reached an agreement, says Koskela.
With the addition of Peltola, Ilves has 21 contracts concerning the next season. In addition, four other players’ contracts include an option for the 2020-2021 season.
