Vesa Viitakoski’s experience and versatility are at Kärpät’s disposal now. The big and strong forward plays well both in offence and in defence and isn’t afraid of physical battles. Viitakoski is an overall good player. He has got a significant career in the National Team as well. Viitakoski will surely get lots of responsibility when being played shorthanded or during power play.

This Ilves-icon’s inborn leadership makes him a valuable team player. The 38-year-old forward works hard and shows a good example for the younger players in trainings.

Last season Viitakoski achieved the limit of 700 games in the Finnish National League. He has played 58 playoff-games. Viitakoski has won one silver medal (1998) and one bronze medal (2001) in Ilves. Viitakoski has played ten seasons in Ilves and he has been leading the team’s statistics for years. Last season he scored 26 points (14+12). During season 2001-2002 Viitakoski scored his best points so far: 34+26=60. That year he was the best goal scorer in the whole league and he also won the Gentleman player prize.

Viitakoski has also played over 100 games in Elitserien in HV 71 during season 1996-1997 and in Brynäs during season 2004-2006. He started his professional career in SaiPa and he has represented Finland in the World Championship tournament three times. From Prague’s tournament in 1992 Viitakoski returned home with a silvery medal. He has played 98 National games. Between 1993 and 1996 Viitakoski played 23 NHL games in Calgary and 181 AHL games.