The Art of Arttu to Ignite the Cornèr Arena

After announcing last Saturday the names of the foreign players who will not have their contracts renewed (Troy Josephs, Brett Connolly, and Kris Bennett), Hockey Club Lugano today announces the signing of 26-year-old Finnish center Arttu Ruotsalainen on a contract valid for the next two seasons.

Born on October 29, 1997, in Oulu, northern Finland, Ruotsalainen (175 cm, 84 kg, "left") will bring his speed, creativity, and talent to Lugano.

Developed in the prestigious youth system of Kärpät Oulu, Arttu represented his country in one U18 World Championship and one U20 World Championship, debuting in the Liiga at 18 with Ässät Pori.

His excellent performance first with Ässät Pori and later with Ilves Tampere (0.54 points per game) caught the attention of the Buffalo Sabres organization in 2020, who acquired his NHL rights.

Between 2020 and 2022, Ruotsalainen played 35 NHL games (10 points) and 80 AHL games (76 points) with the Rochester Americans.

Winner of a silver medal with four goals at the 2021 World Championship with Finland, Ruotsalainen then decided to return to Europe and continue his development in the National League, where last season he was a key player for Kloten. With 42 points (18 goals, 24 assists) in 52 games, he ranked among the Top 20 scorers in the regular season.

Arttu is now motivated to take another step forward in his career, taking to the ice at the Cornèr Arena.

These are the words of Hnat Domenichelli, GM of Hockey Club Lugano:
"Arttu is a center who plays with great passion. He's young but has already proven himself as a solid foreign player for the National League. We are very happy to have him on the team for the next two seasons."