Jere Vertanen has found a new home.
The 26-year-old inked a one-year contract with the Coventry Blaze on Thursday [21 August], joining from Polish Hockey League side Unia Oświęcim.
“Jere is a big, well-rounded defenceman,” said Blaze head coach Kevin Moore.
“He skates well and uses his reach effectively in the defensive zone. Offensively, he’s a skilled passer who will help us play our up-tempo game. We’re excited to have him join us this season.”
Who is Coventry Blaze defenceman Jere Vertanen?
Vertanen arrives in the Elite League with five seasons of professional experience, which includes appearances in the Champions Hockey League, Polish Hockey League, and Finland’s second-tier Mestis.
The 6-foot-5 defenceman came through the ranks at JYP, spending seven seasons as part of the club’s junior development programme.
Vertanen made his senior debut in 2020-21, when he recorded 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in 31 Mestis appearances for Peliitat.
Moves to Ketterä and Jokerit followed, with the Jyväskylä native checking out of Mestis with 121 points (35 goals, 86 assists) in 162 games.
Vertanen spent last season in Poland with Unia Oświęcim, for whom he recorded 32 points (seven goals, 25 assists) in 33 league appearances.
He also scored three points (one goal, two assists) in five Champions League games.
Analysis: Coventry Blaze sign Finnish defenceman Jere Vertanen
Vertanen is Coventry’s final addition of the summer — and he was worth the wait.
At 6-foot-5 and 212lbs, he brings size and composure to the Blaze blueline, projecting as a reliable top-four option.
The Jyväskylä native is one of only two left-shot defencemen on the roster, strengthening his position at the top of Moore’s depth chart.
His skillset leans on sharp first passes and a disciplined defensive stick, allowing him to break up plays cleanly before transitioning the puck up ice.
Jere Vertanen, Coventry Blaze (Image: Jokerit)
Discipline is also a defining trait of Vertanen’s game.
He was assessed just one minor penalty across an entire season in Poland, underlining how effectively he uses positioning and reach to defend without overstepping the line.
With Connor Russell expected to partner Archie Hazeldine on the third pair, Vertanen will almost certainly slot into a leading role alongside Colton Saucerman or David Clements.
His steady presence should give the Blaze greater flexibility and stability as they prepare for the campaign ahead.
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