Henri Kanninen becomes ESV Kaufbeuren's new ice hockey joker!

Henri Kanninen becomes ESV Kaufbeuren's new ice hockey joker!

A switch in the ice hockey world: Henri Kanninen is moving from EC Kassel Huskies to ESV Kaufbeuren. The 30-year-old Finnish center forward is the third contingent player signed for the upcoming 2025/26 season. The change once again shows the dynamic movements in German ice hockey, which are also characterized by numerous transfers from the clubs in the DEL2 and other leagues.

Kanninen has played in the DEL2 for the last three years, including for the Eispiren Crimmitschau and EC Bad Nauheim. Originally from Jyväskylä, Finland, he has many years of experience in the first and second Finnish leagues. He can also look back on considerable success: in 2018 he won the Champions Hockey League with JYP Jyväskylä and a year later he secured the championship in the highest Finnish league with HPK Hämeenlinna. With the Kassel Huskies he scored 31 points, including nine goals, in 30 main round games and eight playoff games.

A complete player for Kaufbeuren

With an appealing rate of 56.84 percent of face-offs won, Kanninen is valued at ESV Kaufbeuren not only as an offensive force, but also as a defensive player. Patrick Reimer, the ESVK's sporting director, describes him as a complete center forward who shines in all facets of the game. Together with Max Kislinger, a 27-year-old striker who is moving to Allgäu for the Lausitzer Füchse, he is expanding the team's variety of options. Kislinger can also play as a defenseman and had one goal and seven assists in 35 games last season.

Another interesting newcomer is D’Artagnan Joly, who follows his former coach Todd Warriner from the Tilburg Trappers. Joly scored 29 goals and 55 assists in 53 games last season and will certainly be an exciting addition to ESV Kaufbeuren's offensive forces.

The challenge of change

Kanninen is positive about his move. The conversations with Reimer and Warriner were crucial for him. He particularly emphasizes the challenges that Kaufbeuren presents for away teams and the anticipation of the support of the home fans. His commitment in Kassel ends with the termination of the contract, and Ryan Olsen will also leave the Huskies to move to Düsseldorfer EG.

This change is not only important for Kanninen, but also indicates a major change at the Kassel Huskies, who can look back on Ryan Olsen's 101 competitive games and 91 points, among other things. On the other hand, with a mix of experience and fresh talent, Kaufbeuren seems to be well positioned to fight for the top places in the table next season.

The upcoming season will be exciting in German ice hockey, especially due to the many new additions and their impact on the team dynamics. The leagues and their teams not only have to adapt to the new players, but also to the challenges they bring with them.

You can always find the developments in ice hockey and the latest transfers in the ice hockey transfer market, which is constantly updated to inform fans about the latest changes that can have a significant impact on the sport. As early as June 19, 2025, you will find a lot of information about the current squads and changes in the various leagues.