(Greater Sudbury, ON) The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce that Finnish defenceman, Kalle Loponen has committed to the hockey club and will arrive in Sudbury later this month following his participation at the Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp.

“We are excited that Kalle has been able come to the OHL and to Sudbury,” said Rob Papineau, Sudbury Wolves VP Hockey Operations and General Manager. “It was a cooperative effort between all parties to get this to happen with the best interest of the player at the top of everyone’s mind. I would like to thank his agent Janne Lahti as well as the support received from his home team Karpat Oulu and their GM Harri Aho. Also, the professionalism and support from Kyle Dubas and Scott Pellerin and everyone with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization was excellent.”

“I am very happy about the chance to play for the Sudbury Wolves,” said Loponen. “My decision was easy because I have heard nothing but great things from Ukko. I am looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd and to have the awesome feeling of playing on the Wolves home ice. I would also like to thank my hometown team Karpat Oulu for giving me the chance to play in the OHL for the Wolves,” he added.

“Kalle is a strong skater and a good puck moving defenseman who can step right into our lineup and be a key player for us this season. He plays a two-way game and has strong offensive instincts and a great shot,” added Papineau.

Loponen, 18, was selected by the Wolves in the 2nd round of the 2019 CHL Import Draft, 101st overall this past summer. He was also selected in the 7th round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft Pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Fans will get their first chance to see Loponen in the line-up on September 27th when the Wolves host the North Bay Battalion at 7:05pm for their 2019-20 home opener. It’s time to Run with the Pack! Season Tickets are on-sale now. Contact the Wolves Office for more information.