Finnish centre Jarkko Immonen, whose pro career spanned over two decades across eight pro teams in four countries, today announced his retirement from the sport at age 42, following the conclusion of the 2023-24 Finnish Liiga season.

Coming up through the SaPKo system of the Finnish second tier, Immonen made his Liiga debut with Ässät in 2001, spending his next three seasons with JYP before trying his hand in the NHL following the 2004-05 lockout. Immonen spent two seasons in the New York Rangers system before returning to JYP in 2007, spending two seasons and capturing the 2009 Liiga title before moving to the KHL. Immonen would split six seasons between Kazan and Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL, winning the 2010 Gagarin Cup with Ak Bars, before moving to Zug of the Swiss League for two seasons in 2015, returning to the Liiga for good in 2017. He would spend another four seasons with JYP, capturing the Champions Hockey League title in 2018, before ending his career with Jukurit for his final three pro seasons.

From the South Savo region of Finland, Immonen debuted for the Leijonat at the 2000 Under-18 Championships, debuting at the World Juniors in 2002, capturing Bronze. He would not make his senior debut until his return to the Liiga in 2009, debuting at his first of six (2009-12, 2014-15) World Championships, capturing Gold in 2011 and Bronze in 2014. Immonen would also medal at both of his Olympic appearances, capturing Bronze at both the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Games, and competed on nine Euro Hockey Tour circuits, playing as part of the 2004, 2010 and 2014 winning squads.

Over his career, Immonen captured the IHLC seven times in total, first at the 2002 World Juniors, and lastly at the 2014 World Championship. We wish Jarkko and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: MTV – IIHF – HHOF – IOC