Genève-Servette is pleased to announce the signing of Finnish international defender Vili Saarijärvi! Aged 27, he will join the Eagles next season for a period of two years.
Genève-Servette achieves a big coup with the arrival of Vili Saarijärvi! The Finnish defender, considered one of the best in Switzerland, signed a two-year contract with the Club, until the end of the 2026-2027 season. Arriving at Langnau in 2022, he scored 89 points (21 goals and 68 assists) in 122 championship games. During the 2023-2024 season, he was voted best defender in the country by coaches and captains. That same year, he experienced his first major international competition, being selected for the world championship with the Finnish national team.
Before arriving in Switzerland, Vili Saarijärvi completed his junior training in North America, playing in the OHL and ECHL. Drafted in the 3rd round (73rd pick) by the Detroit Red Wings, he unfortunately never had a chance in the NHL and had to settle for the AHL. He returned to Finland in 2020, where he had two exceptional seasons with Lukko Rauma: twice selected for the All-Star team, voted best defender in Liiga, and crowned Finnish champion. During the 2021-2022 season, he finished as the top scorer among defenders with 19 goals and 27 assists (46 points) in 59 games.
Vili Saarijärvi will wear the Garnet jersey for the next two seasons, and the GSHC is delighted to see him play at Les Vernets.
Marc Gautschi: “We are happy to announce that Vili, one of the best defenders in our league, will join us next season. With his excellent offensive skills and remarkable skating, he will undoubtedly be one of the leaders of our offensive game. In addition, he will be in his prime for a defender, which confirms our choice. We are convinced that he will greatly contribute to our success. »
Swiss
