SC Bern Secures Contract Extensions for NHL Veterans
SC Bern, a prominent team in the National League, revealed on their website this Wednesday that they have secured contract extensions for two former NHL athletes. Finnish forward Waltteri Merelä, aged 29, has agreed to a two-year deal, while Swedish defenseman Anton Lindholm, 30, will remain with the club for an additional year.
Player Performance and Contributions
Both players joined SC Bern at the start of the 2024-25 season. During their inaugural campaign, Merelä showcased remarkable talent, amassing 51 points over 59 games, which included both regular-season and playoff performances. In contrast, Lindholm’s season was marred by injury, limiting him to just 20 games where he contributed five points and accumulated 10 penalty minutes.
As the current season progresses, both players have made their mark by collectively netting three points in Bern’s first four games. Team General Manager Diego Piceci praised Merelä, highlighting him as a pivotal leader due to his scoring abilities and dedication to the team. Regarding Lindholm, Piceci expressed satisfaction with the player’s commitment and acknowledged his significant role in the team’s structure.
Player Backgrounds
Merelä’s journey to professional hockey began in Finland, where he played for teams like the Lahti Pelicans and Tappara Tampere before making his international debut with Finland in the 2023 IIHF World Championship, where he scored in a singular appearance. After a brief stint in North America, where he played for both the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and their AHL affiliate, Syracuse Crunch, Merelä opted for a move to Bern, joining a growing list of Finnish players choosing to compete in the Swiss league.
In contrast, Lindholm, a product of Skellefteå AIK, was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He accumulated five points and 16 penalty minutes during his time in 55 NHL games and demonstrated his scoring prowess with 28 points across 84 AHL games. Before heading to SC Bern, Lindholm had also ventured into the KHL with Dinamo Minsk and played in Sweden for Leksands IF. On the international stage, he has represented Sweden in three World Championships.
SC Bern’s Roster Enhancements
SC Bern’s roster is further bolstered by other former NHL players, including Emil Bemström, Joël Vermin, and Simon Moser. Recently, on Friday, the Swiss Club announced another signing, bringing in Swedish forward Emil Bemström for a one-year deal.
