In an internal player transfer within the SM-liiga, 33-year-old defender Samuli Piipponen has moved from Vaasan Sport to Porin Ässät on a loan that will last for the remainder of the season. Piipponen, who stands at 192 cm, has played 33 league games this season, accumulating scores of 2+5=7. The move is seen as a strategic enhancement for Ässät as they bolster their defense for the crucial remaining matches of the season.

Ässät's sports director, Jarno Kultanen, expressed satisfaction with the transfer, highlighting that Piipponen's experience and physical play will provide additional strength during the most challenging games ahead. The team has been actively searching for a defender for several weeks, and securing Piipponen is viewed as a significant achievement. His previous experience includes winning the Finnish championship in spring 2021 while playing for Rauman Lukko.

Piipponen himself has a positive outlook on the remainder of the season, believing that Ässät will perform at its best during the playoff stage. He mentioned familiarity with a couple of players on the team and feels confident that he will fit well into Ässät's playing style, which is characterized by physicality and toughness. This transfer is seen as a crucial step for Ässät as they aim for a successful playoff run this year.