Ilves to Send Players on One-at-a-Time Loans to Imatran Ketterä in 2026–27
Ilves has agreed a player-loan cooperation with Imatran Ketterä for the 2026–27 season, generally sending one player at a time on loan to give less-used players more game minutes and development opportunities.
Tampere's Ilves has agreed a player-loan cooperation with Imatran Ketterä for the 2026–27 season, initially running until the Liiga–Mestis transfer deadline. Under the agreement Ilves will generally send one player at a time to Ketterä on loan to give those receiving less ice time opportunities for game minutes, added responsibility and higher-quality team training. The aim is to accelerate development.
Ilves sports director Timo Koskela said the arrangement safeguards squad depth for a long Liiga season and the club's planned participation in the Spengler Cup, while maintaining internal competition and consideration for the U20 side. Ilves earlier unveiled the expanded 17-team Liiga schedule and confirmed its Spengler Cup return this summer when it published the expanded season calendar and during its season launch that announced the club's Spengler Cup plans.
Ketterä CEO Carlo Grünn praised the arrangement as a clear, quality-focused concept that benefits both clubs. The deal reflects tighter loan rules between Liiga and Mestis this season; once the transfer window closes late in the regular season, Ilves and Ketterä will discuss any subsequent player movement separately.
Earlier coverage
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