Jere Innala

Jere Innala
Born (1998-03-17) 17 March 1998 (age 26)
Hämeenlinna, Finland
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 183 lb (83 kg; 13 st 1 lb)
Position Left wing
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 Colorado Avalanche
HPK
HIFK
Frölunda HC
National team  Finland
NHL draft Undrafted
Playing career 2017–present

Jere Innala (born 17 March 1998) is a Finnish professional ice hockey player for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Finnish national team.[1]

Playing career

On 7 May 2022, Innala left the Finnish Liiga after six seasons between HPK and HIFK to join Swedish club, Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), on a two-year contract.[2]

In the 2022–23 season, Innala made an immediate impact with the Indians, contributing offensively with 10 goals and 26 points through 52 regular season games. In helping Frölunda return to the playoffs, Innala collected 5 points through 10 post-season games.

Returning for his second year with Frölunda in 2023–24, Innala initially increased his scoring pace collecting 8 points through the first 8 games before suffering an injury. He was re-signed to an improved two-year contract extension on 9 November 2023, and in returning to the lineup posted 16 goals and 28 points through 42 regular season games.[3] In 14 playoff games, Innala added 15 points to lead the SHL skaters in goals and points before the Indians fell in Game 7 of the SHL semifinals to eventual champions Skellefteå AIK.

On 13 June 2024, Innala activated an NHL out-clause in his contract with Frölunda HC, after securing his first contract in North America by signing a one-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche.[4] Innala made his NHL debut on December 21, during Colorado's 4–2 win over the Anaheim Ducks.[5]

International play

Medal record
Representing  Finland
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2022 Finland
Silver medal – second place 2021 Latvia

Innala represented Finland at the 2021, 2022 and 2024 IIHF World Championship.[6][7]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2015–16 HPK Jr. A 40 18 17 35 20 7 0 1 1 4
2016–17 HPK Jr. A 32 17 14 31 24 9 3 2 5 4
2016–17 HPK Liiga 29 3 2 5 4 1 0 0 0 0
2016–17 LeKi Mestis 1 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2017–18 HPK Liiga 48 4 7 11 6 — — — — —
2017–18 LeKi Mestis 2 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2017–18 HPK Jr. A — — — — — 5 0 3 3 0
2018–19 HPK Liiga 60 24 21 45 16 18 2 9 11 4
2019–20 HPK Liiga 57 17 18 35 14 — — — — —
2020–21 HPK Liiga 42 20 17 37 42 — — — — —
2021–22 HIFK Liiga 54 18 30 48 30 6 3 5 8 2
2022–23 Frölunda HC SHL 52 10 16 26 14 10 2 3 5 0
2023–24 Frölunda HC SHL 42 16 12 28 14 14 11 4 15 8
Liiga totals 290 86 95 181 112 25 5 14 19 6
SHL totals 94 26 28 54 28 24 13 7 20 8

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2018 Finland WJC 6th 5 0 0 0 0
2021 Finland WC 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 10 2 3 5 2
2022 Finland WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 4 0 1 1 2
2024 Finland WC 8th 8 2 3 5 0
Junior totals 5 0 0 0 0
Senior totals 22 4 7 11 4

References

  1. ^ "Leijonien MM-joukkue valittu – MM-kisat alkavat ensi perjantaina" (in Finnish). leijonat.fi. 15 May 2021.
  2. ^ "Innala from Finland signs with Frolunda" (in Swedish). Frölunda HC. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Yay, Jere stops!" (in Swedish). Frölunda HC. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Avalanche sign Innala". Colorado Avalanche. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  5. ^ Curtis, Bailey (December 21, 2024). "Avalanche Prospect Makes NHL Debut in Mighty Win Against the Ducks". The Hockey News. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  6. ^ "Team Roster Finland" (PDF). iihf.com. 15 August 2021.
  7. ^ "Player Statistics Finland" (PDF). iihf.com. 15 August 2021.
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