Erik Hämäläinen
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| Olympic medal record | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Ice Hockey | |||
| Bronze | Lillehammer 1994 | Team Competition | |
Erik Hämäläinen (born: April 20, 1965 in Rauma, Finland) is a Finnish Ice Hockey Player. Hämäläinen plays as Defenseman and is leftsided.
Contents |
[edit] Career in Finland
Erik Hämäläinen started his long Professional career in his Hometown team Rauman Lukko which played in the Finnish SM-Liiga. Hämäläinen debuted during 1982-1983 Season. Lukko was relegated from SM-Liiga after 82-83 season but they gained promotion by winning the I-Divisioona in 1984. Hämäläinen played for 6 Seasons (1982-1988) in Rauma. His last Lukko season was cut short with an injury which kept Hämäläinen sidelined for majority of the season. Hämäläinen moved to Kuopio and started to play for KaLPa. Hämäläinen stayed in KaLPa for 4 Seasons (1989-1992). After KaLPa Hämäläinen moved to play for Helsingin Jokerit in 1992. This time Hämäläinen stayed in Helsinki for 3 Seasons (1992-1995). During his time in Jokerit Hämäläinen won two Medals (gold and silver) to accompany his two silver medals from KaLPa and Lukko. Hämäläinen was also winning the European Bronze Medals with Jokerit during his First season in Jokerit.
[edit] Short Tenure in Sweden
After winning the World Championship with Finland in 1995 World Championships, Hämäläinen was acquired by AIK IF. Hämäläinen went on to play with the Swedish team for 3 Seasons (1995-1998).
[edit] First return to Finland
Hämäläinen returned from Sweden to a familiar place as he was contracted by Rauman Lukko. During his 3 Seasons (1998-2000) with Lukko Hämäläinen played twice in the playoffs yet failing to capture a place in the Finals.
[edit] Season in Switzerland
After 2000-2001 Hämäläinen moved to play for SC Langnau, a Swiss team. The Season with Langnau was somewhat disappointing and Hämäläinen returned to Finland.
[edit] Second Return to Finland
After disappointing Season in Switzerland Hämäläinen returned yet again to Rauma and its number one team Lukko. During the 2005-2006 Season Hämäläinen broke the record of most SM-liiga games played by playing his 865th game (Previous record: 864 by Pertti Lehtonen).
[edit] International Career
Although having played the most games in SM-Liiga history Hämäläinen has played "only" 108 games for his nation. Hämäläinen has played for Finland in 4 World Championship Tournaments to date (1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995) Hämäläinen also was part of the 1994 Ice Hockey Olympic team in Lillehammer. Hämäläinen has won 1 Gold (1995), 2 Silvers (1992, 1994) and 1 Olympic Bronze (1994).
| Preceded by Harri Laurila |
Winner of the Pekka Rautakallio trophy 1992-93 |
Succeeded by Petteri Nummelin |
| Preceded by Waltteri Immonen |
Winner of the Matti Keinonen trophy 1992-93 |
Succeeded by Alexander Smirnov |
