The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze are delighted to announce the signing of Finnish defenceman Jere Vertanen, completing the club’s roster for the 2025/26 Elite League season.
The 26-year-old joins the Blaze after an impressive campaign in Poland with Unia Oswiecim, where he registered 32 points (seven goals, 25 assists) in 33 regular season games and added a further six points (three goals, three assists) in 11 playoff appearances. Vertanen also showcased his ability in the Champions Hockey League, scoring three points (one goal, two assists) in five games.
Standing at 6’5”, Vertanen is a commanding presence on the blue line with a powerful shot. Before his move to Poland, he spent four seasons in Finland’s Mestis, where he built a reputation as one of the league’s top offensive defencemen.
His standout year came in 2021/22, when he helped Ketterä to the Mestis Championship, contributing 35 points (eight goals, 27 assists) in 47 regular season games and a league-leading 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 17 playoff games. That same season, he was named to the Mestis Second All-Star Team, led all defencemen in playoff goals, assists, and points, won the Suomen Cup, and earned a call-up to the Liiga, icing twice for Kärpät.
Vertanen continued his strong form the following season, helping Ketterä reach the Playoff Final once again, where they secured a silver medal.
Across his Mestis career, Vertanen played 162 regular season games, producing 121 points (35 goals, 86 assists), along with 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) in 40 playoff appearances.
Head Coach Kevin Moore said, “Jere is a big, well-rounded defenceman. He skates well and uses his reach effectively in the defensive zone. Offensively, he’s a skilled passer who will help us play our up-tempo game. We’re excited to have him join us this season.”
Vertanen will wear #62 for Blaze in the 2025/26 Elite League season.
