Men's Ice Hockey | November 01, 2016

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan sophomore defenseman Oliwer Kaski has signed with HIFK (Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna, Helsingfors) of the Finnish Elite League. 

Kaski leaves WMU after playing in 32 career games, scoring four goals and adding eight assists for 12 points. The Pori, Finland, native appeared in one game in the 2016-17 season. 

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity I got here," said Kaski. "I think I became a better player here and would not have had this opportunity if not for my time as a Bronco. I'd like to thank head coach Andy Murray and my teammates for making this place feel like home for the past year."

Kaski made his collegiate debut in a 1-1 tie at Ferris State on Oct. 10, 2015. In doing so he became the first Finnish national to play for Western Michigan. 

"We are very happy for Oliwer," said Murray. "It's a tremendous opportunity for him with one of the top professional hockey teams in Finland. It's a chance for him to go home and to also continue his college education in Helsinki."

Kaski is the seventh Bronco defenseman to sign a professional hockey contract during Murray's tenure at Western Michigan, joining Kenney Morrison, Jordan Oesterle, Dennis Brown, Luke Witkowski, Danny DeKeyser and Matt Tennyson.  
Western Michigan is back in action hosting National Collegiate Hockey Conference rivals Miami on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-4-WMUTIX and online at wmubroncos.com.