Salmela joins Biel from the KHL's Dinamo Riga, where he played this past season. Prior to the year in Riga, the 33-year-old Finn was with Kunlun Red Star and Avangard Omsk (both KHL), Brynäs IF, Färjestadt BK, HV71 Jönköping and MODO Hockey (all SHL), as well as three seasons in North America in the organizations of the the New Jersey Devils and the Atlanta Thrashers (NHL), despite never being drafted. He started his career in his home country Finland, where he played for Liiga's Tappara Tampere and Lahti Pelicans.
The defenseman brings the experience of 112 NHL- and 42 AHL-games, as well as 134 KHL-, 159 SHL- and 254 Liiga-games.
Biel's team manager Martin Steinegger comments that Salmela is a offensively oriented defender and good skater. "With his experience and versatility, he will be an important part of our defence", Steinegger adds.
The club's chef scout Thomas Roost notes that the Finn is a well-rounded blueliner with a good shot who can be used in different roles. He also states that Salmela was Riga's best defenseman this past season.
With this signing, Biel has four import players on their roster.
Last Update: 05 June 2018, 11:13 AM | esi*Client Anssi Salmela has signed a one year deal with EHC Biel-Bienne in the swiss NLA! Congrats Buddy!!
— Filip Björk (@bjorkzy23) June 5, 2018
