Former SHL defenseman Filip Westerlund has agreed to join Kladno in the Czech Extraliga. The 27-year-old leaves KalPa after one season in Finland.
Westerlund, who has played for Frölunda, Timrå and HV71 in the SHL, won the Champions Hockey League with Frölunda and became champion once with KalPa. Last season he recorded 29 points in 59 games for KalPa and led the team's defensemen in scoring. He described the move as an opportunity to experience Czech hockey, noting that contacts in the league had praised its rising level. Kladno sports chief Tomas Plekanec said the club was pleased to secure the right-shot defenseman, who offers reliability in his own zone and contributes offensively. Westerlund is expected to be an important part of the team next season.