The Lugano Hockey Club continues to consolidate its roster and announces the extension of its contract Aleksi Peltonen until the end of the 2026/27 season. The Bianconeri's decision comes after a season in which the Finnish striker has gradually gained playing time and trust within the team.

Born in Helsinki on June 8, 1998, Peltonen arrived at the Cornèr Arena during the 2023/24 season, joining his twin brother Jesper, who was already part of the Juventus squad. Since then, his sporting career in Ticino has shown gradual but steady growth.

Over the past few months, the Swiss-licensed forward has stood out for his intensity and reliability. He's gradually combined his traditional ability to work hard on the ice with greater offensive incisiveness, contributing five goals and six assists. While these numbers aren't necessarily a standout performance, they demonstrate the evolution of a player who is increasingly important to the team's balance.

A striker appreciated for his solidity and team spirit

Within the Lugano dressing room, Peltonen has built a reputation as a tireless and disciplined player, characteristics that have convinced the management to focus on him for the coming seasons as well.

The General Manager of the club, Janick Steinmann, underlined how the Finnish striker's path represents an example of progressive growth within Lugano's sporting project.

According to Steinmann, Peltonen has made "significant steps forward," demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic. These qualities have allowed him to carve out an increasingly defined role within the group.

Defender Harijs Cjunskis returns to Lugano

Alongside the renewal of the Finnish striker, the Ticino club also announced the signing of the young defender Harijs Cjunskis, who signed a three-year contract with the club.

Born on April 30, 2006, in Marupe, Latvia, Cjunskis is a 187-centimeter, 85-kilogram left-handed defenseman who grew up in the youth academy of Hockey Club Lugano. His athletic career began in the Juventus youth teams, where he played in the U15, U17, and U20 categories.

After his formative years in Ticino, the defender decided to continue his sporting development overseas, undertaking an experience in the North American youth leagues.

The experience in Canada between QMJHL and BCHL

During the 2024/25 season, Cjunskis played 71 games for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), one of Canada's top youth leagues. On that occasion, the young defenseman scored 15 points overall.

In the current championship he wore the shirt of Brooks Bandits, a team that plays in BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League), a league comprising twenty teams from British Columbia and Alberta. With the Canadian club, he collected 15 points in 34 games.

Alongside his club career, Cjunskis also gained experience with the Latvian youth national team, taking part in two editions of the Under 18 World Cup and two Under 20 world tournaments.

A prospect to watch in the new Juventus cycle

The return of the young defender represents an investment in Lugano's future, with the aim of gradually integrating a player who has grown up in the youth academy but has also benefited from an international education.

General Manager Steinmann emphasized how his time in Canada represented an important milestone in the player's development. According to the Juventus executive, Cjunskis has a significant physical build combined with good skating, qualities that could facilitate his integration into the first team.

The return to Lugano, after two seasons overseas, marks a new phase for the Latvian defender, who is now called upon to compete for a place on the Juventus roster.

With the renewal of Aleksi Peltonen and the arrival of Harijs Cjunskis, Hockey Club Lugano continues to build a roster that combines continuity and elements of perspective, keeping an eye on both the present and the development of the young talents who have grown up within its system.