Fife Flyers are delighted to announce the signing of Finnish defenceman Aleksi Mäkelä for the 2023/2024 season. Aleksi, a 30 year old 5’11” right-handed d-man has previously played for Kärpät from the Finnish city of Oulu, including in the championship-winning teams in 2015 and 2018. A Kiiminki native, Mäkelä spent last season at Italian top-flight team Ritten/Renon and now adds his extensive experience to Fife’s defensive corps.

Head coach Tom Coolen said “Aleksi brings 250 games from the highest Finnish level. He was recently an SMLiga champion with powerhouse Karpat as well as the European Champions League winner. I see Alexsi bringing his experience as a steady defender to our team, helping us in the defensive and transitional aspects of the game.”

Aleksi himself had this to say ahead of the season: “I would say I am a reliable, all-around defender. I can battle in front of the net and in corners, I am able to open up the game to the forwards and also join the rushes. For me this is a new, good challenge in my career. This is also a new adventure for me, my wife and our dog. We are already excited about our time in Kirkcaldy.”