Jere Innala

Jere Innala (born 17 March 1998) is a Finnish professional ice hockey player for HC Lugano in the National League (NL) and the Finnish national team.

Playing career On 7 May 2022, Innala left the Finnish Liiga after six seasons between HPK and HIFK to join Swedish club, Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), on a two-year contract.

In the 2022–23 season, Innala made an immediate impact with the Indians, contributing offensively with 10 goals and 26 points through 52 regular-season games. In helping Frölunda return to the playoffs, Innala collected 5 points through 10 postseason games.

Returning for his second year with Frölunda in 2023–24, Innala initially increased his scoring pace, collecting 8 points through the first 8 games before suffering an injury. He was re-signed to an improved two-year contract extension on 9 November 2023, and in returning to the lineup, posted 16 goals and 28 points through 42 regular-season games. In 14 playoff games, Innala added 15 points to lead the SHL skaters in goals and points before the Indians fell in Game 7 of the SHL semifinals to eventual champions Skellefteå AIK.

On 13 June 2024, Innala activated an NHL out-clause in his contract with Frölunda HC, after securing his first contract in North America by signing a one-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche. After attending his first training camp in North America, Innala was reassigned by the Avalanche to begin the season with AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. Innala was later recalled and made his NHL debut on December 21, during Colorado's 4–2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Throughout the season, Innala in a limited fourth-line role went scoreless through 17 games with the Avalanche.

On 5 June 2025, as a pending restricted free agent with the Avalanche, Innala opted to resume his European career by agreeing to return to his former club, Frölunda HC of the SHL, on a one-year deal. In the 2025–26 season, Innala regained his scoring touch in leading the club and team in scoring with 22 goals and 40 points through 48 regular season games. Before the conclusion of the season, Innala was announced to have signed a two-year contract from 2026 to join Swiss club, HC Lugano of the NL, on 11 March 2026.

International play

Innala represented Finland at the 2021, 2022 and 2024 IIHF World Championship.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2015–16 HPK Jr. A 4018173520 70114 2016–17 HPK Jr. A 3217143124 93254 2016–17 HPK Liiga 293254 10000 2016–17 LeKi Mestis 10000 ————— 2017–18 HPK Liiga 4847116 ————— 2017–18 LeKi Mestis 20000 ————— 2017–18 HPK Jr. A ————— 50330 2018–19 HPK Liiga 6024214516 1829114 2019–20 HPK Liiga 5717183514 ————— 2020–21 HPK Liiga 4220173742 ————— 2021–22 HIFK Liiga 5418304830 63582 2022–23 Frölunda HC SHL 5210162614 102350 2023–24 Frölunda HC SHL 4216122814 14114158 2024–25 Colorado Eagles AHL 4317112814 ————— 2024–25 Colorado Avalanche NHL 170002 ————— 2025–26 Frölunda HC SHL 4822184016 62136Liiga totals 2908695181112 25514196SHL totals 14248469444 301582314NHL totals 170002 —————

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2018 Finland WJC 6th 5 0 0 0 0 2021 Finland WC 10 2 3 5 2 2022 Finland WC 4 0 1 1 2 2024 Finland WC 8th 8 2 3 5 0 Junior totals 5 0 0 0 0 Senior totals 22 4 7 11 4