Finnish forward Miro Aaltonen, 31, has been suspended indefinitely from playing hockey in Switzerland pending an investigation for a doping violation, the National League announced on Friday.

On Saturday, EHC Kloten announced that the club and Aaltonen had mutually agreed to terminate the remainder of his contract, which was due to expire at the end of this season. Aaltonen has already signed a two-year contract to play for SC Bern beginning next season.

“During the break before Christmas 2024, I was in a nightclub and apparently used a substance for recreational purposes that does not improve performance, but is prohibited in sports,” Aaltonen told Finnish news agency STT, according to Ilta-Sanomat. “I am seeking professional help for the situation and will face the consequences of my actions. I want to return to my profession as soon as I am allowed to. I sincerely apologize for my actions to my loved ones, the Kloten organization, the fans and my teammates.”

On Saturday, EHC Kloten announced that Aaltonen’s contract had been terminated. Aaltonen currently leads sixth-place Kloten in scoring with 35 points in 36 games.

“After his potential violation of the anti-doping regulations became known, Miro Aaltonen and the club management had a respectful and open exchange, during which we jointly decided on this measure,” the club’s statement reads. “The player was keen to support the club as best as possible in being able to concentrate on the sport again as quickly as possible.”

“I would like to formally apologize to our fans, my teammates, and the entire club and its employees,” Aaltonen is quoted in the club’s announcement. “It was important for me to accept the consequences of my actions.”

There has not yet been any public reaction from SC Bern, the club that signed Aaltonen to a two-year contract in December, that is due to begin in 2025 and end in 2027. In Switzerland, signing with another team while still under contract is legal and very common.

Aaltonen was chosen in the sixth round, 177th overall, by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2013-14 NHL Entry Draft. Four years later, he signed an entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs and spent the 2017-18 with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. With 56 points in 84 regular-season and playoff games, Aaltonen helped the Marlies to the Calder Cup championship.

Aaltonen has also played professionally in Finland for the now-defunct Espoo Blues and in the KHL for Vityaz Podolsk and SKA St. Petersburg. Aaltonen had played for Kloten since 2021 prior to the latest events.

Internationally, Aaltonen represented Finland at one IIHF U-18 World Championship, two World Junior Championships, the 2017 World Championship and the 2022 Winter Olympics. In Beijing, Aaltonen had four points in six games, helping Finland win its first-ever Olympic gold medal in ice hockey.  

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