Kari Eloranta

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameKari Pekka•Eloranta
Used nameKari•Eloranta
Nick/petnamesPiri
Born29 February 1956 in Lahti, Päijät-Häme (FIN)
Measurements187 cm / 89 kg
AffiliationsLeksands IF, Leksand (SWE) / HC Lugano, Lugano (SUI) / Rögle BK, Ängelholm (SWE)
NOC Finland
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Kari Eloranta began his hockey career in 1974 with Reipas Lahti and played with them until 1978. Eloranta then played three seasons in Sweden with Leksands IF, before playing four seasons in NHL, one with the St. Louis Blues and three with the Calgary Flames. In 1985 Eloranta returned to Europe and played two seasons in Sweden with HV71. In 1985 he was selected as the MVP of the Elitserien. From 1987-90 Eloranta played with HC Lugano and then spent one season with Reipas Lahti, before returning to Sweden in 1991, where he played with Rögle BK until 1995. Eloranta finished his career with Reipas Lahti (changed name to Pelicans Lahti in 1996) in 1995-97. Internationally Eloranta won Olympic silver in 1988 and European Championships bronze in 1986. He also played with the Finnish 1980 and 1992 Winter Olympic teams and the Finnish 1979, 1981 and 1989 World Championships teams. After finishing his playing career, Eloranta worked as an ice hockey coach. From 1996-2002 he was the head coach of Pelicans Lahti. From 2002-05 and 2007 Eloranta coached Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in Switzerland, from 2005-06 he coached Ilves Tampere, in 2008 he coached Mora IK (Sweden), and in 2008 he became the head coach of Heinolan Kiekko.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1980 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey (Ice Hockey) FIN Kari Eloranta
Ice Hockey, Men (Olympic) Finland 4
1988 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey (Ice Hockey) FIN Kari Eloranta
Ice Hockey, Men (Olympic) Finland 2 Silver
1992 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey (Ice Hockey) FIN Kari Eloranta
Ice Hockey, Men (Olympic) Finland 7

Special Notes