Jouni Loponen

Jouni Loponen (b. July 1st 1971 in Oulu, Finland) is a retired professional defenceman.

After playing eight games with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL in 1988-89, Loponen returned to his home country to play for the junior and B squad of Kärpät Oulu. In 1994-95, Loponen made his pro debuts with JYP Jyväskylä of the SM-Liiga.

After two seasons in Jyväskylä and two others with HV 71 of the Elitserien, Loponen joined TPS Turku in 1998-99. It turned out to be an excellent move, since that's where he enjoyed his best seasons. In 2000-01, he posted a league-high +28, while being named the league's best defenceman and to the all-star team. He was SM-Liiga Player of the Month of March 2001.

Following this stellar season, Loponen returned to HV 71 where he spent 4 seasons. He joined Kärpät Oulu in 2005 and the Herning Blue Foxes in 2007-08. He retired after the season.