Vaananen enjoyed a hugely successful career with his national team, during his 18-year career as a professional player.

Vaananen made 140 appearances for his country, participating in seven International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships, as well as two Olympic Games.

The defender first earned a medal at the World Championships in 2001, when Finland fell to a 3-2 overtime defeat to the Czech Republic in Hannover.

He was then a member of the team in 2008 which won bronze in Canada, before earning the elusive world title three-years later in Slovakia, where they defeated Sweden 6-1 in the gold medal tie.

Vaananen competed at both Salt Lake City 2002 and Sochi 2014, winning an Olympic bronze in the latter as Finland defeated the United States 5-0 in the Bolshoy Ice Dome.

The 35-year-old has admitted that injuries have influenced his decision to retire from the sport, having only been able to feature on six occasions for the Finnish Kontinental Hockey League team Jokerit Helsinki last season.

“During the last two seasons I have been injured more than ever,” Vaananen said.

“The time has come to listen to my body and the doctors.

“My health doesn’t allow me to play top-level ice hockey and the level I demand from myself.”

As well as his success at international level, Vaananen played 479 matches in the National Hockey League, representing the Phoenix Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks.

He rejoined Jokerit Helsinki for the final six years of his career, having previously trained at the club as a junior.