Story Summary
Tappara began their Champions Hockey League campaign with a 6-3 victory over Czech side Bílí Tygři Liberec at Hakametsä. The match was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs and saw Aapeli Räsänen score three goals while Benjamin Rautiainen finished with three assists. Tappara took an early lead through Räsänen, but Liberec levelled late in the opening period with a shorthanded strike from Radam Lenc. The hosts regained control in the second period, with Räsänen and Vilho Vanhatalo converting power-play chances – Vanhatalo’s came from a Juha Metsola assist – and Tappara’s coaching staff successfully overturned a penalty call on Oliver Suvanto after review. In the third, Martin Faško-Rudáš pulled a goal back for Liberec, but Tappara replied through Suvanto and Juuso Nykänen. Adam Najman reduced the deficit for the visitors before Räsänen completed his hat-trick with the final goal of the night. The match featured physical play, heavy hits and a moment when a plexiglass holder was dislodged by a collision; the Finnish officiating team briefly sent the wrong player to the penalty bench before correcting the error.
Key Facts
- Tappara defeated Bílí Tygři Liberec 6-3 in their Champions Hockey League meeting.
- Aapeli Räsänen scored three goals (hat-trick) for Tappara.
- Benjamin Rautiainen recorded three assists in the match.
- The fixture at Hakametsä was the first encounter between the two clubs.
- Radam Lenc scored a shorthanded goal to level the game late in the first period.
- Vilho Vanhatalo scored on Tappara’s fourth power play with an assist from Juha Metsola.
- A plexiglass holder was knocked loose during the second period and required repair.
- The Finnish refereeing team initially sent the wrong visiting player to the penalty box, then corrected the mistake.
- Martin Faško-Rudáš and Adam Najman scored for Bílí Tygři Liberec.
- Radim Šimek, who has 200 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks on his record, was among the Czech side’s rostered players this season.
IHM Discussion
Tappara’s CHL opening-night win was driven by Aapeli Räsänen’s finishing and Benjamin Rautiainen’s three assists, alongside an early-season physical edge that produced errors and unusual moments. Räsänen’s hat-trick and Rautiainen’s playmaking led the hosts’ attack, while both sides showed some rust in a first period marked by heavy, clean hits.
Liberec brought familiar names for Finnish viewers: Filip Sandberg, Adam Najman and Jaromír Pytlík have played in Liiga, while Radim Šimek has 200 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks on his record. Lenc’s shorthanded goal and Faško-Rudáš’s breakaway strike showed the visitors could punish their chances.
The match also featured early-season disruption. Officials initially sent the wrong visiting player to the penalty box before correcting the mistake, while a displaced plexiglass holder interrupted play. Tappara stayed composed through those incidents, converting power-play opportunities and receiving timely goals from Oliver Suvanto and Juuso Nykänen.
Why It Matters
The result gives Tappara a winning start to their CHL campaign after their Liiga season began with a loss in Lappeenranta. Räsänen’s hat-trick and Rautiainen’s three assists were clear positives, while Tappara’s power-play goals helped decide the contest. For Liberec, the game came before their Extraliga season begins on 16 September and featured a roster including players familiar from Liiga and Šimek’s NHL experience.
Mini Q&A
What was the final score?
Tappara won 6-3 against Bílí Tygři Liberec.
Who scored a hat-trick for Tappara?
Aapeli Räsänen scored three goals.
Which Tappara player had three assists?
Benjamin Rautiainen collected three assists.
Was this the first meeting between the clubs?
Yes, the match was the first-ever meeting between Tappara and Bílí Tygři Liberec.
Did any former NHL player feature for Liberec?
Yes. Radim Šimek played for Liberec and has 200 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks on his record.
Were there any notable incidents during the game?
A plexiglass holder was dislodged during the second period, and the Finnish officiating team initially sent the wrong visiting player to the penalty bench before correcting the mistake.
What Comes Next
Bílí Tygři Liberec’s Extraliga season is scheduled to begin on 16 September.
IHM Final View
Tappara’s 6-3 victory was a strong start in the CHL, with Räsänen and Rautiainen leading a balanced attacking display. The result masks some early-season scrappiness and occasional errors, but the hosts handled those moments better and converted key special teams chances. Liberec showed flashes and has experienced names to rely on as their domestic campaign approaches, so both teams will have reasons to build on what they learned from this first encounter.