Story Summary
HIFK head coach Olli Jokinen delivered a blunt assessment after his side’s overtime defeat to Jokerit in the first Helsinki derby for 12 years.
Aleksander Forsund scored the overtime winner for the home side, while HIFK had forced extra time through Daniel Mäkiaho’s equaliser with 44 seconds remaining. Goaltender Hugo Alnefelt made 36 saves as the visitors secured a point.
Jokinen said the occasion felt different from the local derbies he experienced as a player and was dissatisfied with HIFK’s willingness to make plays under pressure.
Key Facts
- Olli Jokinen is HIFK’s head coach.
- Jokerit beat HIFK in overtime in the first Helsinki derby for 12 years.
- Aleksander Forsund scored Jokerit’s overtime winner.
- Daniel Mäkiaho equalised for HIFK with 44 seconds left before the end of the game.
- Hugo Alnefelt made 36 saves for HIFK.
- Jokerit recorded expected goals of more than five, compared with just over one for HIFK.
- HIFK will host the next Helsinki derby on 11 November 2026.
IHM Discussion
Jokinen’s comments centred on HIFK’s puck play rather than the emotion of the derby alone. He said his players lacked courage and that poor decisions in possession left the game looking as it did.
The coach also contrasted this meeting with the derbies from his playing career, when he felt the focus was on playing hard rather than exchanges around the action. On the ice, Jokerit held the upper hand for most of the contest, according to the expected-goals figures, although HIFK’s late equaliser ensured the game went beyond regulation.
Jokinen gave Jokerit credit but maintained that HIFK had contributed to making the home side look stronger than they were.
Why It Matters
The result restored a Helsinki derby that had not been played for 12 years and immediately supplied a dramatic finish. For HIFK, the late goal and point offer a tangible return, but Jokinen’s assessment makes clear that he saw substantial room for improvement in the side’s execution with the puck.
Mini Q&A
Who scored the overtime winner in the Helsinki derby?
Jokerit’s Aleksander Forsund scored the overtime winner.
What did Olli Jokinen say was missing from HIFK’s game?
Jokinen said HIFK lacked courage in their play and criticised the side’s decisions with the puck.
When is the next Helsinki derby?
HIFK will host Jokerit on 11 November 2026.
What Comes Next
Jokerit’s next game is at home to Ilves on Saturday, while HIFK host KalPa. HIFK are scheduled to host the next derby against Jokerit on 11 November 2026.