Story Summary
Tommi Miettinen will take charge of HIFK for the first time when they visit Kiekko-Espoo on Friday. His first selection includes two significant returns from injury, with forward Niko Huuhtanen joining the top line and goaltender Hugo Alnefelt starting in goal.
Huuhtanen will play alongside Daniel Mäkiaho and captain Iiro Pakarinen. Jere Somervuori, who featured on the first line against Lukko on Tuesday, moves to a line with Eetu Liukas and Jake Leschyshyn.
Miettinen has also moved Vincent Marleau to centre on the second line, between Sampo Ranta and Lassi Vanhatalo. The defence pairs are unchanged from the Lukko game.
Key Facts
- Tommi Miettinen will coach HIFK for the first time in Friday’s away game against Kiekko-Espoo, which begins at 19.30.
- Niko Huuhtanen returns to HIFK’s line-up and will skate on the first line with Daniel Mäkiaho and captain Iiro Pakarinen.
- Hugo Alnefelt returns to the squad and will start in goal, with Olof Glifford named as the backup.
- Vincent Marleau moves to second-line centre, with Sampo Ranta and Lassi Vanhatalo on his wings.
- Lauri Sinivuori is listed as HIFK’s 13th forward after playing at centre on the second line against Lukko.
- Atte Joki joins Anttoni Uronen and Ottoville Leppänen on the fourth line, while Aatu Karjalainen is out of the line-up.
- HIFK will use the same three defence pairs as they did against Lukko, with David Nemecek serving as the seventh defenceman.
- Vili Varonen is out of HIFK’s line-up.
IHM Discussion
Miettinen’s first HIFK selection brings immediate movement through the forward group. Huuhtanen is restored directly to the top line, while Somervuori drops from the unit he occupied against Lukko to join Liukas and Leschyshyn.
The second line is also rebuilt around Marleau at centre. Vanhatalo steps up from the third line to join Marleau and Ranta, while Sinivuori moves from second-line centre to the extra-forward role. Behind them, HIFK have kept continuity on defence and made Alnefelt the starting goaltender on his return.
Why It Matters
The match gives Miettinen an immediate opportunity to establish his preferred forward combinations in Liiga competition. Huuhtanen’s return adds a player straight into the leading unit, while Alnefelt’s inclusion restores another option in goal.
Keeping the defence unchanged means the most visible adjustments come among the forwards and in net. Friday’s game is therefore the first public indication of how Miettinen intends to arrange HIFK’s available personnel.
Mini Q&A
Who is starting in goal for HIFK against Kiekko-Espoo?
Hugo Alnefelt will start for HIFK, with Olof Glifford as the backup.
Which line will Niko Huuhtanen play on?
Niko Huuhtanen will play on HIFK’s first line with Daniel Mäkiaho and Iiro Pakarinen.
Have HIFK changed their defence pairs?
No. HIFK’s three defence pairs remain unchanged from the game against Lukko, while David Nemecek stays as the seventh defenceman.
What Comes Next
HIFK face Kiekko-Espoo away on Friday at 19.30 in Tommi Miettinen’s first game as head coach.