Story Summary
Tappara have strengthened their blue line by signing Tommi Kivistö to a two-month contract that includes an option for the remainder of the season.
The 35-year-old defenceman arrives with substantial experience across Finnish, Swiss and KHL hockey. Tappara general manager Janne Vuorinen said the club required added depth on defence amid a demanding schedule and expects Kivistö to settle quickly into the side.
Kivistö spent last season with Mountfield in the Czech top division, recording four assists in 46 appearances. His Liiga background includes spells with Kärpät, Ilves and Jokerit, while he has also represented Finland at one Olympic Games and three World Championships.
Key Facts
- Tappara have signed 35-year-old defenceman Tommi Kivistö to a two-month contract with an option for the rest of the season.
- Tappara general manager Janne Vuorinen said the club needed further reinforcement on defence because of its heavy schedule.
- Kivistö recorded four assists in 46 games for Mountfield in the Czech top division last season.
- Kivistö has previously played Liiga hockey for Kärpät, Ilves and Jokerit.
- Kivistö has also played in Switzerland and the KHL during his career.
- Kivistö represented Finland at one Olympic Games and three World Championships, winning two World Championship silver medals.
IHM Discussion
This is a straightforward depth addition for Tappara, but it brings a player whose career has been built across several demanding leagues. Kivistö’s recent 46-game season at Mountfield shows that he has remained active at senior professional level, while his record in Finland gives him a clear point of reference for returning to Liiga.
Vuorinen’s explanation centres on numbers and schedule rather than a claim that Kivistö must transform the defence. That distinction matters. The immediate value in a short-term agreement is another experienced option available to the club as it manages a busy run of games. The option for the rest of the season also leaves Tappara room to assess the arrangement over the initial term.
Why It Matters
Defensive depth can become particularly important when a team faces a dense fixture list, and Tappara have explicitly identified the need for a sufficient number of players on the blue line. Kivistö’s signing supplies an experienced defenceman without committing the club beyond the initial two-month period.
His previous Liiga spells and international experience add context to the move, although his role and usage with Tappara have not been specified. The key immediate development is that Tappara have added another established professional to their defensive group.