Story Summary
HPK have agreed a contract extension with 33-year-old defenceman Samuli Piipponen that will keep him at the Liiga club for the remainder of the 2026-27 season. Piipponen initially arrived in Hämeenlinna on a one-month deal at the start of October and has earned a longer stay after making 10 appearances.
The club also announced that 24-year-old goaltender Max Väyrynen has joined Suomi-sarja side Järvenpään Haukat on loan. HPK retain the option to recall him if required.
Key Facts
- Samuli Piipponen has signed with HPK through the end of the 2026-27 season.
- The 33-year-old defenceman joined HPK on a one-month contract at the start of October.
- Piipponen has recorded two assists in 10 games for HPK while averaging more than 17 minutes of ice time per match.
- Piipponen has played more than 500 Liiga games and won the Finnish championship with Lukko in spring 2021.
- Piipponen has also played in Finland’s top division for SaiPa, Jukurit, Sport and Ässät.
- HPK have loaned 24-year-old goaltender Max Väyrynen to Järvenpään Haukat in the Suomi-sarja.
- Väyrynen has not played a Liiga game this season and previously made six Suomi-sarja appearances on loan with Kalajoen JHT, posting a.940 save percentage.
- HPK can recall Väyrynen from Järvenpään Haukat if needed.
IHM Discussion
Piipponen’s short initial agreement gave HPK an immediate opportunity to assess his contribution in its own environment, and the club have moved quickly to retain him for the rest of the campaign. His early workload has been substantial, with an average above 17 minutes per game across his first 10 appearances.
HPK player scout Jukka Voutilainen said Piipponen had shown himself to be highly valuable, citing his consistent level of play as well as the experience and leadership he brings. For a side adding a defenceman during the season, the value of a player with more than 500 Liiga games is not merely the total: Piipponen has already been used regularly and now has a defined place through the end of the season.
The Väyrynen move is a separate piece of HPK’s goaltending management. He has trained with the club during the international break, but has not appeared in Liiga this season. The loan to Järvenpään Haukat gives him a new Suomi-sarja opportunity while leaving HPK with the ability to bring him back if circumstances require it.
Why It Matters
HPK have turned a one-month trial into a season-long commitment after Piipponen established himself in the lineup. The extension keeps an experienced, championship-winning Liiga defenceman available to the club for the remainder of 2026-27.
For Väyrynen, the loan creates a route to game action after six earlier Suomi-sarja appearances with Kalajoen JHT. HPK’s recall option means the arrangement retains flexibility for the Liiga club.
Mini Q&A
How long has Samuli Piipponen signed for at HPK?
Piipponen’s new agreement runs until the end of the 2026-27 season.
What has Piipponen produced since joining HPK?
He has two assists in 10 games and has averaged more than 17 minutes per match.
Where has Max Väyrynen gone on loan?
Väyrynen has joined Järvenpään Haukat in the Suomi-sarja, and HPK can recall him if needed.