Story Summary
Tappara have strengthened their goaltending department by signing Henri Kiviaho, 32, through 28 November. The former Liiga netminder arrives from Austrian club Graz99ers, where he played five ICEHL matches at a.908 save percentage.
General manager Janne Vuorinen said Tappara required support for Juha Metsola because the club’s goaltending situation has been challenging and a congested schedule will resume after the break. Vuorinen described Kiviaho as an experienced goalkeeper with recent match sharpness who can share the workload over the coming weeks.
Kiviaho last played in Liiga with SaiPa in 2023-24 and has also represented KalPa, Ilves and Ässät in the league. Tappara’s first-choice goalkeeper Christian Heljanko has recently been absent from the line-up, while prospect William Gammals has returned to playing fitness after a lengthy rehabilitation period and will begin his season with the U20 side.
Key Facts
- Tappara have signed 32-year-old goaltender Henri Kiviaho until 28 November.
- Kiviaho played five ICEHL games for Graz99ers this season and recorded a.908 save percentage.
- Tappara general manager Janne Vuorinen said Kiviaho was brought in to share the workload with Juha Metsola during a busy schedule after the break.
- Kiviaho most recently played in Liiga for SaiPa during the 2023-24 season.
- Kiviaho has also played Liiga hockey for KalPa, Ilves and Ässät.
- Christian Heljanko has recently been absent from Tappara’s line-up.
- William Gammals has recovered playing fitness after a lengthy rehabilitation period and will start his season with Tappara’s U20 team.
IHM Discussion
This is a short-term answer to a clearly defined need in Tappara's crease. Kiviaho brings recent competitive action from the ICEHL rather than arriving cold, and his.908 save percentage across five appearances offers a useful indication that he has been active. The central purpose, however, is not to rewrite Tappara's hierarchy: it is to give Metsola a capable partner while the fixture list tightens.
Kiviaho’s Liiga background also limits the adjustment required. His previous spells with SaiPa, KalPa, Ilves and Ässät give him familiarity with the league, while his recent years in Slovakia, Sweden and the Czech Republic add to the experience cited by Vuorinen. The arrangement runs only until 28 November, placing the focus firmly on the coming weeks.
Why It Matters
Goaltending depth can become decisive when games arrive in quick succession. Tappara have identified a need to distribute starts, and Kiviaho’s signing provides an established professional option alongside Metsola while Heljanko remains out of the line-up.
The update on Gammals is separately important for the club’s longer-term depth. His return to fitness begins with the U20 team, rather than immediately changing the senior goaltending picture. For now, Kiviaho supplies the immediate cover Tappara sought.
Mini Q&A
How long is Henri Kiviaho’s Tappara contract?
Kiviaho has signed with Tappara until 28 November.
Where had Kiviaho been playing before joining Tappara?
He had played five ICEHL matches for Austria's Graz99ers this season, posting a.908 save percentage.
What Comes Next
Tappara will return to a busy run of matches after the break, with Kiviaho signed to help share the goaltending workload through 28 November. Gammals is set to begin his season with the U20 side.