Story Summary
Daniel Mäkiaho is set to make his Finland debut when the hosts face Czechia at the NOCCO Hockey Games in Helsinki on Saturday. The forward, who leads Liiga’s scoring race, has been placed on the third line alongside Henrik Borgström and Iiro Pakarinen.
Kim Saarinen will start in goal for Finland, with Petteri Rimpinen named as his back-up. Finland opened their home tournament with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland on Thursday.
Key Facts
- Daniel Mäkiaho will make his Finland debut against Czechia at the NOCCO Hockey Games in Helsinki.
- Mäkiaho leads Liiga’s scoring standings at the start of the season.
- Mäkiaho is named at left wing on Finland’s third line with centre Henrik Borgström and right wing Iiro Pakarinen.
- Kim Saarinen will start in goal for Finland, while Petteri Rimpinen is the back-up netminder.
- Finland began the home tournament with a 3-1 win over Switzerland on Thursday.
- Jere Innala, Janne Kuokkanen and Roby Järventie form Finland’s first forward line against Czechia.
- Benjamin Rautiainen, Juho Lammikko and Markus Nurmi make up the second forward line.
- Kristian Tanus is listed as Finland’s 13th forward.
IHM Discussion
Mäkiaho’s selection gives Finland an in-form Liiga scorer an immediate opportunity at international level. Rather than being held outside the main four lines, he will begin in a defined attacking unit with Borgström and Pakarinen, putting him directly into the flow of the game in his first appearance.
The side around him has a clear tournament balance. Innala, Kuokkanen and Järventie lead the forward group, while Rautiainen, Lammikko and Nurmi comprise the second line. Juho Riikola and Anttoni Honka are paired on the second defence unit, with Juuso Arola alongside Miska Kukkonen on the third pairing.
Saarinen’s start follows Finland’s opening win over Switzerland, and Rimpinen remains available as the reserve goaltender. The announced lineup also includes Eetu Päkkilä, Sami Päivärinta and Eemil Erholtz on the fourth line, while Peetro Seppälä is listed separately in the forward group.
Why It Matters
The Czechia fixture is a notable early international test for Mäkiaho because it converts strong domestic scoring form into a Finland opportunity. His debut comes within an established line rather than as an extra forward, and the placement alongside Borgström and Pakarinen gives the staff a specific combination to assess during the tournament.
For Finland, the match is the second outing of a home event already opened with a win. The selection keeps a full four-line forward structure, three named defensive pairs and a clear goaltending choice, while retaining Tanus as the extra forward.