Story Summary
Daniel Mäkiaho’s 12-game scoring streak ended against Ilves in Helsinki, but the HIFK forward had bigger developments to reflect on after a win and a first call-up to Finland’s national-team squad. Antti Pennanen called Mäkiaho on Sunday to offer him the opportunity.
Mäkiaho, who leads the Liiga scoring race, said he was briefly left speechless by the invitation. The selection comes as HIFK make an unbeaten start under Tommi Miettinen, who arrived after Olli Jokinen was dismissed a little more than a week earlier.
Key Facts
- Daniel Mäkiaho’s 12-game scoring streak ended in HIFK’s win over Ilves in Helsinki.
- Mäkiaho leads the Liiga scoring race and has been selected for Finland’s national-team squad for the first time.
- Finland head coach Antti Pennanen called Mäkiaho on Sunday to offer the national-team opportunity.
- HIFK have won all three matches played under Tommi Miettinen since he replaced Olli Jokinen.
- Mäkiaho said HIFK’s first priority under the new coaching staff has been changing their breakout play and keeping the five-man unit closer together.
IHM Discussion
Mäkiaho described a clear shift in how HIFK want to move the puck from their own end. Rather than throwing it away and waiting for an opening, the forward said the team are looking to stay connected as a five-man unit across the ice.
The early record under Miettinen is three wins from three, although the more meaningful detail is the specific playing adjustment identified by Mäkiaho. A compact structure can give a side more passing options on the breakout and reduce the distance between support players. HIFK now have two games before the international break to continue working with those principles.
There was also a late moment against Ilves that showed the regard in which Mäkiaho is held by his team-mates. With two minutes remaining, Niko Huuhtanen passed rather than shooting at an empty net in an attempt to extend Mäkiaho’s streak. The pass did not reach him, and HIFK went shorthanded around 30 seconds later. Mäkiaho suggested afterwards that Huuhtanen had his streak in mind, while accepting that it was not to be extended.
Why It Matters
The national-team call-up is an important individual milestone for Mäkiaho and recognition of his place at the top of Liiga’s scoring standings. For HIFK, it arrives during a coaching transition in which the players are being asked to make identifiable changes to their collective game.
The immediate schedule gives the club a short, practical window to establish that approach before the break. Results have been positive so far, but Mäkiaho’s comments indicate that the emphasis is on the manner of play as well as the three victories.
Mini Q&A
Why was Daniel Mäkiaho selected for Finland?
Mäkiaho has been called into Finland’s national-team squad for the first time while leading the Liiga scoring race.
What has changed at HIFK under Tommi Miettinen?
Mäkiaho said the team have focused first on their breakout play and on staying closer together as a five-man unit rather than simply moving the puck away.
How has HIFK performed since the coaching change?
HIFK have won all three matches played under Miettinen after he replaced Olli Jokinen.
What Comes Next
HIFK face Ässät in Pori on Friday and KooKoo in Kouvola on Saturday before the national-team break. Mäkiaho is set to join Finland’s squad for the first time after those fixtures.