Tag: David Němeček

Němeček set for HIFK debut as Šustr cleared to play

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 16, 2026

Story Summary

HIFK has reshuffled its line-up as it seeks a response after an uneven start to the season. Czech defenceman David Němeček is set to make his debut on the second pairing alongside Kasper Puutio, while forwards Eetu Liukas, Lauri Sinivuori and Ilari Melart move into the line-up. Jukurit defender Andrej Šustr was not suspended following disciplinary review and is available for the game, with Alex Lintuniemi added to the side while Jeremi Tammela is sidelined after taking a hit on Tuesday. Matthieu Herpin will start in goal for Jukurit.

Key Facts

  • League: Liiga.
  • David Němeček is set to make his HIFK debut on the second pairing alongside Kasper Puutio.
  • Eetu Liukas, Lauri Sinivuori and Ilari Melart were promoted into HIFK’s playing line-up.
  • Andrej Šustr (Jukurit) faced disciplinary review but was not suspended and is in the team.
  • Alex Lintuniemi was added to Jukurit’s line-up, while Jeremi Tammela is sidelined after taking a hit on Tuesday.
  • Matthieu Herpin starts in goal for Jukurit.
  • KooKoo start Eetu Randelin in goal for his first appearance this season.
  • Ville Meskanen returns to KooKoo’s top line; Joona Riekkinen replaces Joseph Berger on the KooKoo blue line.
  • Arvid Costmar (JYP) will play his first Liiga match.
  • Sami Vatanen returns to JYP’s line-up after a one-game absence; Oskari Salminen takes the net for JYP for the first time this season.

IHM Discussion

The early-season tinkering is evident across several Liiga clubs. HIFK’s decision to place David Němeček on the second defensive pairing beside Kasper Puutio gives the blue line a different look without wholesale upheaval. The inclusion of Eetu Liukas, Lauri Sinivuori and Ilari Melart also changes the available forward options.

Jukurit retain Andrej Šustr following disciplinary review, while Alex Lintuniemi enters the line-up for Jeremi Tammela. Matthieu Herpin gets the start in goal for the evening.

KooKoo will start Eetu Randelin for his first appearance of the season and return Ville Meskanen to the top line. Joona Riekkinen replaces Joseph Berger on the blue line. Meanwhile, JYP’s Swedish signing Arvid Costmar is set for his first Liiga game, while Sami Vatanen returns and Oskari Salminen starts in goal for the first time this season.

Why It Matters

Line-up adjustments and disciplinary decisions directly affect match-day options. Němeček’s introduction gives HIFK a new look on defence, while Šustr’s availability allows Jukurit to retain a planned blue-line option. Herpin’s start for Jukurit and Randelin’s first appearance of the season for KooKoo are immediate goaltending factors for the evening.

Mini Q&A

Who made his HIFK defensive debut?

David Němeček is set to make his HIFK debut on the second pairing alongside Kasper Puutio.

Was Andrej Šustr suspended?

No. Andrej Šustr faced disciplinary review but was not given a suspension and is available.

Who starts in goal for Jukurit and KooKoo?

Matthieu Herpin starts for Jukurit; Eetu Randelin starts for KooKoo in his first appearance this season.

Which JYP player will play his first Liiga game?

Arvid Costmar, JYP’s Swedish signing, will make his Liiga debut.

David Němeček signs with HIFK for remainder of season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 15, 2026

Story Summary

HIFK have signed 31-year-old Czech defenceman David Němeček to a contract running until the end of the season. Němeček arrives from HC Sparta Praha, where he has spent most of the 2020s, and will join HIFK’s squad on Wednesday. He last played in Liiga in 2019-20, when he recorded eight assists in 38 regular-season games for Lukko. HIFK sporting director Janne Laukkanen described the 194 cm, 95 kg left-shot as a large, physically strong and reliable defender who brings size and toughness to the team. Němeček has also played junior hockey in Canada and the United States, and has represented the Czech Republic at U18, U20 and senior World Championship level, including an appearance for the Czech men’s team in spring 2023. He will make his first appearance for HIFK once medical checks and work-permit matters are completed.

Key Facts

  • David Němeček, 31, has signed with HIFK until the end of the season.
  • He arrives from HC Sparta Praha, where he has played for most of the 2020s.
  • Němeček last played in Liiga in 2019-20, recording eight assists in 38 regular-season games for Lukko.
  • In 2014-15 he represented TPS at both senior and U20 junior level.
  • He is 194 centimetres tall, weighs 95 kilograms and shoots left.
  • HIFK sporting director Janne Laukkanen called him a reliable, solid own-zone player who adds size and physicality.
  • Němeček has junior experience from Canada and the United States and has represented the Czech Republic at U18, U20 and senior World Championship level.
  • He appeared for the Czech men’s World Championship team in spring 2023 but has not represented his country since.
  • He will join HIFK on Wednesday and play his first match when medical checks and work-permit issues are resolved.

IHM Discussion

This is a pragmatic, experience-driven signing by HIFK. Němeček is not being brought in for offensive fireworks; the club’s announcement and Laukkanen’s comment underline that he is valued for his size, physical presence and reliability in his own end. Returning to Liiga after several years in his native Czech top flight, he gives HIFK an immediate boost in defensive depth and brings international experience from junior and senior World Championship competition. For a club wanting stability on the back end, a 194 cm left-shot with previous Finnish experience is straightforward reinforcement.

Why It Matters

Němeček’s arrival adds a player who already knows the Liiga environment and is known for physical, defensive play. His international tournament experience also adds experience to the dressing room. The signing offers HIFK an in-season option focused on reinforcing its own-zone play rather than altering its offensive identity.

Mini Q&A

Who is David Němeček?

David Němeček is a 31-year-old Czech defenceman, 194 cm tall and 95 kg, who shoots left and has played for HC Sparta Praha, Lukko and TPS.

What is the length of the contract with HIFK?

Němeček has signed a contract with HIFK that runs until the end of the season.

When will he be available to play?

He will join HIFK on Wednesday and is set to play his first game once medical checks and his work permit are finalised.

What does he bring to HIFK?

HIFK expect Němeček to bring size, physicality and reliable defensive play; the club highlighted his board battles and defensive solidity.

What Comes Next

Němeček is due to join HIFK on Wednesday. He will play his first game for the club as soon as his medical examination and work-permit formalities are completed.