Story Summary
The Moser Medical Graz99ers have confirmed that goaltender Henri Kiviaho will leave after his contract was not extended at the start of the international break.
The 32-year-old Finn arrived at the end of September on a deal running until the first international break. He was brought in as cover for the injured Maxime Lagace and made five appearances for the defending champions, winning three of them.
Lagace has now reported fit, and Graz said he will form its goaltending tandem with Nicolas Wieser. That return removes the need for Kiviaho’s temporary cover role.
Key Facts
- Henri Kiviaho’s contract with the Graz99ers will not be extended.
- The 32-year-old Finnish goaltender joined Graz at the end of September on a short-term deal until the first international break.
- Kiviaho was signed as cover for the injured Maxime Lagace.
- Kiviaho played five games for Graz and won three of them.
- Maxime Lagace has reported fit and will form Graz’s goaltending duo with Nicolas Wieser.
- Graz are sixth in the win2day ICE Hockey League standings.
IHM Discussion
This is a straightforward conclusion to a clearly defined short-term arrangement. Kiviaho was recruited to protect Graz while Lagace was unavailable, and his departure follows the goaltender’s return to fitness rather than an announced change in the club’s longer-term plans.
Kiviaho leaves having supplied five games during that stretch, including three victories. Graz will resume with Lagace and Wieser as its two goaltenders, restoring the pairing named by the club.
Why It Matters
Goaltending depth can change quickly when an injury creates an immediate opening, particularly across a busy league schedule. Graz used Kiviaho to bridge Lagace’s absence and now returns to its stated tandem as it sits sixth in the ICE Hockey League.
The timing also matters because Graz face a demanding restart after the break, beginning away to league leaders Bolzano before hosting Ferencvaros Budapest.