Tag: IHM News

Goalkeepers take centre stage in Vaasa student game

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

In Vaasa’s student-themed ” haalari” game, goalkeepers took the spotlight. The 2006-born pair Masi Härkönen and Petteri Rimpinen combined for 40 saves in front of 4,148 spectators, many of them students in coveralls. The match went to overtime, where Jere Väisänen scored at 62:15 – recorded as the first and last goal of the contest.

Key Facts

  • The game drew 4,148 spectators, many of them students wearing coveralls.
  • Goaltenders Masi Härkönen and Petteri Rimpinen, both born in 2006, combined for 40 saves.
  • Härkönen had to retrieve the puck from behind him once.
  • Several minor confrontations took place early in the game.
  • Johan Sundström watched a Rimpinen save from close range.
  • Arttu Tuomaala put full flex into his stick.
  • Redi helped maintain the student-game atmosphere with antics.
  • Viljami Nieminen had a breakaway chance in overtime.
  • Iiika Kangasmäki broke through at the other end after a pass from Rimpinen.
  • At 62:15, Jere Väisänen scored what was recorded as the game’s first and final goal.
  • The Kiekko-Espoo supporters in attendance were pleased with the outcome.

IHM Discussion

Goaltending dominated the evening in Vaasa. Härkönen and Rimpinen, both born in 2006, combined for 40 saves, while early minor confrontations added some edge before the game moved into overtime. Väisänen scored at 62:15, recorded as the first and final goal of the contest.

Why It Matters

The student-themed crowd and overtime finish gave the game a distinctive atmosphere. The combined 40-save total also put the focus firmly on Härkönen and Rimpinen, while the Kiekko-Espoo supporters in attendance had reason to enjoy the outcome.

Mini Q&A

Who were the goalkeepers and how many saves did they make?

The goalkeepers were Masi Härkönen and Petteri Rimpinen, both born in 2006; they combined for 40 saves.

Who scored and when?

Jere Väisänen scored at 62:15 in overtime; it was recorded as the first and final goal of the game.

Väisänen ends 620-day drought with dramatic OT winner

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Kiekko-Espoo finally broke a long-standing 620-day drought in 3-on-3 overtime scoring when Jere Väisänen finished the winner after Ville Lajunen intercepted a Sport pass and set up a two-on-one. The decisive finish beat Sport goaltender Masi Härkönen in a game in Vaasa that produced no goals in regulation and was decided in extra time.

Key Facts

  • Kiekko-Espoo ended a 620-day streak without a 3-on-3 overtime goal.
  • Jere Väisänen scored the winning goal in overtime.
  • The scoring sequence began when Ville Lajunen intercepted a Sport player’s pass and moved the puck to Väisänen.
  • Väisänen finished the chance by shooting past Sport goalie Masi Härkönen.
  • The match in Vaasa produced no goals during regulation and was decided in overtime.
  • Last season Kiekko-Espoo won only once in overtime during the Liiga regular season and lost nine times.
  • Kiekko-Espoo’s only regular-season overtime win last season came against Ilves, when Matti Järvinen scored a power-play goal.
  • Kiekko-Espoo lost both of their playoff games that went to overtime last season.
  • Kiekko-Espoo’s previous 3-on-3 goal had come on 11 January 2025, when Ville Lajunen scored to beat KooKoo.
  • Later in that same season Kiekko-Espoo recorded two more overtime wins, but both were power-play goals; opponents secured three overtime wins that season, one of which was decided by a power-play goal.
  • This was Kiekko-Espoo’s second overtime game of the current season; last week SaiPa beat them with a Petrus Palmu power-play goal.

IHM Discussion

The overtime winner underlines how rare Kiekko-Espoo’s success in 3-on-3 situations has been. The club’s long run without a three-on-three goal stretched back to 11 January 2025, and their recent overtime history – a single regular-season OT win and multiple losses last year, plus two playoff OT defeats – framed this result as more than a single goal: it is a relief after repeated extra-time frustration. The finish itself was straightforward and decisive: Ville Lajunen’s interception turned defence into attack, and Väisänen’s shot beat a well-performing Sport netminder, Masi Härkönen, emphasising the importance of quick transition play in open-ice overtime.

Why It Matters

The goal ended a lengthy wait for a 3-on-3 overtime score and came after Kiekko-Espoo struggled in extra time last season. It also showed how quickly a turnover can decide a tight game: Lajunen’s interception created the two-on-one, and Väisänen supplied the finish.

Mini Q&A

Who scored Kiekko-Espoo’s overtime winner?

Jere Väisänen scored the overtime winner.

How did the overtime goal develop?

Ville Lajunen intercepted a Sport pass, moved the puck across to Jere Väisänen, who finished the two-on-one by shooting past Sport goalie Masi Härkönen.

How long had it been since Kiekko-Espoo last scored in 3-on-3 overtime?

The club had not scored a 3-on-3 overtime goal for 620 days; their previous such goal came on 11 January 2025 when Ville Lajunen scored against KooKoo.

What was Kiekko-Espoo’s recent overtime record referenced in the report?

Last season Kiekko-Espoo won only once in overtime during the regular season and lost nine times; they also lost both overtime games they played in the playoffs.

Kløve matchwinner as SønderjyskE complete Herlev comeback

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

At Martinsen Arena, 18-year-old Andreas Kløve completed a second-period fightback as SønderjyskE beat Herlev Eagles 3-2. Herlev raced into a 2-0 first-period lead with goals from Carl Skärström and Victor Cubars 32 seconds apart. SønderjyskE responded through Magnus Carlsen and Raimonds Vitolins before Kløve scored 73 seconds after the equaliser. Goaltender Thomas Lillie made key saves in the third period and posted a 93.5% save percentage as SønderjyskE secured their second straight win. The defeat was Herlev’s third in a row and their second consecutive home loss.

Key Facts

  • Final score: Herlev Eagles 2-3 SønderjyskE (periods: 2-0, 0-3, 0-0).
  • Match played at Martinsen Arena.
  • Herlev opened with two goals in 32 seconds by Carl Skärström and Victor Cubars.
  • SønderjyskE goals came from Magnus Carlsen, Raimonds Vitolins and Andreas Kløve.
  • Andreas Kløve was 18 years old and scored 73 seconds after SønderjyskE’s equaliser.
  • Thomas Lillie finished with a 93.5% save percentage for SønderjyskE.
  • The result was SønderjyskE’s second straight win.
  • The loss was Herlev’s third straight defeat and their second home loss in a row.

IHM Discussion

Herlev’s first-period burst, with two goals in 32 seconds, put the home side in a strong position. SønderjyskE transformed the game in the second period, however, as Magnus Carlsen started the comeback and Raimonds Vitolins equalised. Alexander Hellnemo had a clear view of both finishes but could not stop them. Kløve then struck 73 seconds after the equaliser, completing a rapid turnaround. The 18-year-old took his chance well to give the visitors a lead they protected through the third period.

Why It Matters

SønderjyskE have now won two in a row after an effective away performance and a second-period recovery. Herlev, meanwhile, have lost three straight games, including two consecutive home defeats. The match turned on SønderjyskE’s three-goal second period and Thomas Lillie’s work in goal as Herlev pressed for an equaliser in the third.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score and the period breakdown?

Herlev Eagles 2-3 SønderjyskE, with period scores 2-0, 0-3, 0-0.

Who scored the matchwinner and how old is he?

Andreas Kløve scored the matchwinner; he is 18 years old and struck 73 seconds after the equaliser.

How did SønderjyskE’s goalkeeper perform?

Thomas Lillie posted a 93.5% save percentage and made key saves in the third period to preserve the 3-2 lead.

IHM Final View

SønderjyskE’s victory came from a composed second-period response after falling two goals behind. Kløve’s finish 73 seconds after the equaliser proved decisive, while Lillie’s 93.5% save percentage helped protect the lead. Herlev will rue a match that began so well but slipped away during the middle period.

Frederikshavn dominate Team of the Week in Metal Ligaen

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Frederikshavn supply three of the six players named to Metal Ligaen’s Team of the Week after a week in which the White Hawks collected nine points from nine. The selection highlights Adam Vay in goal plus forwards Leo Ring and Kevin O’Neil, alongside three other players recognised for clear single-game and weekly impacts.

Key Facts

  • The Metal Ligaen Team of the Week was assembled from ten games played over the previous week, excluding a match in Herning the day before publication.
  • Frederikshavn had three players on the Team of the Week: goaltender Adam Vay, forward Leo Ring and forward Kevin O’Neil.
  • Adam Vay, Frederikshavn’s new goaltender, began his spell with the club by posting an exceptional performance in Odense where he ‘took everything’, followed by a solid win against Esbjerg.
  • Leo Ring recorded five points in the week and finished with a +5 plus/minus rating.
  • Kevin O’Neil contributed four points across the week.
  • Frederikshavn (White Hawks) took nine points from nine available in the week referenced by the selection.
  • Defenceman Gustav Nielsen was selected after averaging the highest ice time of any player during the week and adding three assists.
  • Defenceman Arturs Kulda had a notable game for Esbjerg against Odense, scoring the opening goal as he had against Herlev in Esbjerg’s first game of the season.
  • Forward Christian Thunbo produced what the weekly selection described as possibly his best Metal Ligaen game, scoring two goals and adding one assist in Rungsted while Rødovre performed strongly.

IHM Discussion

The Team of the Week selection underlines Frederikshavn’s strong early-season form and depth. Placing three players in a six-man unit is uncommon and reflects both collective results and individual spikes in production. Adam Vay’s performances are singled out: the description of his Odense game – where he ‘took everything’ – followed by a follow-up victory against Esbjerg, frames him as an immediate stabilising presence in net for Frederikshavn. Forwards Leo Ring and Kevin O’Neil supplied the offensive output to match that goaltending form, with Ring’s five points and +5 plus/minus standing out as a high-impact week and O’Neil’s four points described as steady contributions alongside line-mates.

Why It Matters

This recognition brings together goaltending, heavy defensive usage and forward scoring in one weekly snapshot. Vay’s two performances, Nielsen’s ice time and assists, and the production from Ring and O’Neil underline the individual contributions behind the six selections. For Frederikshavn, a nine-for-nine week provides early-season momentum and highlights the impact of more than one player.

Mini Q&A

How many Frederikshavn players made the Team of the Week?

Three Frederikshavn players – Adam Vay, Leo Ring and Kevin O’Neil – were included.

What did Adam Vay do to earn selection?

Adam Vay was chosen after an exceptional game in Odense, described as taking everything, followed by a strong performance in a win over Esbjerg.

How many points did Leo Ring record during the week?

Leo Ring led the week for Frederikshavn with five points and a +5 plus/minus rating.

What other notable inclusions were on the Team of the Week?

Gustav Nielsen was selected after averaging the most ice time and adding three assists; Arturs Kulda was noted for scoring the first goal in Esbjerg’s game against Odense; and Christian Thunbo scored two goals and an assist in Rungsted.

IHM Final View

The Team of the Week is a small but telling indicator of Frederikshavn’s perfect week. Vay’s goaltending, Ring’s five points and O’Neil’s steady production earned the White Hawks three of the six places. Sustaining that level of contribution would give Frederikshavn a strong platform in the Metal Ligaen.

Reactions after HC Košice v HC Slovan Bratislava

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Post-match reactions followed HC Košice’s home game against HC Slovan Bratislava. Slovan won, with Tomáš Marcinko scoring the decisive goal. Košice head coach Dan Ceman praised his team’s defensive work, an improved second period and what he called its best forechecking of the season. Slovan assistant coach Tomáš Surový described the visitors’ approach as smart and tactical, while Košice goaltender Patrik Jurčák pointed to the side’s defensive structure and adherence to its system despite the loss.

Key Facts

  • The match prompted post-game reactions from HC Košice and HC Slovan Bratislava.
  • Tomáš Marcinko (HC Slovan Bratislava) is credited as the scorer of the decisive goal.
  • HC Slovan Bratislava won the match; Slovan assistant coach Tomáš Surový said the team ” took back” the result from Sunday.
  • Dan Ceman, head coach of HC Košice, said the game was played up and down and praised defensive consistency and the ability to exit danger areas with the puck.
  • Ceman said the second period showed marked improvement and that controlled exits led to increased attacking time and the team’s best forechecking of the season.
  • Ceman described the match as a 50-50 affair and noted some misfortune on the third goal.
  • Patrik Jurčák, Košice’s goalkeeper, called the group defensive, said players stuck to the system and expressed disappointment at the loss while emphasising areas to build on.
  • Marcinko said Slovan had to work for the win, noted Košice’s changed roster and said Slovan tried to create more traffic at the net than in the previous game.

IHM Discussion

The exchanges after the game paint a contest decided by narrow margins and tactical detail rather than a wholesale collapse by either side. Ceman’s emphasis on controlled puck exits and a stronger second period points to a route towards more sustained offence through cleaner breakouts and forechecking. His assessment of the team’s forecheck as its best of the season highlights an element capable of creating chances and disrupting Slovan’s transition. Surový said Slovan set out to play smart hockey and cover the neutral zone, while Marcinko’s decisive goal gave that disciplined approach its reward.

Why It Matters

The comments show the areas each side valued in the contest. Košice pointed to controlled exits, defensive structure and forechecking, while Slovan highlighted a tactical approach built around neutral-zone coverage. Those details offer clear points to watch in their next games.

Mini Q&A

Who scored the decisive goal?

Tomáš Marcinko of HC Slovan Bratislava is identified as the scorer of the decisive goal.

What did HC Košice coach Dan Ceman highlight after the match?

Dan Ceman praised his team’s defensive play, the ability to exit the zone with control, an improved second period and what he called the team’s best forechecking of the season.

How did Slovan assistant coach Tomáš Surový describe his team’s approach?

Tomáš Surový said Slovan came to ” play smart” hockey, to cover the neutral zone and to take back the result from Sunday, describing the match as a tactical success for his side.

What did Košice goaltender Patrik Jurčák say about the team’s performance?

Patrik Jurčák described it as a defensive performance in which the team followed its system. He said the fans saw good hockey, expressed disappointment at the defeat and added that Košice could build on the display.

IHM Final View

The post-match statements frame the result as a tight tactical contest won by Slovan Bratislava, with Tomáš Marcinko scoring the decisive goal. Košice’s coach and goaltender nevertheless pointed to defensive structure and forechecking as foundations to build on.

Eriksson insists Rousek demotion is not punishment

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HV71 have moved Lukas Rousek from one of their top lines to the fourth line ahead of their upcoming home game. Rousek played alongside Jan Mysak in Saturday’s season opener and recorded two assists in the 5-4 overtime loss. He was penalised for diving in a widely noted incident during the game. Coach Niklas Eriksson said the move is not a punishment, explaining that it makes room for new signing Pavol Regenda, who is expected to debut on Thursday. Eriksson said Lindström’s line has been the club’s most stable, while the staff want to give Hardman’s line more time to develop chemistry.

Key Facts

  • Lukas Rousek skated in one of HV71’s top lines together with Jan Mysak in Saturday’s season opener.
  • Rousek recorded two assists in that match, which HV71 lost 5-4 after overtime.
  • Rousek was involved in a widely noted situation in the opener where he was penalised for diving.
  • Ahead of HV71’s forthcoming home game, the club have moved Rousek down to the fourth line; he has trained in the fourth line during the week.
  • Niklas Eriksson, HV71’s head coach, said the decision to move Rousek is not a punishment: ” We do not work with punishment in HV71. We work with honesty and clarity.”
  • Eriksson said he believed Rousek played his best game of the season most recently and that there is an internal dialogue with the player.
  • New signing Pavol Regenda is expected to make his debut on Thursday.
  • Eriksson explained that Lindström’s line has been the team’s most stable all season and that the staff want to give Hardman’s line more time to build chemistry; as a result, Rousek had to give way.
  • Last season Rousek registered 31 points (3+28) in 52 regular-season games.
  • In the qualification series last season, Rousek scored the decisive goal that ensured HV71 remained in the SHL for the current season.

IHM Discussion

This is a roster adjustment to accommodate a new signing. Eriksson framed the decision around line stability and chemistry rather than discipline, identifying Lindström’s line as the club’s most stable unit and saying the staff want to give Hardman’s line more time together. His public backing of Rousek, including the view that the forward played his best game of the season most recently, underlines that the move is not being presented as punishment.

Why It Matters

The change gives HV71 room to introduce Regenda while retaining the combinations the coaching staff believe are working best. For Rousek, the fourth-line assignment follows a two-assist season opener and comes after Eriksson publicly stressed that the decision was not disciplinary.

Mini Q&A

Why was Lukas Rousek moved off a top line?

Eriksson said the move was made to create room for new signing Pavol Regenda, while preserving the stability of Lindström’s line and giving Hardman’s line more time to find chemistry.

Is the demotion a punishment for the diving incident in the opener?

No. Eriksson explicitly said the decision is not a punishment: ” We do not work with punishment in HV71. We work with honesty and clarity.”

What did Rousek do in the season opener?

Rousek played with Jan Mysak on one of HV71’s top lines and recorded two assists in the match, which HV71 lost 5-4 after overtime. He was also penalised for diving in that game.

What are Rousek’s recent season statistics?

Last season Rousek had 31 points, recorded as 3 goals and 28 assists, in 52 regular-season games. He also scored the decisive goal in the qualification series that kept HV71 in the SHL.

What Comes Next

Regenda is expected to make his debut on Thursday.

IHM Final View

Eriksson has explicitly rejected the idea that Rousek’s move is disciplinary. Instead, he has pointed to line stability, chemistry and the arrival of Regenda. Rousek’s fourth-line assignment is the immediate result of that lineup decision.

Frölunda injury update after Thorell collision

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Frölunda have given an update after Tuesday evening’s shootout win, during which Erik Thorell and Nicklas Lasu left the ice and did not return. Thorell collided with Axel Bergkvist in the second period and, having only just returned to match play following wrist surgery in spring, appears likely to follow a stepwise concussion return process, head coach Robert Ohlsson said. Ohlsson added that he sympathised with Thorell. Normann left during the warm-up and will not be available for this week’s games against Luleå and Malmö, though he could return afterwards. Lasu is day-to-day. Junior William Thegerström was called in as the second goaltender.

Key Facts

  • Erik Thorell collided with Axel Bergkvist in the second period and did not return to the match.
  • Thorell had been making his first return to match play since wrist surgery in the spring.
  • Head coach Robert Ohlsson said it appears Thorell will follow a stepwise concussion return process, adding: “I sympathise with Erik.”
  • Thorell, a Färjestad youth product, recorded an assist before the collision ended his match.
  • Nicklas Lasu also left the game, while Normann departed during the warm-up.
  • During pre-game warm-up the club’s named goalkeeper stepped off and junior William Thegerström was summoned as the second goaltender.
  • Ohlsson said Normann is not available for this week’s matches versus Luleå and Malmö but may be back after that.
  • Ohlsson described Lasu as having ” taken a blow” and assessed him as day-to-day, adding Lasu might be able to play against Luleå.

IHM Discussion

Frölunda’s update concerns Thorell, Normann and Lasu following Tuesday’s shootout win. Thorell had just returned to match play after wrist surgery when he collided with Axel Bergkvist. Robert Ohlsson said it appears that Thorell will follow a stepwise concussion return process, a cautious path without a stated return timetable.

Normann will miss this week’s fixtures, so Frölunda must cover his minutes against Luleå and Malmö. Lasu remains day-to-day, with Ohlsson leaving open the possibility that he could play against Luleå.

Why It Matters

Thorell’s setback interrupts his first match back after wrist surgery, in which he recorded an assist before leaving the ice. His status will require careful management. Normann’s confirmed absence for this week’s two fixtures leaves Frölunda to adjust their forward group, while Lasu’s day-to-day status keeps selection options open. Thegerström’s call-up as backup during the warm-up also underlined the immediate need for depth in goal.

Mini Q&A

Which Frölunda player may need to follow a stepwise concussion return process?

Robert Ohlsson said it appears Erik Thorell will follow a stepwise concussion return process after his collision.

What happened to Thorell earlier in the game?

Thorell collided with Axel Bergkvist in the second period; he had recorded an assist before the collision and did not return to the match.

Who will miss this week’s matches for Frölunda?

Ohlsson said Normann is not available for this week’s matches against Luleå and Malmö; Nicklas Lasu is day-to-day and might be available against Luleå.

Who was called in as Frölunda’s backup during the warm-up?

Junior William Thegerström was called in as the second goaltender after the club’s named goalkeeper stepped off during warm-up.

What Comes Next

Frölunda face Luleå and Malmö this week. Ohlsson has ruled Normann out for both fixtures, while Lasu is day-to-day and could yet be available against Luleå. Thorell’s status will be monitored after the collision.

Třinec lose Oscar Flynn for several weeks through injury

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HC Oceláři Třinec have ruled forward Oscar Flynn out for several weeks with a muscle injury sustained in Saturday’s Tipsport Extraliga game against Plzeň. The club announced the absence on X. Flynn, 27, also received two penalty minutes in that match and did not finish the game. He had come into the season in strong form after a six-point performance in the pre-season win over Vítkovice and a two-goal contribution during Třinec’s 6:5 comeback against Kometa Brno. Flynn will miss Třinec’s upcoming home game against Vítkovice on Friday.

Key Facts

  • Oscar Flynn suffered a muscle injury in the Saturday Tipsport extraliga match against Plzeň and will be sidelined for several weeks, the club announced on X.
  • Flynn received two penalty minutes for a foul in the same Plzeň game and did not finish the match.
  • The 27-year-old forward recorded six points (one goal, five assists) in Třinec’s pre-season win over Vítkovice.
  • Flynn scored twice in HC Oceláři Třinec’s 6:5 comeback victory against Kometa Brno early in the season.
  • Flynn will not dress for Třinec’s next home fixture against Vítkovice on Friday.
  • Centre Michal Kovařčík is also currently unavailable for Třinec, out since a pre-season collision in Brno after suffering a concussion.
  • Coach Boris Žabka said concussion recovery is individual and that Kovařčík is not yet back on the ice, with physiotherapists working toward his return.

IHM Discussion

The loss of Oscar Flynn is a concrete personnel blow for Třinec. The club’s statement puts the expected absence at ‘several weeks’, removing a forward who produced notable numbers in the build-up to the season and who had already delivered important goals in league play. Flynn’s six-point performance in the pre-season finale against Vítkovice and his two-goal game in the 6:5 win over Kometa Brno underlined his influence on the team’s attack. That form, combined with an early-season goal return, suggests Flynn was a key contributor to Třinec’s offensive plans before the Plzeň match ended prematurely for him.

Why It Matters

Třinec lose both a scoring option and some continuity in their forward group while Michal Kovařčík remains sidelined with a concussion sustained in pre-season. Flynn’s absence will require adjustments to the forward lines for the coming weeks. The immediate effect is his absence from Friday’s home game against Vítkovice.

Mini Q&A

What injury has Oscar Flynn suffered?

HC Oceláři Třinec say Flynn sustained a muscle injury in the match against Plzeň and will be out for several weeks.

Will Flynn play in Třinec’s next game?

No. The club stated Flynn will not dress for the upcoming home game against Vítkovice on Friday.

How had Flynn been performing prior to the injury?

Flynn had a strong pre-season, recording six points (one goal and five assists) against Vítkovice, and he scored twice in Třinec’s 6:5 comeback win over Kometa Brno.

Are other key Třinec forwards also absent?

Yes. Centre Michal Kovařčík remains unavailable after suffering a concussion in a pre-season collision in Brno; coach Boris Žabka said recovery is individual and Kovařčík is not yet back on the ice.

Coach Mark Comment

Flynn’s absence removes a forward who had started the season with confidence around the net. Třinec will need clear line combinations and a collective scoring contribution while he recovers, rather than relying on one player to replace his production.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoint is Třinec’s home match against Vítkovice on Friday, for which Flynn will not be available.

IHM Final View

This is a material setback for Třinec’s short-term attacking depth. Flynn’s absence for several weeks removes an in-form scorer from the roster during the early part of the season and compounds the situation while Michal Kovařčík remains out with a concussion. How the coaching staff reshuffle their lines in the coming games will shape Třinec’s ability to maintain their results while both players recover.

Jonas Arntzen: “One of the best in the league” after Örebro win

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jonas Arntzen started in Örebro’s 5-1 away win after it had been decided before the match against Färjestad that he would play Tuesday against Timrå. Filip Larsson had started the season opener and was replaced in the second period, with Arntzen taking over. Arntzen praised Larsson’s pre-season form and described his own highest level as “one of the best in the league”, while stressing the need for greater consistency and continued mental work.

Key Facts

  • Jonas Arntzen started in Örebro’s 5-1 away win against Timrå.
  • Örebro had begun the season with a 7-0 loss in the series opener.
  • Filip Larsson was the starter in the series opener and was replaced in the second period, with Arntzen taking over.
  • Arntzen confirmed it was decided before the match against Färjestad that he would start on Tuesday against Timrå.
  • Arntzen praised Filip Larsson, noting Larsson’s strong pre-season and earlier performances.
  • Arntzen says his highest level is ” one of the best in the league” but acknowledges he must produce that level more consistently and that much of the work is mental.
  • Örebro’s next match is scheduled for Thursday and will be the club’s home premiere for the season; it remains to be seen which goalkeeper will start.

IHM Discussion

Arntzen’s comments frame a clear internal competition for Örebro’s starting role. He publicly supports Filip Larsson, underlining that one difficult result should not define a goalkeeper, while also making a confident case for himself by highlighting the quality of his peak performances. His stated priority is to reduce the gap between that peak and his regular level through greater consistency and mental work.

Why It Matters

A 5-1 away win gives Örebro a positive response after the 7-0 opening loss. Arntzen’s comments also make clear that the contest for the starting role remains open, with consistency likely to be central as the season develops.

Mini Q&A

Did Jonas Arntzen play in the recent win and what was the score?

Yes. Jonas Arntzen started and Örebro won 5-1 away against Timrå.

Who started the series opener and what happened there?

Filip Larsson started the series opener, which ended in a 7-0 loss for Örebro.

Was Arntzen’s start against Timrå pre-planned?

Arntzen confirmed it had been decided before the match against Färjestad that he would start the Tuesday game against Timrå.

What does Arntzen say about his own level?

Arntzen says his highest level is ” one of the best in the league” but acknowledges he must hold that level more often and work on the mental side.

Coach Mark Comment

The important point for Örebro is that both goaltenders remain supported while the competition stays demanding. Arntzen has identified consistency and mental preparation as key areas; the next starts will show how well he can sustain that standard.

What Comes Next

Örebro’s next fixture is on Thursday and will be the club’s home opener for the season. The immediate question is which of Jonas Arntzen and Filip Larsson will start in goal.

IHM Final View

Jonas Arntzen’s 5-1 win and confident assessment of his peak level put further focus on Örebro’s competition in goal. His own acknowledgement of inconsistent periods keeps the emphasis on whether he can sustain that level as the season moves on.

HIFK’s power play delivers in 3-1 win without Lehterä

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Helsingin IFK ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over Oulun Kärpät in the season’s first North-vs-South fixture. HIFK’s power play produced a goal even without Jori Lehterä, while Vincent Marleau scored to put HIFK 2-1 ahead – his second of the season. Kärpät’s Roni Hirvonen had earlier scored the 1-1 equaliser, while Kärpät goaltender Visa Vedenpää made several important saves in the second period. HIFK registered 17 shots on goal after managing only six against Lukko.

Key Facts

  • Helsingin IFK beat Oulun Kärpät 3-1, ending a four-game losing streak.
  • HIFK’s power play produced one goal despite Jori Lehterä not featuring.
  • Roni Hirvonen scored the 1-1 equaliser for Kärpät.
  • Vincent Marleau scored HIFK’s go-ahead goal, his second of the season.
  • Kärpät goaltender Visa Vedenpää made several standout saves in the second period.
  • HIFK had 17 shots on goal in this match versus six in the recent game against Lukko.
  • Five-on-five play favoured Kärpät, while HIFK were more threatening on the power play and in quick counterattacks.
  • Matyáš Kantner controlled the puck in HIFK’s defensive zone during a spell in which HIFK’s defensive play looked disorganised.

IHM Discussion

The result offers HIFK both immediate relief and a clearer view of where progress is real and where work remains. The team improved its offensive urgency and shot volume compared with the Lukko game, converting more possessions into chances. That is evidence that HIFK can generate opportunities without relying on one player.

Yet the match also exposed issues at five-on-five. Kärpät had the edge at even strength, although HIFK’s defence prevented them from creating the very best chances. There were moments of unclear marking and hesitant decision-making, particularly during spells when Matyáš Kantner carried the puck in the HIFK zone. Clearer defensive responsibilities would help limit those lapses.

Why It Matters

The win ends a losing run and shows that HIFK’s special teams can contribute even without Jori Lehterä. Vincent Marleau’s second goal of the season is another positive, while Kärpät goaltender Visa Vedenpää’s second-period saves kept the visitors in the game. HIFK’s five-on-five play still leaves room for improvement, so this was a step forward rather than a finished product.

Mini Q&A

Did HIFK end their losing streak?

Yes. HIFK ended a four-game losing run with a 3-1 win over Oulun Kärpät.

Was Jori Lehterä playing in the match?

No. HIFK’s power play produced a goal without Jori Lehterä in the lineup.

Who scored HIFK’s go-ahead goal?

Vincent Marleau scored to put HIFK 2-1 ahead; it was his second goal of the season.

How did Visa Vedenpää perform?

Kärpät goaltender Visa Vedenpää made several important saves in the second period, helping keep his team in the game.

Coach Mark Comment

HIFK’s power play created danger without Lehterä, but the five-on-five picture was less convincing. The next coaching priority is clearer defensive-zone communication, especially when opponents are able to carry the puck through the zone.

IHM Final View

HIFK’s 3-1 victory is a meaningful corrective after a string of defeats, with the power play providing a clear positive. Kärpät goaltender Visa Vedenpää’s saves kept the margin tight, while HIFK still need greater control at five-on-five and clearer defensive roles to build on the result.