Tag: Ilves

Joonas Nättinen joins Iserlohn Roosters in DEL

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Joonas Nättinen has joined Iserlohn Roosters, continuing his career in Germany with the DEL club after captaining Ilves last season.

The 35-year-old forward played 50 games for Ilves last term, recording three goals and nine assists for 12 points. Iserlohn sporting director Franz-David Fritzmeier said Nättinen had shown he could shoulder responsibility at the highest level and handle pressure, adding that the club expects him to lead on the ice.

Nättinen will be reunited with Peter Quenneville, who also represented Ilves last season. The Canadian has made the strongest points start among Iserlohn players, with two goals and four assists in eight games.

Key Facts

  • Joonas Nättinen has signed for DEL club Iserlohn Roosters after last season with Ilves.
  • Nättinen captained Ilves last season and posted 3+9=12 in 50 games.
  • Iserlohn sporting director Franz-David Fritzmeier said Nättinen is expected to provide leadership on the ice.
  • Nättinen was part of Finland’s Olympic gold-medal team in 2022 and has played one NHL game.
  • Former Ilves player Peter Quenneville is already at Iserlohn, where he has 2+4=6 through eight games.

IHM Discussion

Iserlohn have added a forward with significant experience of high-pressure hockey. Nättinen’s production at Ilves was limited last season, but the Roosters are bringing him in with an expectation that he can contribute more than points alone.

Fritzmeier’s emphasis on responsibility, pressure management and versatility sets out the role the club sees for Nättinen. His arrival also gives him an immediate connection within the dressing room through Quenneville, his former Ilves team-mate.

Why It Matters

The move takes a recent Liiga captain into the DEL and reunites two players from last season’s Ilves squad. For Iserlohn, Nättinen’s experience includes Olympic gold with Finland in 2022 as well as a brief NHL appearance, while Quenneville has already supplied six points in eight games for the German club.

Ilves win overshadowed by abusive Veikkaus chants

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Ilves defeated Jokers 3-0 at Veikkaus Arena, but the result was followed by abusive chanting between the two clubs’ supporters.

Ilves fans had travelled in organised fashion for the Saturday-night fixture, and the arena atmosphere was described as loud throughout the game as home and visiting supporters backed their sides. The tone changed after the final whistle, when chants from both groups included language deemed unsuitable for children attending the event.

Ilves supporters chanted a derogatory obscenity directed at Russians, while Jokers fans replied with an insulting chant aimed at Tampere.

Key Facts

  • Ilves won the game 3-0 against Jokers at Veikkaus Arena.
  • Supporters from both teams generated a loud atmosphere during the match.
  • Post-match chanting between the two fan groups included language unsuitable for children.
  • Ilves fans used a derogatory obscenity directed at Russians after the game.

IHM Discussion

The 3-0 result was the sporting outcome, but the conduct after the match became the more significant talking point.

The chants were not confined to ordinary sporting rivalry. One was directed at Russians using a derogatory obscenity, while the reply from Jokers supporters insulted Tampere. The additional anti-Putin chant had a political context rather than a direct sporting one.

No disciplinary action, club response or arena measure is stated. The established facts are limited to the chanting, its post-match timing and the 3-0 Ilves victory.

Why It Matters

Supporter culture is a visible part of Finnish hockey matchdays, particularly when travelling fans are present. This incident matters because the language reported went beyond competitive noise and was described as unsuitable for children in attendance. The result remains a clear win for Ilves, but the post-match exchanges placed attention on supporter behaviour rather than the hockey alone.

Jašek sinks OT winner as Ilves twice come back to beat Kärpät

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Ilves staged a dramatic late rally in Oulu, twice coming from behind to force extra time and eventually beating Kärpät 4-3. Lukáš Jašek finished the game in overtime, scoring at 60.37. Ilves first equalised at 57.19 through Jan-Mikael Järvinen, only for Andreas Okany to restore Kärpät’s lead 31 seconds later. With the goalkeeper pulled, Aleks Haatanen levelled again at 58.48 to make it 3-3, and Jašek decided the match in overtime. The result ended goaltender Mantas Armalis’s shutout run, which had lasted 134.50 minutes before Okany struck short-handed in the first period.

Key Facts

  • Final score: Ilves 4, Kärpät 3 (overtime).
  • Lukáš Jašek scored the overtime winner for Ilves at 60.37.
  • Ilves twice erased deficits to force extra time.
  • Jan-Mikael Järvinen scored the first late equaliser at 57.19.
  • Andreas Okany scored twice for Kärpät; his first was a short-handed goal at 14.50 that ended Mantas Armalis’s 134.50-minute shutout streak.
  • Okany’s second goal came 31 seconds after Järvinen’s 57.19 equaliser, restoring Kärpät’s lead.
  • Aleks Haatanen scored Ilves’s 3-3 equaliser at 58.48 with the net empty.
  • Aleks Haatanen opened the scoring for Ilves at 5.57.
  • An Ilves goal later in the game was disallowed after video review for goaltender interference.
  • Kärpät had a goal ruled out for offside by video review in the third period.
  • Ilves celebrated the overtime win in Oulu.
  • Järvinen’s 57.19 equaliser is the second-latest instance in Liiga history of a team levelling the game, falling behind again and then drawing level a second time; a similar sequence occurred with Tappara against KooKoo on 28 September 2022 (tied at 58.41 and again at 59.48).

IHM Discussion

The match between Kärpät and Ilves was defined by shifting momentum and late desperation. Ilves built early momentum through Aleks Haatanen’s opening goal but saw a second strike wiped out for goaltender interference after video review, a decision that kept the game tight. Kärpät then drew level when Andreas Okany scored short-handed, ending Mantas Armalis’s extended shutout run and leaving Ilves to chase the game again later in the contest.

The decisive phase came deep in the third period. Jan-Mikael Järvinen’s 57.19 equaliser gave Ilves a route back into the game, but Kärpät’s immediate reply underlined how quickly a game can swing. Ilves’s second comeback – Haatanen’s goal with the goalkeeper pulled at 58.48 – showed the visitors’ willingness to take risks in the closing minute. In overtime, Jašek provided the finishing touch at 60.37 to seal the win.

Why It Matters

The result matters for a few clear reasons anchored in the game itself: it gave Ilves an away win after two late comebacks; it ended Mantas Armalis’s notable 134.50-minute shutout sequence; and it showed how video reviews, a short-handed goal and late-game goaltender-pull tactics can shape a tightly contested match.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score and how was the game decided?

Ilves defeated Kärpät 4-3 in overtime; Lukáš Jašek scored the winning goal at 60.37.

Who ended Mantas Armalis’s shutout run and when?

Andreas Okany ended Armalis’s 134.50-minute shutout streak with a short-handed goal at 14.50 in the first period.

Which Ilves players scored the late equalisers?

Jan-Mikael Järvinen scored at 57.19 to make it 2-2, and Aleks Haatanen scored at 58.48 (with the net empty) to make it 3-3.

Were there any goals overturned?

Yes. An Ilves goal was disallowed after video review for goaltender interference, and Kärpät had a goal ruled out for offside following review.

Where was the match played?

The game took place in Oulu, where Kärpät were the home side.

Coach Mark Comment

Ilves’s response after each setback was the key coaching takeaway. The visitors found a late equaliser, conceded again 31 seconds later, then created one more opportunity with the goalkeeper pulled. In a finish like this, bench composure and clear execution matter as much as urgency.

IHM Final View

Ilves’s 4-3 overtime victory in Oulu will be remembered for its two late comebacks and for ending Mantas Armalis’s shutout streak. The match showed how reviews, a short-handed goal and late-period tactics can tilt a finely balanced Liiga game, with Lukáš Jašek’s finish providing the decisive edge for the visitors.

Ilves forward Topias Hynninen out of line-up since Aug 8, club silent

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The club has not released details about his condition; Ilves sporting director Timo Koskela said the club cannot comment on players’ health information and that it is not yet known when Hynninen will be able to play. Team manager Timo Peltomaa previously told reporters on 4 September that Hynninen is ” not injured.”

Key Facts

  • Topias Hynninen is a new forward signing for Ilves after joining from Jukurit.
  • Ilves has not publicly disclosed details of Hynninen’s absence or a timeline for his return.
  • Ilves sporting director Timo Koskela said the club cannot comment on players’ health information and that it is not yet known when Hynninen will be able to play.
  • Ilves team manager Timo Peltomaa told reporters on 4 September that Hynninen is ” not injured.”

IHM Discussion

The situation around Topias Hynninen is notable because he is a recent addition to Ilves’ forward group and has yet to make a regular-season appearance. The club cannot comment on individual health information, leaving little official detail beyond the brief messages from management. Timo Peltomaa’s concise assessment on 4 September – “not injured” – provides some clarity but does not address Hynninen’s availability or the reason for his absence. For a new signing, an early-season absence complicates integration into the team and selection options for the coaching staff.

Why It Matters

Hynninen’s absence matters to Ilves because the club has not yet been able to use its new forward in the regular season. The lack of public detail leaves the early-season availability picture unclear, while Ilves maintains the player’s medical privacy. Until he returns to the line-up, his impact on the regular season remains uncertain.

Mini Q&A

Who is Topias Hynninen?

Topias Hynninen is a forward who moved to Ilves from Jukurit as a new signing for the season.

When was he last in Ilves’ line-up?

Hynninen was last seen in an Ilves line-up during the pre-season game against HIFK on 8 August.

What has the club said about his absence?

Ilves has declined to comment on players’ health information; sporting director Timo Koskela said the club cannot comment and that it is not yet known when Hynninen will be able to play.

Is Hynninen injured?

On 4 September, team manager Timo Peltomaa told reporters that Hynninen is ” not injured.”

Has the club provided a return date?

No. The club has not given any timeline for when Hynninen might return to play.

Tuomas Kiiskinen joins Ilves coaching staff on 1+2-year deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tuomas Kiiskinen, a recently retired player who ended his career with KalPa‘s 2025 Finnish championship, has joined the Liiga club Ilves on a 1+2-year coaching contract. Kiiskinen arrives with little prior coaching experience but strong playing credentials, including two Swedish titles with Växjö Lakers and the 2025 Finnish title. He says he took a year away from hockey after retirement to reset before accepting Ilves’s offer during last season’s playoffs. Kiiskinen emphasises hard work, an active on-ice role and responsibility for specific areas of preparation; he also says he and the rest of Ilves’ coaching staff have divided roles evenly but is not disclosing the exact details. Ilves gathered as a group on 3 August, played four pre-season games before the 1 September start to the Liiga season and opened the campaign with a five-game away run, with the first home game coming in the third league week.

Key Facts

  • Tuomas Kiiskinen ended his playing career with a Finnish championship at KalPa in 2025.
  • Ilves announced Kiiskinen’s addition to the coaching staff on a 1+2-year contract.
  • Kiiskinen has essentially no prior coaching experience before the 2026-27 Liiga super season.
  • He has won two Swedish championships with Växjö Lakers in addition to the 2025 Finnish title.
  • Kiiskinen took roughly a year away from the sport after retiring, spending time with family and stepping back from hockey.
  • Ilves regrouped on 3 August and played four pre-season games before the season that began on 1 September.
  • Ilves opened the season with a five-game run on the road; the first home match is scheduled in the third week of the Liiga campaign.
  • Kiiskinen says he will be working on the ice and has specific areas of responsibility, but he declined to detail his exact role publicly.
  • He describes Ilves’ daily work culture as positive and disciplined and has noticed operational differences between clubs he represented in Finland, Sweden and Russia.
  • Kiiskinen supports the Liiga’s open, higher-stakes season format – the so-called super season – and sees added interest at both ends of the table.

IHM Discussion

Kiiskinen’s move combines a long, successful playing career with virtually no previous coaching experience. He says coaching had long interested him, but that he needed time away from the game after retirement before Ilves’ offer emerged during the previous season’s playoffs.

The former player will have a substantial role within an experienced Ilves coaching group, although he has not disclosed its exact details. He says the staff have divided responsibilities closely and that he will work on the ice, including leading practices. Video work, practice planning and reviewing games have all brought new demands as he adjusts to coaching.

Kiiskinen points to cohesion and a shared understanding of a team’s chosen style as common features of the championship sides he played for. With only four pre-season games before the Liiga campaign began, Ilves were still refining their attacking play, even as they conceded few goals in those fixtures.

Why It Matters

Kiiskinen brings championship experience from Finland and Sweden into his first coaching role. His on-ice work and defined responsibilities will make him part of Ilves’ daily preparation, while the experienced coaching group provides a setting in which he can learn the demands of the job.

The opening schedule presents an immediate test. Ilves began with five away games after a short preparation period, and Kiiskinen has said the team must move beyond overthinking and play with a clearer instinct for its intended style.

Mini Q&A

Who is Tuomas Kiiskinen?

Tuomas Kiiskinen is a recently retired player who finished his career with a Finnish championship at KalPa in 2025 and has also won two Swedish titles with Växjö Lakers.

What contract did Kiiskinen sign with Ilves?

He signed a 1+2-year contract with Ilves.

Does Kiiskinen have prior coaching experience?

No – Kiiskinen has essentially no prior coaching experience before the 2026-27 Liiga season.

What role will Kiiskinen perform at Ilves?

Kiiskinen says he has specific areas of responsibility, will be active on the ice running drills, and that the coaching roles have been divided evenly, but he has not disclosed precise role details.

How did Kiiskinen prepare before taking the job?

After retiring he took roughly a year away from the sport, spending time with family and stepping back from hockey before accepting Ilves’ offer during last season’s playoffs.

What immediate challenge does Ilves face at the start of the season?

Ilves opened the season with a five-game away run and have their first home game scheduled in the third league week, meaning the team must implement new routines quickly after a brief pre-season.

What Comes Next

Ilves began the Liiga season with five consecutive away fixtures, with their first home game not arriving until the third league week. The early schedule follows a compressed preparation period in which the team regrouped on 3 August and played four pre-season games.

IHM Final View

Kiiskinen begins his coaching career with a substantial on-ice role at Ilves after a long playing career that included titles in Finland and Sweden. His early focus is clear: hard daily work, a cohesive group and a team able to execute its chosen style.

Italian – Dominican defenceman debuts as HPK host Ilves

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Liiga has a single fixture on Tuesday as HPK host Ilves, with the game scheduled to begin at 18.30. Both sides make small line-up changes: Kim Saarinen starts in goal for HPK while Mantas Armalis gets the nod for Ilves. Nineteen-year-old Gabriel Nitz, a 194 cm defenceman with Italian and Dominican Republic citizenship who joined HPK from Italy in the summer, will make his Liiga debut as HPK’s seventh defenceman. Ilves will dress eight defencemen, with 21-year-old Arttu Niskanen included for the visit to Hämeenlinna.

Key Facts

  • One Liiga match is scheduled on Tuesday: HPK vs Ilves at 18.30.
  • HPK start Kim Saarinen in goal.
  • Ilves start Mantas Armalis in goal.
  • Saarinen and Armalis were backup goaltenders in Friday’s round of games.
  • HPK promotes 19-year-old Gabriel Nitz as a seventh defenceman.
  • Gabriel Nitz holds citizenship of Italy and the Dominican Republic.
  • Nitz is 194 cm tall and joined HPK in the summer from Italy.
  • Ilves will play with eight defencemen, and 21-year-old Arttu Niskanen is included in the squad for the trip to Hämeenlinna.
  • After Tuesday’s game Liiga will have games on Wednesday, then the league pauses until next Tuesday.

IHM Discussion

Tuesday’s match offers an early look at how both clubs are managing their goaltenders. Each side has changed its starter from Friday, with Saarinen returning for HPK and Armalis taking the crease for Ilves.

Nitz’s Liiga debut as a seventh defenceman gives HPK another option on the blue line. The 194 cm teenager joined from Italy in the summer. Ilves, meanwhile, will dress eight defencemen, keeping Niskanen available in Hämeenlinna.

Why It Matters

The goaltending changes and defensive additions are the main match-day adjustments in Liiga’s only Tuesday fixture. Nitz’s debut is a notable early milestone for the young HPK defenceman, while Ilves’ eight-defenceman alignment brings Niskanen into the group for the trip to Hämeenlinna.

Mini Q&A

Who are the starting goaltenders for Tuesday’s game?

Kim Saarinen starts in goal for HPK and Mantas Armalis starts for Ilves.

When and where is the game scheduled?

The single Liiga match is on Tuesday with HPK hosting Ilves and puck drop set for 18.30.

Who is Gabriel Nitz?

Gabriel Nitz is a 19-year-old, 194-cm defenceman who holds Italian and Dominican Republic citizenship and joined HPK from Italy in the summer; he is listed as HPK’s seventh defenceman.

How many games had each team played before this match?

Both HPK and Ilves had played two games before the Tuesday fixture.

Is Arttu Niskanen included in the Ilves travelling squad?

Yes. Ilves are playing with eight defencemen and 21-year-old Arttu Niskanen is with the team in Hämeenlinna.

What Comes Next

Reportedly, Liiga continues with games on Wednesday after Tuesday’s fixture; following that round the league enters a break that lasts until next Tuesday. Those upcoming matchdays will shape short-term selection decisions for both clubs.

CHL Round of 16 - Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

CHL Round of 16 – Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

CHL Round of 16 – Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

Six heavyweight clashes. Twelve contenders. One path to European glory.

By IHM News · November 7, 2025

CHL Round of 16 - Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

The Champions Hockey League enters the Round of 16 with one of the most balanced and unpredictable playoff grids in recent years. Traditional powerhouses, resurgent contenders, surprise newcomers – all collide now, as Europe’s top clubs begin the two-game battles that will determine who advances toward the quarterfinals.

IHM News breaks down all six matchups with a full scouting preview, trends, form guides, key players and tactical storylines.
This is your complete, elite-level CHL playoff roadmap.

🟥 Match-Up 1: Sparta Prague vs EV Zug

First CHL meeting ever between two long-established clubs

Despite a combined 15 CHL seasons, Sparta Prague and EV Zug enter their Round of 16 clash having never before crossed paths in Europe’s top competition. That changes now – and this matchup could be one of the tightest of the entire round.

✅ Sparta: elite form, defensive discipline, world-class goaltending

Sparta enter Switzerland as one of the form teams of the tournament:

  • 5-1-0 in the Regular Season
  • Just 9 goals conceded in six games
  • Finished with a commanding 4-0 win over Grenoble

The Czech giants are built around structure and execution.
Their goaltending has been nothing short of spectacular:
Jakub Kovář – 95.8 SV%, 0.65 GAA – best numbers in the CHL.

Offensively, the trio of Řepík, Hyka, and Dzierkals has driven consistent scoring, while the power play (14.8%) and penalty kill (82%) both remain reliable, if not explosive. The only question: can they generate more on man-advantages in playoff pressure?

✅ Zug: volatility, firepower, and depth scoring

Zug’s 3-3 Regular Season run was uneven but dangerous:

  • OT wins over Luleå
  • Strong offensive displays vs Grenoble and Belfast
  • But defensive lapses vs Ingolstadt, Rauma and Kometa Brno

Despite inconsistency, Zug scored 20 goals in six games – proof of how lethal they are when transitions open up.

Key scorers:

  • Dominik Kubalík – 6 pts
  • Tomáš Tatar – 6 pts
  • Andreas Wingerli – 6 pts
  • Grégory Hofmann – 6 pts

Tim Wolf’s 90.3 SV% gives Zug stability, but they will need an A-level defensive performance to break Sparta’s rhythm.

✅ X-Factor: The Kovář brothers

For the first time in a CHL knockout series:
Jakub Kovář (Sparta) vs Jan Kovář (Zug) – brother vs brother.
Veteran vs veteran.
Backbone vs playmaker.

A storyline worthy of the Round of 16 spotlight.

🟥 Match-Up 2: Grenoble vs Frölunda

A first-ever CHL Playoffs appearance vs the CHL’s greatest dynasty

Grenoble wrote one of the feel-good stories of the Regular Season.
Frölunda – four-time CHL champions – now stand in their way.

✅ Grenoble: historic playoff run, explosive offense, chaotic defense

The French side enters the Playoffs for the first time ever, after a fearless Regular Season loaded with high-event hockey:

  • 8-5 win over Bremerhaven
  • Shootout win vs Eisbären Berlin
  • But 24 goals conceded in six games – the worst among playoff teams

Grenoble are fast, brave, and unpredictable. Beauchemin and Boivin combined for 16 points, while veterans Treille, Englund and Binner supply experience and stability.

Goaltending remains the swing factor:
Matija Pintarič - 87.6 SV%
He must elevate against Frölunda’s relentless five-man offense.

✅ Frölunda: pedigree, structure, tournament experience

The Swedes are built for this stage:

  • 5-1-0 in the Regular Season
  • 21 goals scored, 11 allowed
  • Only loss: tight 4-2 game vs Sparta

Max Friberg leads with 8 points, while Innala, Lindholm and Peterson provide layered scoring.
Defensively, Henrik Tömmernes remains the heartbeat – controlling breakouts, power plays and tempo.

Goalie Tobias Normann (92.6 SV%, 1.33 GAA) looks locked in.

✅ X-Factor: pace vs polish

Grenoble’s chaos vs Frölunda’s control.
One wants to disrupt.
One wants to suffocate.
The first 10 minutes will dictate the tone.

🟥 Match-Up 3: Bremerhaven vs Ilves

Unbeaten Regular Season winners vs the CHL’s biggest wildcard

Ilves Tampere enter the Playoffs as the first team ever to finish a CHL Regular Season with:

  • ✅ 6-0 record
  • ✅ 18 points
  • ✅ +17 goal difference (24-7)

Bremerhaven?
They scraped into the playoffs at 3-3.

And yet – they are dangerous.

✅ Bremerhaven: high-event rollercoaster, but big-game capable

Their campaign included:

  • OT win vs ZSC Lions
  • A 5-8 defensive collapse vs Grenoble
  • A shutout win vs Luleå
  • A tight loss in Hamar

Veteran leader Jan Urbas (8 points, 6 goals) is one of the CHL’s most consistent scorers.
Jeglič continues to set up the offense, while Jensen and Bruggisser anchor the blue line.

Goaltender Kristers Gudļevskis – 91% SV – will need his best performance against Ilves.

✅ Ilves: the most complete team in the field

Ilves combine defensive structure with elite transition scoring:

  • 24 goals for
  • Only 7 goals allowed
  • Top-tier goaltending tandem:
    • Roope Taponen – 97.1 SV%
    • Dominik Pavlát – 92.4 SV%

Their forward group, led by Mäntykivi and Lööke, operates with precision, and their special teams are among the best in the field.

✅ X-Factor: Can Bremerhaven survive the first period?

If Ilves score early, the series could get away quickly.
If Bremerhaven hold their ground… we have a fight.

🟥 Match-Up 4: Ingolstadt vs Red Bull Salzburg

Central European battle of momentum vs balance

This might be the most stylistically even matchup of the entire round.

✅ Ingolstadt: late surge, high-scoring form, PP threat

After starting 0-2, Ingolstadt finished with four straight wins:

  • 7-3 vs Zug
  • 8-2 vs Odense
  • 23 goals in six games

Riley Barber leads with 8 points; Sheen, Keating and Abbandonato offer depth scoring.
Defender Alex Breton added 3 goals from the back end.

Goaltending:

  • Brett Brochu (3 wins)
  • Devin Williams providing support

Their power play and face-off efficiency are among the best in the CHL.

✅ Salzburg: pedigree, structure, elite goaltending

Salzburg finished 3-3, but their underlying play is far more controlled than the record suggests.
Home wins over Berlin, Bremerhaven and Tychy highlighted their balance.

Key names:

  • Connor Corcoran (point man weapon)
  • Raffl, Nissner, Thaler up front
  • Atte Tolvanen – 92.9 SV% – steady as ever

✅ X-Factor: zone exits

Ingolstadt pressure aggressively.
If Salzburg break cleanly – they neutralize Ingolstadt’s transition game.

🟥 Match-Up 5: Storhamar vs Lukko

Norwegian resilience vs Finnish structure

Storhamar fought their way into the playoffs with late-season momentum.
Lukko arrive with a polished Liiga-style game.

✅ Storhamar: late surge, strong goaltending, home ice advantage

After a slow start, Storhamar closed with wins over:

  • Sparta
  • Brynäs
  • Bremerhaven

Veterans Martinsen and Liss drive the playmaking.
On defence, Hurrød and Krupic provide mobility and transition strength.

But the true difference-maker:
Markus Røhnebaek Stensrud – 93.8 SV%
He’s kept them alive all season.

✅ Lukko: stability, structure, elite blue line

A 4-2 Regular Season.
21 goals scored, 14 allowed.
Strong two-way identity and disciplined puck pressure.

Eric Gélinas (8 points) is the central piece.
Beaucage and Morand carry the offense.
And in net – the CHL’s silent star:
Antti Raanta – 95% SV, 1.00 GAA

✅ X-Factor: the opening 10 minutes in Hamar

Storhamar’s crowd is a weapon.
If Lukko survive the initial push, their depth takes over.

🟥 Match-Up 6: ZSC Lions Zurich vs KalPa Kuopio

Reigning champions vs the hottest team of the season

This matchup is pure drama.

✅ Zurich: tricky season, but playoff pedigree

Their Regular Season:

  • OT loss vs Bremerhaven
  • Wins vs Tychy and Odense
  • Then three straight losses (Brynäs, Sparta, Ilves)

Still – Zurich are built for playoffs.
Their system is structured, fast and experienced.

Key players:

  • Balcers + Malgin (8 combined points)
  • Mikko Lehtonen quarterbacking the blue line
  • Christian Marti anchoring the defence
  • Šimon Hrubec – 93.5 SV%, 1.83 GAA – elite under pressure

✅ KalPa: perfect Regular Season, dominant in all phases

KalPa finished 6-0, scoring 24 and conceding only 8.
Their playing style is fast, disciplined and highly structured.

Offensively:

  • Juuso Mäenpää
  • Cade Borchardt
  • Patrick Curry (relentless worker)

Defensively:

  • Ketola and Räsänen lead a mobile blue line

Goaltending tandem:

  • Patrik Kerkola
  • Stefanos Lekkas

Combined save percentage: over 95%

✅ X-Factor: transition speed vs defensive structure

Zurich can slow teams down.
KalPa can run teams over.
One of the best stylistic battles of the round.

🧠 Coach Mark Comment

Each of these ties has a unique tactical identity. Round of 16 hockey in the CHL often comes down to two elements: defensive layers in the neutral zone and the ability to generate second pucks around the crease. Ilves, Sparta and KalPa have the best structure. Zug, Frölunda and Ingolstadt have the most transition danger. Watch for the special teams efficiency – several of these games will be decided by details rather than dominance.

Devils rally late, defeat Canadiens 4-3 in OT to stay perfect at home | IHM News