Tag: Kärpät

Kärpät agree two-year extension with Kasper Soini

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Kärpät have agreed a two-year contract extension with defenceman Kasper Soini.

The 23-year-old has recorded two assists in 13 appearances for the Oulu club, without scoring a goal, and carries a plus-five rating. Soini previously represented Jukurit in Liiga.

Kärpät sporting director Kimmo Kapanen described Soini as an important part of the team, pointing to the defenceman’s skating, defensive coverage and ability to support attacks.

Key Facts

  • Kärpät have signed defenceman Kasper Soini, 23, to a two-year contract extension.
  • Soini has two assists and no goals in 13 appearances for Kärpät.
  • The defenceman has a plus-five rating.
  • Kärpät sporting director Kimmo Kapanen said Soini’s skating allows him to defend effectively across the ice and contribute to attacks.
  • Soini previously played for Jukurit in Liiga.

IHM Discussion

The extension secures Kärpät’s continued association with a young defenceman whom the club views as still developing. Kapanen’s assessment centred on Soini’s mobility: a quality that can aid defensive coverage while also allowing a blueliner to join attacking play.

Soini’s early scoring return is limited to two assists, but his plus-five rating offers a separate snapshot of his time on the ice. Kärpät’s decision therefore rests on more than goals, with the club identifying attributes in his skating and two-way contribution that it values within the group.

Why It Matters

For Kärpät, the agreement keeps Soini under contract for two more years while he remains at an early stage of his Liiga career. The club has publicly attached value to his defensive range and support for the attack, making the extension a clear statement of confidence in his longer-term development.

Heljanko shuts out Kärpät as Tappara raise banner

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara celebrated last season’s championship with a banner-raising ceremony at Nokia Arena before beating Kärpät 4-0. Christian Heljanko recorded a shutout, while Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning goal. Tappara moved into a 3-0 lead in the second period and completed a comfortable victory.

Key Facts

  • Tappara raised last season’s championship banner at Nokia Arena prior to the match.
  • Tappara defeated Kärpät 4-0 in the same game.
  • Christian Heljanko recorded a shutout and celebrated the clean sheet after the final buzzer.
  • Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning 1-0 goal.
  • Tappara extended the lead to 3-0 in the second period.
  • Ondřej Pavel was among the Tappara goalscorers.
  • Julius Mattila and Juha Metsola brought the Kanada-malja onto the ice as part of the celebrations.
  • Tappara had several chances to add further goals during the match.
  • Niklas Rubin made saves in goal for Kärpät in an effort to keep his team in the contest.
  • Emotions rose at times in the third period as the teams finished the match.

IHM Discussion

The evening at Nokia Arena combined ceremony and competition. Tappara staged a banner-raising to mark last season’s title, then delivered a 4-0 win over Kärpät. Christian Heljanko’s shutout and Aapeli Räsänen’s game-winning opener set the tone, while Ondřej Pavel was also among the goalscorers. Kärpät turned to Niklas Rubin to make saves and keep the score down, but Tappara built a three-goal lead in the second period. Julius Mattila and Juha Metsola bringing the Kanada-malja onto the ice added to the occasion.

Why It Matters

The win gave Tappara a fitting conclusion to a night celebrating last season’s championship. Heljanko’s shutout and the second-period surge were the decisive features of a 4-0 result, while Kärpät were unable to find a way onto the scoresheet.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

Tappara won 4-0 against Kärpät.

Who recorded the shutout?

Christian Heljanko recorded the shutout.

Who scored the opening and game-winning goal?

Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning 1-0 goal.

Kärpät’s puck control shows clear progress under Karjalainen

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Petri Karjalainen, in his second year as Kärpät head coach, has reorganised the team’s opening play so the side keeps the puck and constructs attacks. That structural improvement was visible even in a 4-0 defeat at Tappara: Kärpät produced quality possession sequences early, defenders led by Kasper Soini were willing to play the puck, and a defender – defender – centre passing pattern created chances. Tappara finished emphatically and won 4-0. After five Liiga games, Kärpät have seven points, and Karjalainen’s work has put the club back on the path to being a realistic playoff team.

Key Facts

  • Petri Karjalainen is in his second season as Kärpät head coach.
  • Karjalainen previously coached KalPa to a championship before taking the Kärpät job for 2025-2026.
  • Kärpät finished the 2025-2026 regular season third from bottom.
  • Karjalainen has prioritised improving Kärpät’s opening play (avauspelaaminen).
  • Against Tappara, Kärpät played seven delayed exits in the first period and recycled the puck deeper in their own end when routes were blocked.
  • Defencemen, led by Kasper Soini, showed willingness to play with the puck.
  • A defender – defender – centre passing pattern produced both direct attacks and scoring chances for Kärpät.
  • Tappara defeated Kärpät 4-0; Tappara’s third goal shifted the game and Kärpät could not mount a comeback in the third period.
  • Tappara had three breakaways in the final period.
  • After five league games Kärpät have seven points.

IHM Discussion

Karjalainen’s immediate priority has been the kind of detail that determines possession quality: how the team exits its own zone and how defenders engage with the puck. The evidence from the Tappara game shows a coherent plan. Early on, Kärpät attempted multiple controlled exit sequences and, crucially, recycled the puck when lanes were congested rather than forcing risky plays. That discipline produced coordinated five-man attacks in which players stayed close enough to support each other, helping to generate scoring chances.

The result – a 4-0 loss – is stark, but it does not erase the underlying progress. Tappara’s finishing and third goal left Kärpät unable to mount a comeback in the final period, while defensive lapses also created problems. Still, the structural work on opening play has given Kärpät a clearer basis for building attacks patiently through possession.

Why It Matters

Liiga teams are judged as much by their systems as by isolated results. Fixing opening play is a high-leverage improvement: it raises the baseline quality of all offensive possessions, reduces turnovers in dangerous areas and gives a coach tactical options for transitions. For Kärpät, regaining control over exits and early-phase structure is the fastest route back to consistent results. If Karjalainen sustains this approach, Kärpät can convert stronger possession into the points they lacked last season.

Fan Pulse

Fans will see reasons for cautious optimism. The scoreline was disappointing, but supporters can take encouragement from the clearer structure and the willingness of defenders such as Kasper Soini to play the puck. Improved possession and patient build-up offer recognisable signs of progress after a difficult 2025-2026 campaign.

Mini Q&A

Who is coaching Kärpät and how long has he been in the job?

Petri Karjalainen is Kärpät’s head coach and he is in his second season with the club.

What was the result of Kärpät’s recent match against Tappara?

Tappara beat Kärpät 4-0.

What tactical area has Karjalainen improved at Kärpät?

Karjalainen has focused on improving the team’s opening play (avauspelaaminen), emphasising controlled exits and puck retention.

Which Kärpät player was highlighted for his puck play in defence?

Defenceman Kasper Soini was singled out for leading the defence’s willingness to play with the puck.

How many points do Kärpät have after five Liiga games?

After five league games Kärpät have seven points.

Coach Mark Comment

Improving opening play is a foundational coaching task. You want simple decision trees for the puck-carrier: clear options when pressured, consistent support angles from teammates and a rehearsed response when a direct exit isn’t available (for example, returning the puck safely and resetting). Those behaviours reduce chaotic turnovers and allow a team to control pace. For Kärpät, the next step is to train transition defence so that any mistake in the exit phase does not immediately become a high-danger chance; that pairing of reliable exits and tightened transition coverage turns controlled possession into sustained results.

IHM Final View

Petri Karjalainen’s work on possession and opening play gives Kärpät a believable foundation for recovery. The 4-0 defeat to Tappara underlines that execution and defensive consistency still need sharpening, but the tactical reset on exits and puck control is the concrete progress the club required. If those structural gains are maintained, Kärpät can be discussed again as a legitimate playoff prospect rather than a side defined by last season’s struggles.

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.

Kärpät show signs of improvement but face two big problems

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Oulun Kärpät have begun the Liiga season playing better hockey, with a clearer five-man game and more controlled attacking sequences. Yet the club still has two pressing problems: goaltender Niklas Rubin is not back to the standard he showed at Ässät, and home crowds at Raksila remain thin – only 3,632 attended the recent Ilves match. Other notes from recent games include a correctly ruled-off 3-1 goal against Ilves, centre signing Eetu Koivistoinen not yet delivering a big impact, Henrik Törnqvist filling in at third-line centre, and Andreas Okany producing two goals from the fourth line.

Key Facts

  • Columnist Antti Wennström reports Kärpät’s play has improved, with better five-man structure and tight central-zone defending.
  • In the recent home game against Ilves Kärpät gained only one point; the team earned no points in the JYP game.
  • Goalkeeper Niklas Rubin is singled out as needing to return to the level he showed with Ässät; he was judged ‘not even quite good’ in the Ilves game.
  • The club’s investment in centre Eetu Koivistoinen has not yet produced a major payoff; Henrik Törnqvist had to play third-line centre in the Ilves match.
  • Andreas Okany, who has been used earlier on the third line, scored two goals playing on the fourth line in a recent match.
  • Attendance at the Ilves home game was 3,632, described as embarrassingly low even against a top team.

IHM Discussion

Kärpät’s improvement is evident in the way the team defends space and builds attacks from a compact five-man shape. Tight neutral-zone defending, purposeful positioning and low-risk clearances have helped the side sustain longer attacking sequences, including against a skilled, mobile Ilves team. The assessment is still tempered by two major concerns. Niklas Rubin has not returned to the level he showed with Ässät, while an attendance of 3,632 against Ilves left Raksila looking unusually sparse. The on-ice structure is clearer, but Kärpät still need stronger performances in goal and a fuller arena around the team.

Why It Matters

A clearer defensive structure gives Kärpät a stronger base from which to compete, particularly in tight games. Rubin’s form remains an important concern after the assessment of his performance against Ilves, while the 3,632 crowd underlines the challenge of bringing more supporters back to Raksila. With AC Oulu identified as a growing local attraction, Kärpät face a significant task in rebuilding their match-night pull.

Mini Q&A

Has Kärpät’s on-ice play improved?

Yes. The columnist notes clearer five-man structure, stronger central-zone defending and more controlled attacking sequences against teams such as Ilves.

Which players were mentioned as notable in recent games?

Eetu Koivistoisen’s signing as a centre has not yet paid off; Henrik Törnqvist was used at third-line centre, and Andreas Okany scored two goals playing on the fourth line.

Is there any comment about local competition for fans?

Reportedly, AC Oulu is a growing local attraction and suggests it could soon overtake Kärpät in attendance, adding to the challenge of attracting spectators.

Was any individual defensive play singled out for critique?

Yes. The columnist criticised Rasmus Rissanen’s play on the equaliser and suggested, half-jokingly, that he and Erik Hämäläinen practise stick work in front of goal.

IHM Final View

Kärpät are showing encouraging signs: the five-man game is clearer and their defensive decisions look more composed. But the column’s two central concerns remain: Rubin needs to rediscover his previous level, and the club needs to bring more supporters back to Raksila. Better play has created a platform; sustaining it is the next test.

Kärpät’s €3.9m roster: balanced defence but thin up front

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Kärpät enter the coming Liiga season with their highest reported player compensation figure in club history: €3.9 million, €650,000 higher than last season. Head coach Petri Karjalainen has added two-way role players for the third and fourth lines, while the defence has been reshaped. Niklas Rubin has signed a one-year extension, with Rasmus Rissanen and Kalle Loponen among the notable additions on defence. However, the departure of Aku Räty has left an apparent shortfall in attacking creativity and top-end scoring, while the second line remains a major question mark. The squad looks more balanced than a year ago, but the assessment is that it remains short of a genuine title contender; a realistic regular-season range is around eighth to 12th.

Key Facts

  • Kärpät have reported a player payroll of €3.9 million for the coming season, €650,000 more than the previous season.
  • The roster is assessed as more balanced than last season, with particular reinforcement of the defence and lower forward lines.
  • Head coach: Petri Karjalainen.
  • Goalkeeping: Niklas Rubin signed a one-year contract extension; Visa Vedenpää will serve as a secondary option.
  • Defence: Jiří Ticháček and Aleksi Matinmikko are described as an elite first pairing with puck skills and mobility.
  • Rasmus Rissanen has been signed to replace Atte Ohtamaa; he will make his Liiga debut despite being 34 and has NHL and international experience.
  • Kalle Loponen is expected to complement Rissanen as a puck-moving partner and is viewed among trusted Liiga defencemen.
  • Depth concerns beyond the top four defenders: Kasper Soini and Arttu Paaso are judged to have limitations that may force heavy minutes for the top pairing.
  • Forwards: the top line is Eemil Erholz, Roni Hirvonen and Matyáš Kantner; they carry significant creative and scoring expectations.
  • Attack weaknesses: Aku Räty’s exit has left a large gap in offensive potency; Ben Tardiff’s comparative absence is also noted.
  • Samuli Ratinen joined from Ilves after his contract there was terminated; he is viewed as a risky signing with offensive finishing questions.
  • Andreas Okany arrived from KalPa and is viewed as a versatile two-way forward able to play multiple roles, including as a top-line option if required.

IHM Discussion

Kärpät’s roster work looks deliberately pragmatic. Karjalainen has addressed areas identified as weaknesses last season, particularly the defence and the need for role players in the third and fourth lines. A more balanced group could make the team harder to play against.

That approach has its trade-offs. Aku Räty’s departure has not been matched by a like-for-like attacking replacement. The Erholz, Hirvonen and Kantner line is likely to carry a heavy scoring burden, while the second line centred by Eetu Koivistoinen remains uncertain. Eetu Päkkilä and Tuukka Tieksola offer useful qualities, but Päkkilä is expected to develop further and Tieksola’s career has been disrupted by injuries.

Defensively, Kärpät look closer to Liiga’s upper tier. Ticháček and Matinmikko bring puck-moving ability and skating, while Rubin remains a key figure in goal. Rissanen’s experience and Loponen’s puck game offer a sensible contrast. The deeper pairs, though, inspire less confidence; if Paaso and Soini do not improve, the top defenders could be asked to carry heavy minutes.

In short, Kärpät have exchanged some attacking flair for a sturdier two-way profile. The roster has a path to competing, but it does not yet look like a clear championship-calibre group.

Why It Matters

Kärpät’s reported €3.9 million player compensation figure is among the highest in Liiga, but the make-up of the roster matters more than the total. The club’s emphasis on structure, goaltending and two-way role players gives it a clearer base than last season, even if the attack appears short of elite creativity. The alignment between coaching, playing identity and recruitment will be central to whether Kärpät challenge for playoff position or remain in the middle of the table.

Mini Q&A

How much have Kärpät declared for player payroll?

Kärpät have declared a player payroll of €3.9 million, which is €650,000 more than the previous season.

Who is the club’s planned first-choice goaltender?

Niklas Rubin is the club’s first-choice goaltender; he signed a one-year contract extension and Visa Vedenpää will appear only occasionally.

Which defensive pairing is considered the club’s best?

Jiří Ticháček and Aleksi Matinmikko are described as Kärpät’s elite first defensive pairing.

What is the main concern about Kärpät’s roster?

The principal concern is offensive depth and creativity after Aku Räty’s exit: the attack is narrower and the second line lacks clear scoring certainty.

Coach Mark Comment

Kärpät have the personnel to build around structure, work rate and a stronger defensive base. The key will be giving the lower lines clear jobs while finding enough attacking support beyond the leading line. If the top four defenders are forced into excessive minutes, the balance of the whole team could quickly come under pressure.

What Comes Next

Watch three immediate checkpoints in the forthcoming season: Niklas Rubin’s availability and form, Rasmus Rissanen’s adaptation in his Liiga debut season, and the productivity of the second line centred by Eetu Koivistoinen. Those three will be decisive in judging whether Kärpät outperform their middling projection.

IHM Final View

Kärpät appear better balanced than last season, especially on defence, but the attack lacks the same depth of creativity. If Rubin stays available and the defensive combinations settle quickly, the club can compete strongly. The narrow margin for error in key areas nevertheless makes a mid-table finish a more realistic projection than title contention.