Story Summary
Liiga captains were asked which players from their own squads supporters should watch in the coming season. Responses ranged from young prospects expected to make a breakthrough – such as Leo Tuuva and Santeri Sulu – to established imports and experienced veterans. Jokerit captain Markus Hännikäinen singled out Alexander Forslund, who played 27 Liiga games in 2021-22 before spending several seasons in Mestis and will continue with Jokerit in Liiga. HIFK captain Iiro Pakarinen unusually named two players, highlighting the Uronen brothers as must-see performers. Across 17 teams, captains highlighted a total of 18 players.
Key Facts
- Liiga captains were asked which player from their own team to follow in the upcoming season.
- The survey covered 17 Liiga teams; HIFK captain Iiro Pakarinen named two players, making 18 players in total.
- Jokerit captain Markus Hännikäinen named Alexander Forslund and said, “He is the surprise of the season.”
- Alexander Forslund played 27 Liiga games in the 2021-22 season, then spent subsequent seasons in Mestis, and will continue with Jokerit in Liiga.
- Lukko captain Heikki Liedes highlighted Leo Tuuva, saying he expects Tuuva to make a final breakthrough after promising showings in exhibition games.
- KooKoo captain Miska Siikonen named Santeri Sulu, who begins his second Liiga season.
- HIFK captain Iiro Pakarinen recommended “the Uronen brothers,”noting their play will be entertaining and unpredictable.
- Ilves’ notable youngster named by captains was Roni Kuukasjärvi; Jukurit‘s Sebastian Soini was also singled out.
- Jukureissa alumnus Juuso Arola scored 29 points last season and spent the end of that campaign with Fribourg-Gottéron in Switzerland; he now plays for JYP.
- Jere Lassila said Juuso Arola arrives at JYP with higher expectations: “This season he is even stronger than at Jukurit.”
- Jaakko Rissanen urged watching Juuso Mäenpää, KalPa’s playoff MVP in their championship year, calling him skilful and slippery.
- Sport captain Miika Koivisto highlighted Viljami Nieminen’s eventful style of play. Tappara captain Otto Rauhala picked Kasper Simontaival, saying he was excellent last season despite being overshadowed by other stars.
IHM Discussion
The captains’ selections sketch a pre-season map of potential Liiga storylines. Several teams highlighted young players, including Leo Tuuva, Santeri Sulu, Roni Kuukasjärvi and Sebastian Soini. Others pointed to experienced players and foreign additions, with Carl Klingberg, Lars Bryggman and Petr Fridrich receiving attention for their qualities or exhibition form.
Alexander Forslund’s mention highlights his route back to Liiga. He played 27 Liiga games in 2021-22 before spending subsequent seasons in Mestis and continuing with Jokerit in Liiga. Markus Hännikäinen’s description of Forslund as “the surprise of the season” gives Jokerit supporters a clear player to follow.
Captains also highlighted qualities beyond scoring. Michal Jordán praised Jussi Olkinuora’s personality, while Eemil Erholtz described Eetu Koivistoinen as reliable and strong in both directions. Iiro Pakarinen’s decision to name both Uronen brothers adds another pair of players to watch at HIFK.
Why It Matters
The selections offer an early indication of the players attracting confidence within their own teams. They bring together young players, experienced names and foreign additions, giving supporters a useful list to follow as the season begins.
Forslund’s nomination also puts focus on a player returning to Liiga after several seasons in Mestis. His early performances with Jokerit will show whether Hännikäinen’s pre-season prediction is borne out.
Mini Q&A
Why were 18 players nominated across 17 Liiga teams?
HIFK captain Iiro Pakarinen named two players, so the total nominations across 17 teams came to 18 players.
Which player did Jokerit’s captain single out and why is he notable?
Jokerit captain Markus Hännikäinen named Alexander Forslund, calling him “the surprise of the season.” Forslund played 27 Liiga games in 2021-22, then spent several seasons in Mestis and will continue with Jokerit in Liiga.
Which newcomers or imports were highlighted by captains?
Captains highlighted Lars Bryggman of TPS, Carl Klingberg of Ässät, Czech forward Petr Fridrich of SaiPa and Canadian right-shot Ethan de Jong of HPK.
Which Jukurit-related players were mentioned and what were the comments?
Juuso Arola played two seasons for Jukurit, scored 29 points last season and finished the campaign with Fribourg-Gottéron in Switzerland before joining JYP. Jere Lassila said he would be even stronger this season. Jukurit’s Sebastian Soini was also noted as an attention-grabbing young player.
Which young players did captains expect to break through?
Captains named several youngsters as potential breakouts, including Leo Tuuva, Santeri Sulu, Roni Kuukasjärvi and Sebastian Soini.
What qualities were singled out besides scoring potential?
Captains highlighted personality and two-way reliability: Jussi Olkinuora’s presence and Eetu Koivistoisen’s dependable, two-way game were specifically praised.
Coach Mark Comment
From a coaching perspective, captain endorsements are a useful early indicator rather than a verdict. The opening games will show how players handle their opportunities and whether their form holds across different game situations. For Forslund, the key will be how quickly he adapts to the pace and pressure of Liiga after his time in Mestis.
What Comes Next
Watch the opening weeks of the Liiga season for how these named players are deployed and whether captains’ pre-season expectations translate into regular roles and measurable contributions.
IHM Final View
Captains’ nominations provide a balanced shortlist of potential breakout names, steady veterans and intriguing imports. The list is not predictive, but it crystallises the season’s early narratives: club faith in youth, the importance of successful foreign recruitment, and the ongoing link between Mestis and Liiga as a pipeline for players aiming to re-establish themselves at the top level.