Tag: Liiga

Nieminen hails Vaasa crowd after Sport’s shootout win

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 2, 2026

Story Summary

Vaasan Sport defeated newly promoted Jokerit 5-4 after a shootout in a packed Vaasan jäähalli on Tuesday. Viljami Nieminen scored Sport’s 4-4 equaliser around the middle of the third period and spoke afterwards about how special it was to be back in Vaasa. George Diaco, who joined Sport for this season, scored twice in regulation time and converted in the shootout, beating Jokerit goalkeeper Veini Vehviläinen twice in the penalty shots.

Key Facts

Vaasan Sport beat Jokerit 5-4 after a shootout (voittomaalikilpailu).
The match was played at a full Vaasan jäähalli; several hundred Jokerit supporters were present among a loud home crowd.
Viljami Nieminen scored Sport’s 4-4 equaliser in the third period, approximately halfway through the period.
Nieminen gave a post-game interview to MTV in which he said he was delighted to be back in Vaasa and praised the atmosphere.
Nieminen began last season with Sport but moved in December to JYP on a remainder-of-season contract (loppukauden sopimus).
Nieminen complimented both teams’ fans but primarily addressed Sport’s supporters and said Sport were clearly the better team with the puck that night.
Nieminen criticised the goals conceded to Jokerit as errors, mentioning penalties, bad passes and power-play situations as factors.
George Diaco, who arrived in Vaasa for this season, scored two goals in regulation and again twice in the shootout, including beating Jokerit goalie Veini Vehviläinen in the penalty shots.
Players and Sport supporters celebrated together in the arena after the victory; the singing continued throughout the match and after the final whistle.

IHM Discussion

The result combined an intense home atmosphere with a close scoreline; Sport needed Nieminen’s late leveller to force a shootout and Diaco’s finishing to secure the win. Nieminen’s post-match comments underlined the emotion of returning to Vaasa and his view that Sport had been the better side with the puck. He also said Sport had handed Jokerit their goals through penalties, errant passes and odd-man situations.

Why It Matters

A packed Vaasan jäähalli gave Sport a memorable opening-night setting and a win to celebrate with their supporters. For Sport, Nieminen’s equaliser and Diaco’s scoring provided decisive contributions in a tight game. Jokerit recovered from a deficit to take the contest to a shootout, but ultimately left without the extra point.

Mini Q&A

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

Vaasan Sport beat Jokerit 5-4 after a shootout (voittomaalikilpailu).

Who scored Sport’s equalising goal?

Viljami Nieminen scored the 4-4 equaliser in the third period, around its midpoint.

Which player was highlighted as Sport’s match hero?

George Diaco scored twice in regulation and also converted in the shootout, helping secure the win.

What did Nieminen say about being back in Vaasa?

In an MTV interview Nieminen said it was fantastic to be back home and described the feeling in the arena as ” just insane,” praising the supporters’ atmosphere.

What critique did Nieminen offer about Jokerit’s goals?

Nieminen said the goals conceded to Jokerit were largely self-inflicted – citing penalties, bad passes and power-play situations – and maintained that Sport were the better team with the puck that night.

Coach Mark Comment

Sport showed the value of staying composed after falling behind: Nieminen’s equaliser gave them a route back into the game, while Diaco delivered in regulation and the shootout. In a tight contest, managing penalties and puck decisions remains crucial, particularly when momentum is shifting.

IHM Final View

Sport leave the ice with a morale-boosting home win, with Nieminen’s equaliser and Diaco’s scoring proving pivotal. Jokerit made the game competitive but were unable to turn their lead into a victory.

Sport spoil Jokerit’s Liiga return with 5-4 shootout win

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 2, 2026

Story Summary

Sport spoiled Jokerit’s Liiga return by beating the visitors 5-4 in a shootout on 1 September 2026. The score was 4-4 after the eight goals scored in play, before Sport’s new No. 17, George Diaco, converted twice in the shootout. Eetu Tuulola scored Jokerit’s first Liiga goal in some time. The atmosphere was loud throughout, with Sport supporters greeting the visitors with banners, including one depicting Vladimir Putin.

Key Facts

Sport beat Jokerit 5-4 after a shootout.
The score was 4-4 after the eight goals scored in play before the shootout.
George Diaco, wearing Sport’s new No. 17, scored twice in the shootout and was described as the evening’s hero.
Eetu Tuulola scored Jokerit’s first Liiga goal in some time.
There were eight goals scored during play (i.e., before the shootout).
Sport supporters greeted the visitors with banners, and a banner featuring Vladimir Putin was reported among them.
Sport’s new coach Lauri Mikkola received his baptism in charge, noted for wearing a red tie.
Sport and Jokerit’s previous competitive meeting took place on 12 February 1989 in I divisioona, when Jokerit beat Sport 13-1.

IHM Discussion

Sport denied Jokerit a winning return to Liiga in front of a loud home crowd. Eight goals were scored in play, leaving the teams level before the shootout, where Diaco converted twice to settle the result.

The occasion carried as much weight as the scoreline. Sport supporters greeted the visitors with banners, while the home side celebrated a victory in Lauri Mikkola’s first game as the club’s new coach. Jokerit had goals to show for their return, including Tuulola’s first Liiga goal in some time, but Sport took the extra point in the shootout. A banner depicting Vladimir Putin was also visible among the crowd.

Why It Matters

Sport opened at home with a shootout victory over a returning Jokerit side, giving Mikkola a winning first game as coach. For Jokerit, the result showed they could score in their Liiga return, but they left Vaasa without the shootout win. The loud crowd and banners underlined the significance of the occasion for the home support.

Mini Q&A

What was the final result?

Sport defeated Jokerit 5-4 after a shootout.

When was the match played?

The report is dated 1 September 2026 and describes the match taking place on that day.

Who was the match hero?

Sport’s new No. 17, George Diaco, scored twice in the shootout and was named the evening’s hero.

IHM Final View

Sport marked their home opener with a 5-4 shootout win over Jokerit. Eight goals were scored in play, but Diaco’s two successful shootout attempts proved decisive in a loud Vaasa atmosphere.

Sport beat Jokerit in shootout; Sami Päivärinta nets hat-trick

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 2, 2026

Story Summary

Liiga’s 2026-27 opening night on 1 September featured seven fixtures across Finland. The headline game in Vaasa saw Sport deny Jokerit a winning return to the top flight, prevailing 5-4 after a shootout following a 4-4 draw in regulation. In Mikkeli, HPK forward Sami Päivärinta completed a hat-trick as HPK beat Jukurit 4-1. Other opening results included Kiekko-Espoo 5-1 KalPa, Kärpät 3-1 Ässät, Ilves 2-0 Lukko, SaiPa 4-2 Tappara and TPS 4-2 KooKoo.

Key Facts

Opening round of the 2026-27 Liiga season took place on 1 September 2026 with seven matches.
Sport defeated Jokerit 5-4 after a shootout (game finished 4-4 in regulation) in Vaasa; the match went to a shootout (voittomaalikilpailu).
Jokerit were making their return to the Liiga after nearly 12 years away from the Finnish top tier.
Sport’s George Diaco scored to level the game in regulation and also converted his attempt in the shootout, contributing to Sport’s victory.
Antti Kalapudas scored a successful shootout attempt for Jokerit during the shootout sequence; Jokerit captain Markus Hänniläinen had a shootout attempt saved by Joni Ortio.
HPK beat Jukurit 4-1 in Mikkeli; Sami Päivärinta scored three goals (a hat-trick), his third coming into an empty net to complete the evening’s tally.
Kiekko-Espoo defeated KalPa 5-1; Lukas Svejkovsky scored twice for the home side.
Kärpät beat Ässät 3-1 in Oulu.
Ilves recorded a 2-0 win over Lukko; Ilves goaltender Mantas Armalis opened his season with a shutout.
SaiPa won 4-2 against Tappara in Lappeenranta.
(The source names Bryggman as ‘illan sankari kahdella maalillaan’.)

IHM Discussion

The opening night delivered dramatic, high-profile storylines. Sport’s shootout victory in Vaasa denied Jokerit a winning return to the top flight after four goals apiece in regulation, amid an exceptional atmosphere in the arena. Jokerit’s return after nearly 12 years was the evening’s central narrative, but Sport took the win through the shootout. Separately, HPK’s Sami Päivärinta delivered a classic opening-night performance with a hat-trick in a decisive win in Mikkeli. Elsewhere, Kiekko-Espoo’s attacking output, Kärpät’s win in Oulu and Ilves’s shutout stood out across a packed slate of fixtures.

Why It Matters

The first night of Liiga immediately produced stories for teams and supporters to follow. Jokerit’s return attracted major attention, and Sport’s shootout win in Vaasa added drama to the occasion. HPK began with a 4-1 win powered by Sami Päivärinta’s hat-trick, while Kiekko-Espoo’s five-goal display and Mantas Armalis’s shutout for Ilves were notable opening-night performances. Kristo Pitkänen’s first Liiga goal, Diaco’s decisive contributions for Sport and Lukas Svejkovsky’s two goals for Kiekko-Espoo added further early talking points.

Mini Q&A

What was the result of Sport versus Jokerit on opening night?

Sport beat Jokerit 5-4 after a shootout following a 4-4 draw in regulation on 1 September 2026.

Did any player score a hat-trick on opening night?

Yes. Sami Päivärinta scored a hat-trick for HPK in their 4-1 victory over Jukurit; his third goal came into an empty net.

Was Jokerit’s return to Liiga mentioned in the report?

Yes.

Coach Mark Comment

Sport showed the value of staying composed after a high-scoring regulation finish: they forced overtime from 4-3 down and then converted twice in the shootout. HPK, meanwhile, paired Päivärinta’s hat-trick with a disciplined defensive performance in Mikkeli. Those are the sorts of details coaches will want to carry into the next round.

What Comes Next

Attention now turns to the next round of Liiga fixtures, with opening-night winners looking to build on their starts and the beaten sides seeking an immediate response.

IHM Final View

Liiga’s opener served both spectacle and substance: a high-profile return for Jokerit that became a compelling match narrative when Sport forced a shootout and took the spoils, and a clean, headline-making hat-trick from Sami Päivärinta for HPK. The results underline how quickly storylines develop in a compact league calendar – early individual performances and noisy atmospheres will now meet the reality of weekly tactical adjustments. For supporters, opening night delivered entertainment and drama; for teams, it supplied immediate priorities to refine ahead of the coming fixtures.

Liiga lineups late on Veikkaus site; Friday fix promised

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 1, 2026

Story Summary

Liiga’s opening-round lineups were published an hour later than usual on Veikkauksen pages on Tuesday after a wide-ranging renewal of Finland’s statistics and results service. The delay occurred because an automated timing setting was overlooked, league digital chief Jukka Sundquist said. Liiga, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association and Veikkaus have discussed the issue and Sundquist expects a fix by Friday, when the league’s second round is played.

Key Facts

Liiga opening-round lineups normally appear first on Veikkauksen website at 12:00 local time.
On the opening day, lineups appeared on Veikkauksen site at 13:00, the same time as they were posted on Liiga’s official site.
The timing slip coincided with a comprehensive renewal of the statistics and results service used by all Finnish ice hockey leagues.
The new service was already adopted by other Finnish leagues last spring and was used in Liiga during the recent pre-season.
Liiga’s operational and digital director Jukka Sundquist confirmed the cause was an unnoticed scheduling setting controlling when lineups are released to different services.
Sundquist noted the regular season introduces additional variables – registrations, suspensions and other checks – not present during the pre-season testing.
Liiga, the national association and Veikkaus are jointly involved in correcting the timing so lineups appear at 12:00 on Friday’s second round.
Sundquist characterised the renewal as a major overhaul, describing it as ‘big, big’ and as a renewal of the heart of Finnish ice hockey’s systems.
Sundquist expressed cautious confidence about the broader results and said significant work has been done to ensure the system operates as intended.

IHM Discussion

The delay was the first visible issue following the replacement of Finland’s statistics and results service. While the new system was used during the pre-season, Sundquist noted that regular-season registrations, suspensions and other checks introduce additional variables. The immediate cause was an overlooked scheduling setting controlling when lineups were released to different services. Liiga, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association and Veikkaus are discussing how to restore the usual 12:00 release time by Friday. For now, the issue appears to be a correctable operational problem rather than evidence of a wider failure.

Why It Matters

The delay also underlines the extra demands placed on a new service once regular-season registration and suspension checks are in use. Friday’s release will offer an early indication of whether the timing issue has been resolved.

Mini Q&A

Why were the lineups late on Veikkauksen site?

Liiga’s digital director Jukka Sundquist said an unnoticed scheduling setting in the newly renewed statistics and results system delayed the release, so lineups appeared an hour later than the typical 12:00 posting.

When did the lineups eventually appear?

The lineups were posted at 13:00 on Veikkauksen site, the same time they appeared on Liiga’s official pages.

What broader change prompted the issue?

The Finnish Ice Hockey Association replaced its entire statistics and results service used by all national leagues; Liiga adopted the new service during the pre-season.

Have similar systems been used elsewhere in Finland?

Yes. Other Finnish leagues introduced the new service last spring; Liiga began using it in the recent pre-season.

What will be checked next?

Liiga, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association and Veikkaus are discussing how to correct the release timing ahead of Friday’s second round. Sundquist said he believed some form of solution could be found by then.

Coach Mark Comment

Major data-platform renewals are inherently risky moments for any league because they shift where and how authoritative information is produced. The key priorities now are clear: contain the issue so routine publication times are restored, run extra end-to-end checks that include third-party partners, and publish a short, transparent post-mortem once the Friday release verifies the fix. That will reassure fans, media and commercial partners that the new backbone is reliable under real-season conditions.

What Comes Next

Liiga’s second round is scheduled for Friday. Sundquist said discussions with Veikkaus were continuing as the parties worked towards having lineups published at the usual 12:00.

IHM Final View

An hour’s delay was an unwelcome opening-day issue, but the stated cause was an overlooked timing setting in a newly implemented results service. Liiga, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association and Veikkaus are working towards a solution before Friday’s second round, when the usual release time will face its next test.

TPS seek reset after last season’s disappointment

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 1, 2026

Story Summary

The Liiga season opens amid unusually high stakes: a 64-game regular season with 17 teams and relegation for the bottom three at its close. For Turun Palloseura (TPS), the context is stark. Last season ended in disappointment when TPS missed the playoffs, and the club has responded with a push for a ‘total change’. Hockey analyst Ismo Lehkonen said clubs are focused above all on staying in the top flight and may take risks to avoid finishing in the bottom three.

TPS have added returning players and new faces in an effort to bring experience to the group. Otto Paajanen, who captained KooKoo during their run to last season’s Liiga final, joins TPS. Defenceman Niklas Friman has returned to TPS; he made his Liiga debut with the club in 2011-12, left in 2016 and later won the Liiga with HPK in 2019, plus Olympic and World Championship gold in 2022. Homegrown player Hannu Kuru has returned to Turku, while the club have also signed Lukas Haudum, who won Austria’s domestic title in the spring. Lars Bryggman returns to Finland and TPS from Skellefteå as a reigning Swedish champion. He recorded 117 points in 158 regular-season games across three seasons with Pelicans.

TPS also had off-ice issues last season involving Pride and Veli-Matti Savinainen, as well as Tarmo Reunanen’s sidelining. Lehkonen said the organisation needed ‘a total change, here and now’, adding that staff brought into the club office were intended to change its rhythm.

Youth development remains part of TPS’s longer-term picture. Several second-generation players who saw Liiga ice time last season are competing for regular roles. Lehkonen cautioned, however, that many still need work on their skating and physical development before TPS can rely on them heavily this season.

Key Facts

The Liiga regular season comprises 64 games and 17 teams.
At the end of the regular season the three weakest teams will be relegated to the lower B-series.
Jokerit have returned to the top flight, reviving a classic TPS rivalry last seen in the Liiga regular season in 2014.
Ismo Lehkonen said clubs’ primary objective this year is to remain in the top tier and that some teams may take significant risks to avoid relegation.
TPS missed the Liiga playoffs last season and finished their campaign in the regular season.
TPS have brought in Otto Paajanen, who captained KooKoo during their run to the Liiga final last spring.
Defenceman Niklas Friman has returned to TPS; he previously made his Liiga debut with TPS in 2011-12, left in 2016 and later won the Liiga with HPK in 2019 and Olympic and World Championship gold in 2022.
Homegrown player Hannu Kuru has returned to TPS.
TPS signed Lukas Haudum, who won an Austrian domestic championship in the spring.
Lars Bryggman, Pelicans’ captain two seasons ago, returns to TPS from Skellefteå as the reigning Swedish champion; he scored 117 points in 158 regular-season Pelicans games.
Several second-generation players saw Liiga ice time last season, but Lehkonen said they require further development in areas such as skating and physicality.

IHM Discussion

TPS’s activity over the summer reads as a deliberate recalibration rather than a short-term gamble. The additions of Paajanen and Friman supply leadership and Liiga-winning experience that can steady a locker room, while Haudum and Bryggman bring recent championship pedigree from Austria and Sweden respectively. Reintegrating club-trained players such as Hannu Kuru also signals a dual approach: immediate stabilisation plus a continued belief in the academy pipeline.

Lehkonen’s repeated point about risk and the need for ‘total change’ is worth unpacking. With budgets rising across the league and relegation applying to three clubs, the financial and sporting consequences of another failed season are magnified. TPS must balance the demand for instant improvement with the realistic development timelines for several young, second-generation players. The practical work – daily skating, strength and positional training – is the manageable end of that problem; the organisational and cultural reset Lehkonen describes is harder and will show up in how quickly TPS turn close games into wins.

Why It Matters

The structure of this Liiga season raises the consequences for every club. For TPS, the campaign will test whether the added experience can help the club recover from last season’s disappointment while younger players continue their development. League-wide, rising budgets and the threat of relegation could encourage aggressive decision-making as the standings take shape.

Mini Q&A

Why is TPS describing this summer as a ‘total change’?

TPS missed the Liiga playoffs last season and have made signings and brought players back, while Lehkonen said the organisation needs a total change.

Which notable players have joined or returned to TPS?

Otto Paajanen, defenceman Niklas Friman, homegrown returnee Hannu Kuru, Lukas Haudum and Lars Bryggman are among the arrivals or returnees mentioned.

How has the Liiga format changed for this season?

The regular season has 64 games, Jokerit have rejoined the top flight, there are 17 teams in total, and the three weakest teams at season’s end will be relegated to the B-series.

Will TPS rely on young, second-generation players this season?

TPS promoted several second-generation players last season, but Ismo Lehkonen warned the club cannot yet rely on them fully; many still need work on skating and physical development.

Who raised concerns about clubs’ risk-taking this season?

Hockey analyst Ismo Lehkonen said he would not be surprised if ‘a couple of clubs’ went under as risk levels rise across the league.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective the immediate priority for TPS should be clarity and repetition. Introducing experienced winners like Friman and Bryggman must come with clearly defined roles so they can model the behaviours younger players must copy: compete in one-on-one battles, maintain gap control, and execute simple breakout options under pressure. Simultaneously, coaches need a measurable development plan for second-generation prospects – daily skating tests, progressive strength targets and situational minutes that emphasise defensive responsibility. Cultural resets take time, but consistent practice habits and transparent accountability are the fastest ways to change results on the ice.

IHM Final View

TPS have responded to last season’s disappointment with returning players, new additions and changes around the organisation. Whether that blend can produce an immediate improvement will depend on how quickly the group settles on the ice.

Liiga plans 10-team playoff model from 2027-28 season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 1, 2026

Story Summary

Liiga is preparing a significant change to its post-season format for the 2027-2028 season. Under the proposal, the top 10 teams in the regular season would qualify for the playoffs: the first six places would advance directly to the quarter-finals, while teams finishing seventh to 10th would meet in an opening playoff round. The plan is not yet final. Liiga would also move to 14 teams, with the sides in 13th and 14th potentially facing a playout series whose loser would be relegated and replaced by the champion of the lower division. The current 2026-2027 super season remains a different format, with 17 teams, the top 12 advancing to the post-season and the bottom three relegated to the new second tier.

Key Facts

Proposal applies from the 2027-2028 Liiga season.
Under the proposed model, the top 10 teams in the regular season would reach the playoffs.
Teams placed 1-6 would advance directly to the quarter-finals.
Teams placed 7-10 would play an opening playoff round.
It has not yet been decided whether the opening round would be best-of-three or best-of-five.
The proposal would reduce Liiga to 14 teams for the 2027-2028 season.
Teams finishing 13th and 14th could play a playout series, with the loser relegated.
The lower-division winner would be promoted directly to Liiga.
The 2026-2027 super season features 17 teams; its top 12 advance to the playoffs and the bottom three are relegated for 2027-2028.
In the 2026-2027 super season, the first playoff round matches teams placed 5-12 and are played as best-of-five series.
In 2026-2027, quarter-finals are best-of-five; semi-finals and the final are best-of-seven; the bronze medal is decided in a single game.
Markkanen has described the plan and emphasised that no official decision has yet been taken.

IHM Discussion

The proposal would bring back an opening elimination round in Liiga, with 10 clubs qualifying for the post-season. The principal unresolved detail is the length of that opening round: Markkanen said the choice between best-of-three and best-of-five has not been made. The relegation proposals are linked to the intended reduction of the top division to 14 clubs; the teams in 13th and 14th could contest a playout, with the loser relegated and the lower-league champion promoted directly.

Why It Matters

For clubs, the proposal would reshape both opportunity and risk. A 10-team playoff field would keep more sides in contention deeper into the regular season. At the other end of the table, a 14-team Liiga and a possible playout between the bottom two would raise the consequences of finishing 13th or 14th. Moving away from the temporary 17-team super season could also make scheduling more straightforward from 2027-28.

Mini Q&A

What is the main change to Liiga playoffs?

From 2027-2028, the proposal would see the top 10 regular-season teams reach the playoffs, with the top six advancing directly to the quarter-finals and teams 7-10 contesting an opening round.

When would the new model start?

The plan is proposed to take effect from the 2027-2028 Liiga season.

Has the league decided the format of the opening round?

No. It has not yet been decided whether the opening round would be best-of-three or best-of-five.

How would relegation work under the proposal?

Under the proposal, Liiga would have 14 teams and the sides finishing 13th and 14th could play a playout series. The loser would be relegated, while the lower-division champion would be promoted directly.

Does this affect the 2026-2027 season?

The 2026-2027 ‘super season’ remains in its current format: 17 teams, the top 12 advancing to the playoffs and the three bottom teams relegated for 2027-2028.

What Comes Next

No final decision has been made on the new playoff and relegation model. A definitive ruling on the format – including whether the opening round will be best-of-three or best-of-five – remains pending.

IHM Final View

The outline marks a clear preference for wider playoff access combined with a trimmed elite division and an explicit promotion/relegation pathway. If approved, the change would restore a familiar multi-round post-season while increasing competitive pressure at both ends of the table. The ultimate detail that will shape its sporting impact is the length of the opening series and the timing of the league’s formal ratification.

Liiga’s 17-team season begins as Jokerit return and Tappara lead the forecasts

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | September 1, 2026

Story Summary

Liiga begins its exceptional 17-team season on 1 September 2026. One club will be crowned champion and three will be relegated. The season preview includes more than 50 features, columns and interviews; Tappara lead the title forecasts, while Jokerit return to Liiga after nearly 12 years away.

Key Facts

Liiga’s 17-team season begins on 1 September 2026.
One team will be crowned champion and three will be relegated at the end of the season.
The season preview comprises more than 50 Liiga features, columns and interviews.
Tappara are the leading title favourites in the published forecasts.
Jokerit return to Liiga after nearly 12 years away, having spent the previous three seasons in Mestis.
One preview assessment says Jokerit have prioritised their attack at the expense of other areas of the roster.
Kärpät’s player budget is described as being in the region of €3.9 million.
HIFK have undergone significant change, with their goaltending tandem viewed positively and questions remaining at centre.
KooKoo retained a large part of last season’s core.
JYP continue with the same coaching staff and core, while Harri Pesonen returns to Liiga after 14 years away.
Pelicans strengthened their attack, though the fitness of key defencemen remains a concern.
Lukko have replaced departing players to a degree, but questions remain over their defence and coaching record after last season’s play-off collapse.

IHM Discussion

The expanded league and three relegation places raise the stakes across the table. Tappara begin as the leading favourites on the strength of their continuity and roster quality. Jokerit’s return after three Mestis seasons adds a major storyline, although one preview assessment argues that their attack has been built at the expense of other areas.

Why It Matters

Three relegation places put greater pressure on clubs throughout the lower half of the table. Jokerit’s return brings a prominent Helsinki club back to Liiga, while Kärpät’s reported player budget underlines the differences in financial resources across the league without guaranteeing results on the ice.

Mini Q&A

When does Liiga’s 2026-27 season begin?

It begins on 1 September 2026.

How many teams are in Liiga this season?

Liiga has 17 teams.

How many teams will be relegated?

Three teams will be relegated.

Which club leads the title forecasts?

Tappara are the leading title favourites in the published forecasts.

Which major club returns to Liiga, and after how long away?

Jokerit return after nearly 12 years away, having spent the previous three seasons in Mestis.

What does the preview say about club finances?

Kärpät’s player budget is described as being in the region of €3.9 million.

Coach Mark Comment

With three relegation places, teams near the bottom will need reliable five-on-five structure and disciplined special teams from the opening weeks. For the contenders, continuity and a dependable goaltending tandem can be decisive over a long season.

IHM Final View

Liiga’s 17-team season promises a broader and more pressured race than usual. Tappara start as the leading favourites, while Jokerit’s return and three relegation places add further intrigue from the opening face-off.

RoKi’s friendly with Kalix cancelled at short notice

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | August 29, 2026

Story Summary

RoKi’s international pre-season friendly against Swedish side Kalix, planned for Friday, 28 August 2026 at Lappi-areena in Rovaniemi, was cancelled after Kalix reported numerous absences and had only ten players available on the morning of the match. RoKi could not secure a replacement opponent at such short notice, forcing the entire event to be called off.

Key Facts

The cancelled fixture was an international pre-season friendly between RoKi and Kalix, which plays in Sweden’s HockeyEttan.
The match was scheduled for 28 August 2026 at Lappi-areena in Rovaniemi.
RoKi’s statement says Kalix had numerous absences and, as of Friday morning, only ten players available.
Because RoKi could not find a substitute opponent on short notice, the match and its associated event were cancelled.
RoKi said it could not arrange a replacement opponent at short notice.

IHM Discussion

Cross-border pre-season friendlies offer clubs valuable ice time against unfamiliar opposition and a chance to test systems ahead of competitive play. In this case, the fixture unravelled when Kalix reported numerous absences and had only ten players available on the morning of the planned match.

RoKi faced a straightforward logistical problem. With limited time before the evening fixture and no replacement opponent available, the club cancelled the event rather than proceed with a compromised contest. The immediate consequence is the loss of a planned preparation game for RoKi and a missed night at Lappi-areena for supporters.

The cancellation underlines how vulnerable friendlies can be to short-term availability issues.

Why It Matters

Friendly matches give clubs live game conditions in which to assess combinations, conditioning and match rhythm. Losing one reduces the ice time available during pre-season preparation and can disrupt a planned schedule. For supporters, it also means a missed opportunity to see the team in action.

Jukurit loan Luka Tiihonen to Mestis side Kiekko-Pojat

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | August 27, 2026

Story Summary

Jukurit have loaned 23-year-old defenceman Luka Tiihonen to Mestis club Kiekko-Pojat until 4 October 2026, according to Kiekko-Pojat’s announcement. Kiekko-Pojat said the loan is intended to add depth and to cover injuries in their defence. Tiihonen is in his second season in the Jukurit organisation. Last season he played 44 Liiga regular-season games (2+6) and also spent time on loan in Mestis with Ketterä, Pyry and Hermes.

Key Facts

Jukurit have loaned Luka Tiihonen to Mestis club Kiekko-Pojat.
The loan runs until 4 October 2026.
Tiihonen is a 23-year-old defenceman.
He is playing his second season in the Jukurit organisation.
Kiekko-Pojat said the loan is to bring depth and to cover injuries in their defence.
Last season Tiihonen played 44 Liiga regular-season games, recording 2+6.
During that season he had loan spells in Mestis with Ketterä, Pyry and Hermes.
In Mestis last season he played six regular-season games, scoring 1+0.
Earlier in his career Tiihonen has played Liiga with Lukko and Mestis with KOOVEE and RoKi.
Across his Mestis career he has played 57 regular-season games (7+15) and 13 playoff games (2+5).

IHM Discussion

The loan is a short-term move running until 4 October 2026. Kiekko-Pojat described the signing as a measure to add depth and to cover injuries in their defensive group. Tiihonen is in his second season within the Jukurit organisation. Last season he appeared in 44 Liiga regular-season games (2+6) and also played in Mestis on loan with Ketterä, Pyry and Hermes.

Why It Matters

The loan affects short-term roster availability: Kiekko-Pojat gain a defender with recent Liiga and Mestis experience to address injuries in their defence. The arrangement runs until 4 October 2026.

SaiPa and KooKoo brace for a gruelling Liiga and CHL season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | August 27, 2026

Story Summary

Lappeenrannan SaiPa and Kouvolan KooKoo head into a demanding season. Domestically, all Liiga clubs will play 64 regular-season games after the league expanded following the return of Helsingin Jokerit to the top flight. Both SaiPa and KooKoo also take part in the Champions Hockey League (CHL), which features 24 European clubs; each Finnish side will play at least six CHL games, half of them abroad. The domestic campaign has been labelled a “superkausi” (super season): at the end of the year the three lowest-ranked teams will be relegated to a newly established lower division, B-liiga. Liiga begins on 1 September, when SaiPa host Tappara in Lappeenranta and KooKoo travel to TPS. The clubs start CHL play next week, with KooKoo facing Herning Blue Fox in Denmark and SaiPa travelling to Frölunda in Gothenburg.

Key Facts

All Liiga teams will play 64 regular-season games this season.
The increase to 64 games follows an expansion in league membership after Helsingin Jokerit returned to the top flight.
SaiPa (Lappeenranta) and KooKoo (Kouvola) will both participate in the Champions Hockey League (CHL).
The CHL competition features 24 European club teams.
Each of SaiPa and KooKoo will play at least six CHL matches; half of those fixtures will be played abroad.
The season has been called a “superkausi” (super season); the three weakest teams in the regular season will be relegated to a newly established lower division called B-liiga.
Veeti Miettinen (KooKoo) said: “Playing is generally more enjoyable than training. Playing is why we all do this.”
Aarne Intonen (new to SaiPa this season) said of CHL travel: “You have to take care of yourself. I think it’ll be fine.”
KooKoo’s chairman Pulla Peltola said the club investigated what sanctions might follow if it left the CHL and: “We never really found out.”
KooKoo head coach Jouko Myrrä described CHL games as “a privilege” and an opportunity to measure the team against Europe’s top clubs; he said the aim in CHL is to use a broad player rotation so everyone gains experience.
SaiPa assistant coach Vesa Viitakoski said he does not view CHL matches as an unavoidable burden and hopes they act as a “boost”, offering different opponents and team-bonding through travel.
Liiga opens on Tuesday 1 September: SaiPa host Tappara in Lappeenranta; KooKoo travel to TPS in Turku for their opener.

IHM Discussion

The season ahead is exceptional in two overlapping ways: a longer domestic schedule for every Liiga club and additional continental matches for SaiPa and KooKoo. A 64-game regular season increases cumulative wear on players and staff even before CHL travel is added. Both clubs acknowledge the load: KooKoo’s Veeti Miettinen welcomes the extra matches as the substance of the job, while SaiPa’s Aarne Intonen accepts the added strain but treats it as part of professional life and stresses self-care. From a club perspective, the CHL brings both sporting reward and logistical challenge. KooKoo’s chairman has made enquiries about potential consequences of withdrawing from the CHL, including for financial reasons, but the club had not obtained clear answers. Coaching staffs are framing CHL participation as a sporting opportunity: Myrrä emphasises measuring the squad against Europe’s best and expanding match minutes across the roster, while Viitakoski sees the tournament as a morale and cohesion booster.

Why It Matters

For fans and the wider league the scale of the schedule reshapes expectations. The longer Liiga regular season and the spectre of relegation to a new B-liiga raise the stakes of each fixture: form, depth and injury management will matter more than in previous years. For SaiPa and KooKoo, CHL matches offer high-level competitive tests and visibility outside Finland, but they also mean more travel and a greater cumulative minutes load for players – factors that can influence game-day selection, short-term form and season-long durability. Financial pressures are part of the debate around CHL participation: some teams have criticised the costs of continental matches and one club investigated possible sanctions if it withdrew from the competition, underlining that the choice to compete carries sporting and budgetary consequences.

Mini Q&A

How many Liiga regular-season games will each team play this season?

Each Liiga team will play 64 regular-season games.

Why are there more Liiga games than before?

The number of Liiga teams rose after Helsingin Jokerit returned to the top flight, which led to an expanded 64-game regular season.

Will SaiPa and KooKoo play in European competition as well?

Yes. Both SaiPa and KooKoo will participate in the Champions Hockey League (CHL).

How many CHL games will the Finnish clubs play?

Both SaiPa and KooKoo will play at least six CHL games; half of those fixtures will be played abroad.

What is meant by the season being called a “super season”?

The season is labelled a super season partly because the three weakest teams in the Liiga regular season will be relegated to a newly formed lower tier called B-liiga.

When does the Liiga season start and who are the opening opponents for SaiPa and KooKoo?

Liiga begins on 1 September. SaiPa open at home against Tappara in Lappeenranta; KooKoo travel to TPS in Turku.

What Comes Next

Liiga begins on 1 September: SaiPa host Tappara in Lappeenranta; KooKoo travel to TPS in Turku for their opening fixtures. – Both SaiPa and KooKoo start CHL group matches next week: KooKoo face Herning Blue Fox in Denmark; SaiPa travel to Frölunda in Gothenburg.

IHM Final View

CHL offers valuable experience and a rare chance to benchmark against Europe’s elite, but it amplifies the resource and physical demands of an already extended Liiga campaign. Expect coaches to emphasise rotation and clubs to prioritise player care; those that balance continental ambition with pragmatic squad management will be best placed to navigate this unusually congested season.