Tag: Liiga

Kari Jalonen’s Tappara send an early warning with 3-2 win over Pelicans

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Kari Jalonen’s Tappara earned a 3-2 away win over Pelicans in Lahti. Tappara were organised and precise as a five-man unit, using delayed breakouts and controlled offensive-zone play, capitalising on special teams and protecting their lead late with Christian Heljanko providing the final line of resistance. Dylan Fabre, Joachim Blichfeld and Henrik Haapala scored for Tappara, who had opened their season with a 4-2 defeat to SaiPa.

Key Facts

  • Tappara beat Pelicans 3-2 in Lahti.
  • Kari Jalonen coaches Tappara.
  • Dylan Fabre, Joachim Blichfeld and Henrik Haapala scored for Tappara.
  • Haapala set up Blichfeld with a cross-ice pass on Tappara’s first power play, then scored the game-winning third goal on the power play in the final period.
  • Fabre scored Tappara’s 0-2 goal following a delayed breakout.
  • Tappara used eight delayed breakouts in the first period and created two scoring chances from them.
  • Tappara used low 1-2-2 and 3-2 traps, plus an active 2-1-2 forecheck, to close the middle and make Pelicans’ breakouts difficult.
  • Excluding Aapeli Räsänen’s late minor while Pelicans had their goaltender pulled, Tappara were shorthanded three times.
  • Räsänen took a late minor as Pelicans searched for an equaliser with their goaltender off.
  • Pelicans created no quality scoring chances while Tappara were shorthanded.
  • Heljanko made the key saves as Tappara protected their lead.
  • Tappara had lost their season opener to SaiPa, 4-2, before the trip to Lahti.

IHM Discussion

Tappara’s performance in Lahti was built above all on a polished collective structure. Jalonen’s side did not rely on isolated individual plays: they recognised and used delayed breakouts, involved their defencemen from the flanks and controlled long stretches in the offensive zone through extended end-zone play and work along the boards. Their special teams were equally effective. The opening power-play goal combined a precise pass with a high-quality shooting lane, while the final-period power-play goal proved to be the winner. Heljanko supplied the final layer when Pelicans pressed for an equaliser at even strength and with the goaltender pulled.

Why It Matters

The performance showed why Tappara have been considered title contenders this season. They controlled the rhythm of the game, moved quickly into attack and found an advantage through their special teams. Their defensive structure and goaltending also gave them the ability to protect a lead late, an important quality over a Liiga season and into the playoffs.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

Tappara beat Pelicans 3-2 in Lahti.

Who scored for Tappara?

Dylan Fabre, Joachim Blichfeld and Henrik Haapala scored for Tappara.

What stood out in Tappara’s game?

Tappara’s special teams stood out, with two power-play goals produced by organised puck movement and strong shooting opportunities.

How did Tappara defend late in the game?

Tappara closed the middle in their low defensive structure, while Heljanko made important saves as Pelicans chased an equaliser with their goaltender pulled.

Had Tappara lost their season opener?

Yes. Tappara lost their season opener to SaiPa, 4-2, before this away game in Lahti.

Coach Mark Comment

Tappara’s delayed breakouts were particularly effective because they forced Pelicans to defend after settling into neutral-zone positions. Combining that patience with a compact middle and an aggressive forecheck gave Tappara control of where the game was played. The late test was different: once Pelicans generated chances, Heljanko provided the saves needed to see out the lead.

IHM Final View

Tappara’s 3-2 win over Pelicans showed why they have been viewed as title contenders: collective five-man play, dangerous special teams and reliable goaltending came together in a strong away performance. If they can reproduce that organisation and power-play execution, they will be difficult to beat in Liiga.

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.

David Němeček signs with HIFK for remainder of season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HIFK have signed 31-year-old Czech defenceman David Němeček to a contract running until the end of the season. Němeček arrives from HC Sparta Praha, where he has spent most of the 2020s, and will join HIFK’s squad on Wednesday. He last played in Liiga in 2019-20, when he recorded eight assists in 38 regular-season games for Lukko. HIFK sporting director Janne Laukkanen described the 194 cm, 95 kg left-shot as a large, physically strong and reliable defender who brings size and toughness to the team. Němeček has also played junior hockey in Canada and the United States, and has represented the Czech Republic at U18, U20 and senior World Championship level, including an appearance for the Czech men’s team in spring 2023. He will make his first appearance for HIFK once medical checks and work-permit matters are completed.

Key Facts

  • David Němeček, 31, has signed with HIFK until the end of the season.
  • He arrives from HC Sparta Praha, where he has played for most of the 2020s.
  • Němeček last played in Liiga in 2019-20, recording eight assists in 38 regular-season games for Lukko.
  • In 2014-15 he represented TPS at both senior and U20 junior level.
  • He is 194 centimetres tall, weighs 95 kilograms and shoots left.
  • HIFK sporting director Janne Laukkanen called him a reliable, solid own-zone player who adds size and physicality.
  • Němeček has junior experience from Canada and the United States and has represented the Czech Republic at U18, U20 and senior World Championship level.
  • He appeared for the Czech men’s World Championship team in spring 2023 but has not represented his country since.
  • He will join HIFK on Wednesday and play his first match when medical checks and work-permit issues are resolved.

IHM Discussion

This is a pragmatic, experience-driven signing by HIFK. Němeček is not being brought in for offensive fireworks; the club’s announcement and Laukkanen’s comment underline that he is valued for his size, physical presence and reliability in his own end. Returning to Liiga after several years in his native Czech top flight, he gives HIFK an immediate boost in defensive depth and brings international experience from junior and senior World Championship competition. For a club wanting stability on the back end, a 194 cm left-shot with previous Finnish experience is straightforward reinforcement.

Why It Matters

Němeček’s arrival adds a player who already knows the Liiga environment and is known for physical, defensive play. His international tournament experience also adds experience to the dressing room. The signing offers HIFK an in-season option focused on reinforcing its own-zone play rather than altering its offensive identity.

Mini Q&A

Who is David Němeček?

David Němeček is a 31-year-old Czech defenceman, 194 cm tall and 95 kg, who shoots left and has played for HC Sparta Praha, Lukko and TPS.

What is the length of the contract with HIFK?

Němeček has signed a contract with HIFK that runs until the end of the season.

When will he be available to play?

He will join HIFK on Wednesday and is set to play his first game once medical checks and his work permit are finalised.

What does he bring to HIFK?

HIFK expect Němeček to bring size, physicality and reliable defensive play; the club highlighted his board battles and defensive solidity.

What Comes Next

Němeček is due to join HIFK on Wednesday. He will play his first game for the club as soon as his medical examination and work-permit formalities are completed.

Kalle Östman out no earlier than 2027; Ervasti and Laatikainen also sidelined

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Sport announced that forward Kalle Östman is currently absent from the team’s line-up and, according to the club’s current estimate, will not return to the ice before 2027. A more precise timetable will be clarified later. Östman had played Sport’s first three Liiga games this season, with no injury or other absence announced before this update.

Defencemen Kalle Ervasti and Max Laatikainen are also absent from Sport’s line-up. The club said both players’ situations are being monitored daily, with their returns assessed day by day.

Key Facts

  • Sport’s current estimate is that Östman will return no earlier than 2027; a more precise timeline will be provided later.
  • Östman played Sport’s first three Liiga games this season, recording 1+1 in those appearances.
  • Defencemen Kalle Ervasti and Max Laatikainen are also absent from the team’s line-up.
  • Ervasti has played three Liiga games this season, recording 0+1.
  • Laatikainen has played one Liiga game this season with no points, and two U20 SM-sarja games with a 1+1 total.
  • Sport said Ervasti’s and Laatikainen’s situations are being followed daily and returns are assessed on a day-by-day basis.

IHM Discussion

The update leaves Sport without a forward who had contributed offensively across the opening three Liiga games. Östman’s 1+1 in three appearances represents an early-season contribution now paused by an absence with no public injury or other absence announced beforehand. The club’s estimate points to a return no earlier than 2027, although a more precise timetable is still to come.

Sport also has two defencemen unavailable in Ervasti and Laatikainen. Ervasti has recorded 0+1 in three Liiga games, while Laatikainen has played once in Liiga and added 1+1 across two U20 SM-sarja games. Their day-to-day assessments contrast with the longer initial outlook given for Östman.

Why It Matters

Sport is without an attacker who had already contributed to the scoresheet this season, as well as two defencemen whose availability remains uncertain. That affects line-up depth and short-term roster planning, while the club has yet to provide a more precise timetable for Östman.

Mini Q&A

What did Sport announce?

Sport announced that Kalle Östman is currently absent from the line-up and is expected to return no earlier than 2027; Kalle Ervasti and Max Laatikainen are also out and are monitored daily.

What are Östman’s recent statistics?

Östman played three Liiga games this season, recording 1+1.

What are Ervasti’s and Laatikainen’s recent statistics?

Ervasti has three Liiga appearances with 0+1. Laatikainen has one Liiga game with no points and two U20 SM-sarja games with a 1+1 total.

When will the club give more information?

Sport said Östman’s return timetable will be clarified later, while Ervasti’s and Laatikainen’s statuses are being assessed day by day.

What Comes Next

Sport said it will provide a more precise return timetable for Kalle Östman later. The club also stated that the situations of Kalle Ervasti and Max Laatikainen will be monitored daily and their returns assessed day to day.

Juho Piiparinen called to North America by Golden Knights

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara has announced that 18-year-old defenceman Juho Piiparinen has been invited by the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights to travel to North America to prepare for the forthcoming season. Piiparinen, a first-round pick in June’s draft, signed an entry-level contract with Vegas in the summer and the club has exercised the right to call its contracted player back to North America. Tappara general manager Janne Vuorinen confirmed the move and wished Piiparinen well.

Key Facts

  • Tappara announced that the Vegas Golden Knights invited 18-year-old defenceman Juho Piiparinen to North America to prepare for the season.
  • Juho Piiparinen was a first-round pick in the June draft.
  • Vegas signed Piiparinen to an entry-level contract in the summer.
  • Tappara GM Janne Vuorinen said that because Vegas signed Piiparinen they have the option to call their contracted player back to North America and wished him luck.
  • Piiparinen played his first Liiga games last season, recording three assists in 29 regular-season appearances.
  • He was in Tappara’s lineup for the club’s first game of the current season.
  • Piiparinen has represented Finland at two U18 World Championships and one U20 World Championship.

IHM Discussion

The move is a straightforward example of an NHL club bringing a recently signed prospect into its North American programme to prepare for the season. For Piiparinen, the call follows tangible milestones: selection in the first round of the June draft, an entry-level contract with Vegas and Liiga experience last season. Tappara’s confirmation and Janne Vuorinen’s statement underline that the Golden Knights are acting under the terms available to them after signing Piiparinen in the summer.

Why It Matters

For Tappara, Piiparinen’s move to North America is part of the development path for a young player selected in the first round and signed to an entry-level deal. For the Golden Knights, it gives the organisation an opportunity to assess him directly as he prepares for the season. For Piiparinen, it is a significant next step after his first Liiga appearances last season.

Jokerit lose Teemu Turunen for an estimated 6-8 weeks

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jokerit have confirmed a significant absence from their early-season squad: 30-year-old winger Teemu Turunen is expected to miss roughly 6-8 weeks, the club said in its weekly update on Monday. Turunen had returned to his youth club for this season and registered three assists in Jokerit’s opening three games before being ruled out.

The club’s update also lists defenceman Olli Juolevi with an estimated 4-6 weeks on the sidelines. Jokerit, still seeking their first victory of the campaign, will also be without Miks Tumānovs for their next match due to a one-game suspension.

Key Facts

  • Teemu Turunen is a 30-year-old winger.
  • Jokerit estimate Turunen will be out of the lineup for approximately 6-8 weeks, according to the club’s weekly update.
  • Turunen returned to his youth club, Jokerit, for this season.
  • Turunen collected three assists in Jokerit’s first three games of the season.
  • Turunen previously won the Liiga goal scoring title with Kärpät in 2023-24.
  • Turunen won the Finnish championship with HPK in spring 2019.
  • Defenceman Olli Juolevi is also on Jokerit’s absence list, with an estimated absence of 4-6 weeks.
  • Jokerit remain without a victory so far this season.
  • Jokerit play their next match on Thursday, their first home game of the season, against JYP.
  • Miks Tumānovs will not play in that JYP match due to a one-game suspension.

IHM Discussion

Losing Teemu Turunen for an extended spell is a clear early blow for Jokerit. He made an immediate offensive contribution with three assists in as many games; his absence removes an attacking option from a team that has yet to find a first victory.

Turunen’s Liiga goal-scoring title with Kärpät in 2023-24 and Finnish championship with HPK in 2019 underline the experience Jokerit lose while he is sidelined. The timing adds to the challenge during an opening stretch in which teams are establishing momentum and combinations.

Jokerit’s defensive depth is also affected. Olli Juolevi is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, meaning the coaching staff may need to reshuffle lines and defensive pairings while relying on the available depth players.

Why It Matters

Turunen’s absence deprives Jokerit of a player who had immediately supplied points. With the team still searching for its first win, the coming weeks will test its depth and coaching adjustments while Turunen and Juolevi are sidelined.

Mini Q&A

How long will Teemu Turunen be out?

Jokerit estimate Turunen will be sidelined for approximately 6-8 weeks.

What impact had Turunen made before his absence?

After returning to Jokerit this season, Turunen had recorded three assists in the team’s first three games.

Are any other Jokerit players unavailable?

Yes. Defenceman Olli Juolevi is also listed as out for an estimated 4-6 weeks, and Miks Tumānovs will miss the next game because of a one-game suspension.

When is Jokerit’s next match and who do they play?

Jokerit play their next game on Thursday, their first home match of the season, against JYP.

What Comes Next

Jokerit’s next fixture is on Thursday, their first home game of the season, against JYP. Miks Tumānovs is unavailable for that match because of a one-game suspension.

Ässät lose Arttu Alasiurua for 3-5 weeks

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Ässät have confirmed that forward Arttu Alasiurua will be unavailable for the next 3-5 weeks. Peter Tiivola returns to the line-up after a ten-day absence. Alasiurua is in his second season with Ässät and has played three Liiga games this season, recording one goal and one assist. Tiivola has featured twice this season, collecting one assist after being injured in Ässät’s second game of the campaign against Ilves.

Key Facts

  • Ässät forward Arttu Alasiurua will be sidelined for 3-5 weeks.
  • Peter Tiivola returns to Ässät’s line-up after a ten-day absence.
  • Arttu Alasiurua is playing his second season with Ässät.
  • This season Alasiurua has played three Liiga games, recording 1+1 (one goal, one assist).
  • Peter Tiivola has played two Liiga games this season, recording 0+1 (one assist).
  • Tiivola was injured in Ässät’s second game of the season against Ilves.

IHM Discussion

Ässät face a short-term change in their forward group with Arttu Alasiurua sidelined for 3-5 weeks. The forward has opened the Liiga season with one goal and one assist in three appearances, so his absence removes an early contributor from the available options.

Peter Tiivola’s return after ten days away gives Ässät another forward for the line-up. He has one assist in two games this season and returns after the injury he suffered against Ilves in the club’s second game of the campaign.

Why It Matters

Alasiurua’s absence will leave Ässät to adjust their forward options over the coming weeks. Tiivola’s return provides an immediate addition to the available group after his ten-day spell out, which may ease the club’s selection choices for upcoming Liiga fixtures.

Petteri Lindbohm signs with TPS on foreign-option deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

TPS have bolstered their defence by signing 32-year-old Petteri Lindbohm to a contract that runs for the remainder of the season and includes an option allowing him to depart for a club abroad during the campaign. Lindbohm, who began the Liiga season unsigned, joins a Turku roster that has opened the season with two wins and one defeat.

Lindbohm said he had trained well over the summer and was pleased to join TPS, calling the club ” a fine and traditional team” and saying it was an honour to wear the shirt. TPS sporting director Mika Suoraniemi explained the move was prompted by captain Niklas Friman’s long sick leave. Suoraniemi added that Lindbohm was a priority in their market search, and that while Lindbohm’s primary objective remains to secure a playing place abroad, talks quickly produced mutual interest in a TPS switch.

The signing adds a player with extensive international and club experience to TPS’s dressing room. Lindbohm has played 161 Liiga games for Jokerit, Ässät and HIFK, collecting 36 points; his playoff record in Liiga stands at 12 games with one goal and one assist. Last season he played 27 regular-season and five playoff games for HIFK, scoring 3+5 in the league and 1+0 in the post-season. His wider career includes 49 NHL appearances with the St. Louis Blues and Florida Panthers, 45 KHL matches for Jokerit, 135 National League games with Lausanne HC and EHC Biel-Bienne, and 52 SHL outings for Frölunda HC.

On the international stage Lindbohm was part of Finland’s gold-medal winning Olympic team in 2022 and the world championship-winning squad in 2019, and he also won world championship silver in 2021.

Key Facts

  • Petteri Lindbohm (32) has signed with TPS on a contract covering the remainder of the season.
  • The contract contains an option that allows Lindbohm to leave for a club abroad during the season.
  • Lindbohm was without a contract at the start of the Liiga season before joining TPS.
  • TPS began the season with two wins and one loss prior to Lindbohm’s arrival.
  • Mika Suoraniemi, TPS’s sporting director, said the signing was made necessary by captain Niklas Friman’s long sick leave.
  • Lindbohm has played 161 Liiga games for Jokerit, Ässät and HIFK, scoring 36 points.
  • His Liiga playoff record is 12 games with 1+1.
  • Last season for HIFK Lindbohm appeared in 27 regular-season games (3+5) and five playoff games (1+0).
  • Lindbohm’s club career also includes 49 NHL games (St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers), 45 KHL games (Jokerit), 135 NL games (Lausanne HC, EHC Biel-Bienne) and 52 SHL games (Frölunda HC).
  • Internationally, Lindbohm won Olympic gold in 2022, the world championship in 2019 and world championship silver in 2021.

IHM Discussion

TPS moved quickly to plug a gap created by Niklas Friman’s prolonged absence, prioritising a player with both domestic and international experience. The contract’s foreign-exit clause preserves Lindbohm’s stated objective of returning to a club abroad if an opportunity arises, while giving TPS immediate depth and veteran presence on the blue line.

From a squad-management perspective the deal is a short-term solution: it addresses an urgent need without closing down Lindbohm’s options. For Lindbohm, joining a traditional Liiga club that had already taken positive steps in the early season offers a route back into competitive regular-season hockey after starting the campaign unsigned.

Why It Matters

The signing matters for TPS because it adds experience during Friman’s lengthy absence through illness and does so quickly. Lindbohm’s career across top leagues and his international medals add a player accustomed to high-stakes games, while the foreign option means the arrangement may be temporary rather than a long-term transfer.

Mini Q&A

Has Petteri Lindbohm officially signed with TPS?

Yes. Petteri Lindbohm has signed a contract with TPS covering the remainder of the season.

Does Lindbohm’s contract allow him to leave during the season?

Yes. The deal includes an option that permits Lindbohm to depart for a club abroad during the season.

Why did TPS sign Lindbohm?

TPS sporting director Mika Suoraniemi said the signing was prompted by captain Niklas Friman’s long sick leave and that Lindbohm was a priority in their market search.

What experience does Lindbohm bring?

Lindbohm has played 161 Liiga games (36 points), 49 NHL games, 45 KHL games, 135 NL games and 52 SHL games, and he has Olympic gold (2022), world championship gold (2019) and world silver (2021).

Coach Mark Comment

Lindbohm’s experience gives TPS another established option on defence at a time when Friman is unavailable. The immediate task will be to integrate him into the existing structure, with the foreign option underlining that this may be a short-term arrangement.

IHM Final View

This is a sensible, short-term signing by TPS: Lindbohm fills an urgent defensive need caused by Friman’s long sick leave while keeping his own overseas ambitions intact. Expect him to be used as experienced depth for the remainder of the campaign unless an overseas offer arrives and his contractual exit option is exercised.

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.

Liiga captains pick the players to watch this season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

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.