Tag: Liiga

Hahl addresses bench claim after Jokerit derby win

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Juuso Hahl described Jokerit‘s 3-2 overtime victory over HIFK in the season’s first Helsinki derby as his side’s most complete 60-minute performance so far. The Jokerit head coach said his team controlled much of the game, created numerous scoring chances and limited HIFK’s opportunities.

Hahl said Jokerit’s own lack of finishing and a strong display from HIFK’s goaltender separated his side from taking three points. Asked about HIFK’s performance, he declined to assess the opposition and said the statistics would show which side had performed better.

The match also featured a heavy hit by HIFK defenceman Ilari Melart on Jokerit’s Riku Tuomola midway through the third period. Tuomola missed some shifts for the remainder of the game, although Hahl said the player appeared to be all right despite taking several knocks.

Afterwards, HIFK forward Eetu Liukas alleged that a Jokerit staff member had shouted from the bench at HIFK’s Niko Huuhtanen. Hahl said he had not noticed the alleged exchange and directed questions on the matter to Liukas.

Key Facts

  • Jokerit beat HIFK 3-2 in overtime in the season’s first Helsinki derby.
  • Jokerit head coach Juuso Hahl called it his team’s most complete 60-minute performance so far.
  • Hahl said Jokerit created many scoring chances while keeping HIFK to few opportunities.
  • Hahl said Jokerit’s finishing and an excellent performance by HIFK’s goaltender kept the game from becoming a three-point win for Jokerit.
  • HIFK defenceman Ilari Melart delivered a heavy hit on Jokerit’s Riku Tuomola midway through the third period.
  • Tuomola missed some shifts after the hit, but Hahl said he appeared to be all right.
  • HIFK forward Eetu Liukas alleged that a Jokerit staff member shouted at Niko Huuhtanen from the bench; Hahl said he did not witness it.

IHM Discussion

Hahl’s assessment focused firmly on Jokerit’s control of play rather than the final margin. His comments pointed to a performance in which the team’s work without the puck and chance creation met its intended standard, even if the finishing did not deliver the regulation win he felt was available.

That distinction matters in an overtime result. Jokerit secured the victory, but Hahl’s post-match view was that the underlying balance of chances should have produced a clearer outcome. He offered no analysis of HIFK’s approach, instead keeping the emphasis on his own group.

The bench allegation remained unresolved in Hahl’s comments. Liukas made the allegation after the match, while Hahl said he had no awareness of the purported incident. Neither account establishes what happened beyond those respective statements.

Why It Matters

The derby delivered both a win for Jokerit and a strong internal benchmark from its head coach. Hahl’s description of the match as the team’s most complete 60 minutes gives particular weight to the way Jokerit managed possession, opportunities and defensive chances against HIFK.

Tuomola’s condition was also a notable post-match point after the third-period collision. Hahl’s indication that the player appeared to be all right was reassuring, while the fact that Tuomola missed shifts showed the immediate effect of the hit during the game.

The allegation involving the Jokerit bench adds an off-ice element to an already high-profile local fixture, but Hahl did not offer corroboration because he said he had not heard it.

Mini Q&A

What was the result of the Jokerit-HIFK derby?

Jokerit won 3-2 in overtime.

What did Juuso Hahl say about the alleged bench incident?

Hahl said he had not noticed or heard it and said questions should be directed to Eetu Liukas, who made the allegation.

How was Riku Tuomola after Ilari Melart’s hit?

Tuomola missed some shifts for the rest of the match. Hahl said he had taken several knocks but appeared to be all right.

Sihvonen calls for Olli Jokinen’s HIFK exit

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Olli Jokinen has come under sharp criticism after HIFK’s 3-2 overtime defeat to Jokerit in the Stadin derby, with hockey analyst Petteri Sihvonen calling for the club to dismiss its head coach.

Sihvonen argued that his case was not based solely on the derby result, but on what he described as HIFK’s chronically poor play. HIFK entered the game third from bottom in the Liiga table and remained there after the defeat.

HIFK were kept in the contest by Hugo Alnefelt’s saves and Daniel Mäkiaho’s two goals. Mäkiaho equalised late with HIFK’s goaltender off the ice, before Alexander Forslund scored the overtime winner for Jokerit.

As a possible replacement, Sihvonen put forward Ville Viitaluoma, while also raising the alternative of strengthening Jokinen’s coaching staff should HIFK retain their current head coach.

Key Facts

  • Petteri Sihvonen called on HIFK to dismiss head coach Olli Jokinen.
  • HIFK lost the Stadin derby to Jokerit 3-2 in overtime.
  • Daniel Mäkiaho scored both HIFK goals, including a late equaliser with the goaltender off the ice.
  • Alexander Forslund scored the overtime winner for Jokerit.
  • HIFK began the derby third from bottom in the Liiga standings.
  • Sihvonen suggested Ville Viitaluoma as a possible new HIFK head coach.
  • Viitaluoma, 45, is HIFK’s U20 head coach this season and an assistant coach with Finland’s under-18 national team.
  • The former forward is known as an HPK legend and also played for HIFK.

IHM Discussion

The immediate issue is not a confirmed coaching change, but the force of Sihvonen’s public assessment of HIFK’s situation. He maintained that the derby loss should not be viewed in isolation, arguing instead that the team’s underlying standard of play has been poor over a longer period.

His proposed responses were clear: replace Jokinen with Viitaluoma, or add coaching support to Jokinen’s staff if HIFK do not make a change. Viitaluoma would be a notable internal option given his current work with HIFK’s U20 side, alongside his role with Finland’s under-18 team, but neither route has been announced by HIFK.

Why It Matters

The defeat left HIFK in the lower reaches of the Liiga table and intensified scrutiny of Jokinen’s position. HIFK showed resilience in recovering late through Mäkiaho, and Alnefelt’s saves helped keep the derby close, but the overtime loss gave Jokerit the result.

For HIFK, the significance lies in the wider debate around the coaching set-up rather than in any confirmed decision. Sihvonen’s criticism has placed both Jokinen’s position and the composition of his staff under public focus.

Mini Q&A

Has HIFK dismissed Olli Jokinen?

No. Veeti Kantoluoto called for Jokinen’s dismissal, but no coaching change was announced.

Who has been suggested as a possible replacement?

Sihvonen proposed Ville Viitaluoma, HIFK’s current U20 head coach and an assistant coach with Finland’s under-18 national team.

What happened in the derby?

Jokerit beat HIFK 3-2 in overtime. Daniel Mäkiaho scored twice for HIFK, while Alexander Forslund scored the overtime winner.

HIFK seek centre after Jori Lehterä’s career end

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HIFK are looking to add a centre to their forward group after Jori Lehterä’s unexpected career ending.

Sporting director Janne Laukkanen said the club have yet to identify a player they consider sufficiently attractive for the role, but stressed that the search remains active. He added that the later starts to other leagues are influencing the current player market.

HIFK are also considering whether to recruit a goaltender to cover for the injured Tim Juel. That decision will depend on greater clarity over Juel’s return timetable.

Hugo Alnefelt earned HIFK a point in the local derby against Jokerit, although Jokerit won 3-2 in overtime. HIFK have three wins and seven defeats from their first 10 games of the season.

Key Facts

  • Janne Laukkanen confirmed that HIFK are seeking a centre after Jori Lehterä’s unexpected career ending.
  • Laukkanen said HIFK have not yet found a player they rate highly enough for the position, but the search is continuing.
  • He said the later start to other leagues is affecting the player market.
  • HIFK are weighing a goaltending addition while Tim Juel is injured; the decision depends on his return timetable.
  • Jokerit beat HIFK 3-2 in overtime, despite Hugo Alnefelt earning HIFK a point.
  • HIFK have recorded three wins and seven defeats in their opening 10 games.

IHM Discussion

The centre search is explicitly role-specific rather than a general call for forward depth. Laukkanen’s comments make clear that HIFK are prepared to wait instead of adding a player who does not meet their requirements.

The timing is a factor. With other leagues beginning later, clubs elsewhere are only starting to make their own changes, leaving the available market in motion. HIFK’s approach is therefore one of continued monitoring rather than a completed recruitment move.

The goaltending situation remains separate from the centre search. HIFK have not made a decision on a replacement for Juel, with his recovery timetable set to determine whether an addition is required.

Why It Matters

However, no incoming player has been identified and no goaltending move has been confirmed.

For now, the clearest development is that HIFK remain active in the market while awaiting further information on Juel’s availability.

Mini Q&A

Why are HIFK looking for a centre?

HIFK are seeking a centre after Jori Lehterä’s unexpected career ending.

Have HIFK signed a replacement?

No. Janne Laukkanen said the club have not yet found a player they consider suitable, but the search continues.

What is the situation with Tim Juel?

HIFK are considering a goaltending addition while Juel is injured, but their decision depends on his return timetable.

What Comes Next

The next checkpoints are whether HIFK find a centre who fits the role they are seeking and whether Tim Juel’s return timetable becomes clear enough to determine the need for a goaltending signing.

Niko Huuhtanen criticises HIFK after Jokerit loss

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Niko Huuhtanen delivered a blunt assessment of HIFK after their first local derby of the season ended in a 3-2 overtime defeat to Jokerit.

The HIFK forward said his side had played " really poor hockey" for 40 minutes, despite still having opportunities to win a game in which they were clear underdogs. Huuhtanen had one of the defining chances in overtime when he broke through alone, but Jokerit goaltender Tomi Karhunen stopped his shot with the pads.

Huuhtanen also felt the long-awaited derby did not fully match the occasion. He noted that several thousand seats remained unsold and said he expected a better atmosphere when the teams meet at Nordis.

Key Facts

  • HIFK lost their first local derby of the season against Jokerit 3-2 in overtime.
  • Niko Huuhtanen had a breakaway chance in overtime, but Tomi Karhunen made a pad save.
  • Huuhtanen said HIFK played " really poor hockey" for 40 minutes and criticised the team’s opening play.
  • Huuhtanen said HIFK had begun to find its game in Vaasa, but did not carry that level into the derby.
  • The forward described the arena atmosphere as only " OK" and pointed to several thousand unsold seats.
  • Huuhtanen said HIFK’s supporters were absent and acknowledged that viewers watching on television were unlikely to have been satisfied with the performance.
  • The derby had been awaited for 12 years, according to Huuhtanen.
  • Eetu Liukas said a Jokerit equipment manager had shouted towards Huuhtanen from the bench area; Huuhtanen said he had not heard anything and regarded such shouting as normal in hockey.

IHM Discussion

Huuhtanen’s comments centred less on the overtime result than on HIFK’s standard over the opening 40 minutes. His frustration was sharpened by the setting: this was a derby described as having been awaited for 12 years, and HIFK were unable to produce the performance he believed the occasion demanded.

There was still a narrow route to victory. Huuhtanen’s overtime breakaway gave HIFK an immediate chance to turn an underdog display into a win, but Karhunen’s save left Jokerit with the decisive edge. Huuhtanen did not use that missed opportunity to soften his assessment of the wider performance.

Why It Matters

Local derbies carry significance beyond two points, particularly after such a lengthy wait for the fixture’s return. Huuhtanen’s public disappointment underlines that HIFK’s players judged the display against the scale of the event, not simply the closeness of an overtime defeat.

His remarks also placed attention on the next meeting at Nordis, where he expects a stronger atmosphere. That expectation concerns the event around the game as well as the on-ice response HIFK will want after a performance their forward called unacceptable.

Mini Q&A

What was the result of the HIFK-Jokerit derby?

Jokerit beat HIFK 3-2 in overtime in the teams’ first local derby of the season.

What happened to Niko Huuhtanen’s overtime chance?

Huuhtanen broke through alone, but Jokerit goaltender Tomi Karhunen stopped his shot with the pads.

Why was Huuhtanen unhappy with HIFK?

He said HIFK played very poorly for 40 minutes, criticised the team’s opening play and felt the showing was unacceptable for an event awaited for 12 years.

IHM Final View

HIFK left the derby with an overtime point but without the performance Huuhtanen wanted on a major night for the rivalry. His verdict was unambiguous: a lone overtime chance was not enough to excuse a display he felt fell short for much of the game.

KooKoo appoints Kai Suikkanen after coaching dismissals

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

KooKoo have dismissed head coach Jouko Myrrä and assistant coach Tuukka Poikonen, with Kai Suikkanen appointed as head coach for the remainder of the Liiga season.

Marko Virtanen will join Suikkanen’s coaching group as KooKoo attempt to reverse a deeply concerning start. The Kouvola club, which reached the Liiga finals last season, sit bottom of the table on one point and are still seeking their first win of the campaign.

Chief executive Sakari Välimaa said the club had explored different solutions during the opening part of the season but had not found the required change. He said the team’s performances, results and direction of development had fallen short of expectations.

Key Facts

  • KooKoo have dismissed head coach Jouko Myrrä and assistant coach Tuukka Poikonen.
  • Kai Suikkanen has been appointed KooKoo head coach until the end of the season.
  • Marko Virtanen has joined Suikkanen’s coaching group.
  • KooKoo are bottom of Liiga with one point and remain without an opening win this season.
  • KooKoo reached the Liiga finals last season.
  • Suikkanen last coached in Liiga with Kärpät during the 2016-17 season and was head coach of Slovakia’s HC Prešov last season.
  • Suikkanen led TPS to the Finnish championship in 2010.
  • Virtanen has previously served as head coach of JYP, TPS and Lukko in Liiga.
  • The bottom three teams in this Liiga regular season will be directly relegated to the lower division.

IHM Discussion

This is a sweeping early intervention rather than a narrow adjustment behind the bench. KooKoo have changed both the head-coaching position and the wider staff structure, bringing in Suikkanen and adding Virtanen to the group.

The club’s position makes the urgency clear. Last season’s finalists have collected only one point, and the absence of a win has left them bottom of the standings. Välimaa framed the decision around results, player performance and a lack of sufficient progress, while also expressing belief that the squad has more potential than its early record suggests.

Suikkanen returns to Liiga after a lengthy absence, but he arrives with substantial experience in Finnish hockey. His 2010 championship with TPS is part of that record, while Virtanen adds previous Liiga head-coaching experience with three clubs.

Why It Matters

The coaching change comes in a season with unusually severe consequences at the foot of the Liiga table, as the three lowest regular-season teams will be relegated directly. For KooKoo, the immediate task is not to make broad claims about a turnaround, but to establish a more effective daily environment and begin converting performances into results.

The decision also underlines the contrast between KooKoo’s recent run to the Liiga finals and their current league position. The club has acted quickly in an effort to alter that trajectory before the season develops further.

Mini Q&A

Who has KooKoo appointed as head coach?

KooKoo have appointed Kai Suikkanen as head coach for the remainder of the Liiga season.

Which coaches have left KooKoo?

Head coach Jouko Myrrä and assistant coach Tuukka Poikonen have been dismissed.

Why is the change significant for KooKoo?

KooKoo are bottom of Liiga on one point without a win, and the bottom three regular-season teams will be directly relegated.

Coach Mark Comment

A change of this scale puts the first emphasis on clarity. With a new head coach and an additional experienced voice entering the group, KooKoo’s players will need simple, consistently communicated standards before the club can judge whether its on-ice performance is moving in the required direction. The immediate evidence will be found in how reliably the team executes those standards from game to game.

What Comes Next

Suikkanen’s agreement runs through the end of the season. KooKoo’s next meaningful checkpoint is whether the new coaching group can lift a side that is still searching for its first win and is currently bottom of Liiga.

IHM Final View

KooKoo have made a decisive response to an alarming opening to the season. Suikkanen inherits a team with recent Liiga final experience but a current record that leaves no margin for complacency, while Virtanen adds further top-flight coaching experience to the new staff.

Jokerit keep Tomi Karhunen for rest of season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jokerit have agreed a contract with goaltender Tomi Karhunen for the remainder of the season.

The 36-year-old joined Jokerit in September and has played seven Liiga matches since arriving. His initial deal was first extended until the end of October, but the club have now committed to keeping him for the rest of the campaign.

Karhunen has recorded an.883 save percentage across his seven appearances and has posted two shutouts. Jokerit sporting director Olli-Pekka Yrjänheikki said the club were very pleased to retain the goaltender, praising the standard of his performances on the ice.

Key Facts

  • Jokerit have signed 36-year-old goaltender Tomi Karhunen through to the end of the season.
  • Karhunen joined Jokerit in September.
  • He has played seven Liiga games for Jokerit.
  • His original contract was initially extended until the end of October before the new season-long arrangement was agreed.
  • Karhunen has an.883 save percentage in his seven appearances.
  • He has recorded two shutouts.
  • Jokerit sporting director Olli-Pekka Yrjänheikki said the club were delighted that Karhunen would remain with the team.

IHM Discussion

The new agreement turns Karhunen’s stay from a short-term arrangement into a commitment for the remainder of the season. Jokerit had initially prolonged his original deal only until the end of October, leaving his longer-term status unresolved. The club have now made their decision after seven Liiga outings.

Karhunen’s statistical line includes two shutouts, while his save percentage stands at .883. Those are the only performance figures attached to his Jokerit spell, but they form the on-ice record behind the extension. Yrjänheikki’s comments make clear that the club regard Karhunen’s play as having demonstrated his level.

For Karhunen, the contract provides continuity after joining the squad in September. For Jokerit, it confirms that the goaltender will remain part of the group rather than merely covering the opening weeks of the season.

Why It Matters

Goaltending decisions can quickly shape a club’s options over a season, and Jokerit have removed uncertainty around Karhunen’s immediate future. His move from an initial short-term deal to a contract running until season’s end follows a seven-game Liiga sample in which he produced two shutouts.

The decision is also a clear public endorsement from the club’s sporting leadership. Jokerit are retaining a 36-year-old goaltender whose early appearances persuaded them to move beyond the October extension and agree terms for the remainder of the campaign.

Jonne Virtanen draws interest as Jukurit talks continue

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jukurit head coach Jonne Virtanen has attracted enquiries from other clubs after the Mikkeli side’s strong start to the season, while discussions over a new contract remain under way.

Virtanen’s current agreement with Jukurit expires after the ongoing season. Sporting director Mikko Hakkarainen said the club wants to continue with the 38-year-old and is seeking to reach a decision soon.

Virtanen confirmed that other clubs have made enquiries about his situation, but stressed that he has received no offers. He is open to staying with Jukurit, although he has ruled out a move abroad for now, citing family considerations.

Key Facts

  • Jonne Virtanen has been Jukurit’s head coach since January 2025.
  • Virtanen’s contract with Jukurit expires after the current season.
  • Jukurit sporting director Mikko Hakkarainen said the club and Virtanen have discussed a new deal and are aiming to make decisions soon.
  • Virtanen said other clubs have enquired about his situation, but that no offers have been made.
  • Virtanen is positive about continuing with Jukurit but does not view a move abroad as an option at present.
  • Virtanen said he would like continuity in both the coaching staff and playing group if he remains with Jukurit.

IHM Discussion

The position is still open rather than settled. Jukurit have made clear that they want to retain Virtanen, but the coach’s contract situation has also drawn outside attention. Crucially, Virtanen described that interest as enquiries, not offers.

His public comments identify the factors that matter most in any decision. Virtanen wants more time with his children and has said the choice is primarily a family one. On the hockey side, he has pointed to the value of keeping the same coaching group and maintaining continuity in the squad.

That leaves Jukurit with a clear basis for their talks: a potential extension is possible, but no agreement has been confirmed.

Why It Matters

A head coach entering the final stage of a contract can become a significant point of focus for a Liiga club. Jukurit’s willingness to continue with Virtanen offers a measure of clarity, while the enquiries from elsewhere show that his future is not yet resolved.

Virtanen has led Jukurit since January 2025, so a new agreement would preserve the existing coaching relationship. For now, however, the only confirmed development is that discussions are taking place and that no external offer has been put to him.

Mini Q&A

Does Jonne Virtanen have an offer from another club?

No. Virtanen said there have been enquiries about his situation, but no offers.

Could Virtanen remain Jukurit head coach?

Yes. Jukurit want to continue with him, and Virtanen has said he is positive about staying.

Is Virtanen considering coaching abroad?

Not at present. He said a move abroad is not an option now because family considerations come first.

What Comes Next

The next checkpoint is Jukurit’s stated aim to make a decision soon following its discussions with Virtanen. Until then, there is no confirmed agreement with Jukurit or another club.

Onni Käyhkö joins BIK Karlskoga after Pelicans exit

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Onni Käyhkö has left Pelicans after the club and the defenceman agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent. The 192cm Finnish defenceman has subsequently joined BIK Karlskoga, who compete in Sweden’s second tier, for the remainder of the 2026-27 season.

Käyhkö is the third Pelicans player to have his contract ended within a month. Defenceman Samuel Huzevka and forward Lukas Zetterberg departed the club in September.

A Pelicans youth product, Käyhkö played four league matches this season without registering a point. BIK Karlskoga have said they hope to have him available for this weekend’s fixtures.

Key Facts

  • Pelicans and defenceman Onni Käyhkö ended his contract by mutual agreement.
  • Käyhkö is the third Pelicans player to have his contract ended within a month.
  • Samuel Huzevka and Lukas Zetterberg left Pelicans in September.
  • Käyhkö played four league matches for Pelicans this season and recorded no points.
  • BIK Karlskoga have confirmed Käyhkö’s signing for the 2026-27 season.
  • Käyhkö made 40 regular-season appearances last season, producing four goals and one assist.
  • He joined Pelicans’ senior league team during the 2022-23 season.

IHM Discussion

The move gives Käyhkö an immediate route into a new environment after a brief start to the season in Lahti. His four appearances without a point came after a much larger role last term, when he featured in 40 regular-season games.

BIK Karlskoga sporting director Torsten Yngveson described Käyhkö as a big, robust two-way defenceman with good skating and a good first pass. That assessment identifies the qualities Karlskoga expect him to bring, while the club’s hope of having him ready for the weekend underlines the short-term focus following the signing.

Why It Matters

For Pelicans, Käyhkö’s departure is another personnel change in a short period. For Karlskoga, the agreement adds a 192cm defenceman with recent senior league experience and a full season of regular-season hockey behind him.

The transfer also places Käyhkö in Sweden’s second tier for the remainder of 2026-27, with Karlskoga seeking to integrate him quickly if he is ready to play.

Mini Q&A

Why did Onni Käyhkö leave Pelicans?

Pelicans and Käyhkö agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.

How long is Käyhkö’s contract with BIK Karlskoga?

BIK Karlskoga confirmed that the agreement covers the 2026-27 season.

What did Käyhkö produce for Pelicans last season?

He played 40 regular-season matches and recorded four goals and one assist.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoint is BIK Karlskoga’s weekend schedule. The club has said it hopes Käyhkö will be fit to feature in those matches.

Paul Stapelfeldt Given One-Game CHL Suspension

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Graz99ers player Paul Stapelfeldt has received a one-game suspension and a €700 fine following a kneeing incident involving Saipa forward Patrik Siikanen.

The Champions Hockey League Sport Disciplinary Panel ruled that Stapelfeldt’s action warranted supplementary discipline under IIHF Rule 50. The suspension and fine take effect immediately.

The incident occurred at 12:10 on Tuesday night, when Stapelfeldt was assessed a major penalty and an automatic game misconduct for kneeing Siikanen. Siikanen sustained an apparent injury in the collision.

The panel classified the offence as Category 1, described as “Careless”, after reviewing video evidence and the ruling of the CHL PSC.

Key Facts

  • Paul Stapelfeldt of the Graz99ers has been suspended for one game, effective immediately.
  • Stapelfeldt was also fined €700, effective immediately.
  • The discipline relates to an incident at 12:10 involving Saipa forward Patrik Siikanen.
  • Stapelfeldt received a major penalty and automatic game misconduct for kneeing during Tuesday night’s game.
  • The CHL panel found that Stapelfeldt adjusted his lower body and extended his knee towards Siikanen, creating leg-on-leg contact.
  • The incident was ruled supplementary discipline under IIHF Rule 50 for kneeing and classified as Category 1, “Careless”.
  • Stapelfeldt will be regarded as a repeat offender should further supplementary discipline be required in the CHL.

IHM Discussion

The disciplinary finding turns on the panel’s assessment that the contact was avoidable. Siikanen moved left while attempting to evade the check, but the ruling states that Stapelfeldt responded by extending his leg to ensure contact rather than continuing through a conventional body check.

That distinction was central to the decision. The panel explicitly ruled out an unavoidable knee-on-knee collision caused solely by the puck carrier’s late movement. Instead, it found that Stapelfeldt’s adjustment created the forceful leg-on-leg contact which met the threshold for supplementary discipline.

The on-ice major and automatic game misconduct were therefore followed by a separate review process, resulting in the one-game ban and financial penalty. The ruling applies specifically within the Champions Hockey League.

Why It Matters

Knee-on-knee contact is treated seriously because of the potential for injury, and the panel recorded that Siikanen suffered an apparent injury from the incident. For Stapelfeldt, the immediate consequence is a one-game absence and a €700 fine.

The repeat-offender designation is also significant within future CHL disciplinary proceedings. It does not determine any future sanction, but it establishes Stapelfeldt’s status should another case requiring supplementary discipline arise.

Jokerit unveil playing-card jersey for HIFK derby

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jokerit will take the ice in an unusual special jersey when they face HIFK in Thursday’s Helsinki derby.

The Liiga club’s design takes its main inspiration from a deck of playing cards. All four suits, hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs, feature on the jersey, while the player numbers and lettering use a typeface modelled on playing-card typography.

It is the first time Jokerit have used a playing-card theme so prominently on their jersey. The design also reaches back into the club’s visual history, with its colour scheme and arrangement of elements influenced by Jokerit shirts from the 1970s and 1980s.

Ville Leino, Jokerit’s Creative Specialist and the designer responsible for the shirt, said the aim was to produce something that immediately felt like Jokerit for a local derby while looking markedly different from a traditional jersey.

Key Facts

  • Jokerit will wear a special jersey for Thursday’s Helsinki derby against HIFK.
  • The jersey is built around a playing-card theme featuring hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs.
  • Its player numbers and lettering use typography inspired by playing cards.
  • The design is Jokerit’s first jersey to use the playing-card concept so visibly.
  • The colour palette and layout also draw influence from Jokerit jerseys of the 1970s and 1980s.
  • Jokerit Creative Specialist Ville Leino was responsible for the jersey design.

IHM Discussion

Special-event jerseys can give a derby a distinct visual identity without changing the competitive stakes on the ice. Jokerit’s concept is deliberately rooted in club imagery rather than being a complete departure from the team’s established look: the card motifs provide the novelty, while the references to older shirts maintain a connection to the club’s past.

That balance is central to Leino’s stated design objective. The shirt is intended to be recognisably Jokerit at first glance, but sufficiently different from the standard kit to mark the occasion. The detailed use of card-style lettering means the theme extends beyond a single crest or shoulder patch and runs through the full presentation of the jersey.

Why It Matters

The HIFK fixture gives Jokerit a high-profile local setting for the special design. By combining a new playing-card identity with visual cues from the 1970s and 1980s, the club is presenting the jersey as both an occasion-specific look and a nod to its own history.