Tag: Liiga

Myrenberg stellar as Jukurit win 2-1 in overtime

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jukurit edged Kiekko-Espoo 2-1 in overtime at home. The match was scoreless until the third period, when Jacob Hayhurst opened the scoring. Kiekko-Espoo levelled 30 seconds later, but Connor Fordin finished the contest with an overtime strike. Goaltender Jesper Myrenberg was central to Jukurit’s victory, stopping 30 shots. Sami Rajaniemi guarded the visitors’ goal; he had his skate blades changed in the first period. Reportedly, a holding penalty on Bogdans Hodass and a missed chance where Louis Boudon’s pass missed its target.

Key Facts

  • Jukurit beat Kiekko-Espoo 2-1 in overtime.
  • Jesper Myrenberg made 30 saves for Jukurit.
  • Jacob Hayhurst scored to open the scoring in the third period.
  • Kiekko-Espoo equalised 30 seconds after Hayhurst’s goal to make it 1-1.
  • Connor Fordin scored the overtime winner for Jukurit.
  • Sami Rajaniemi was Kiekko-Espoo’s goaltender; he had new skate blades fitted in the first period.
  • Bogdans Hodass took a penalty for holding.
  • Louis Boudon had a chance but a pass landed slightly behind its target.

IHM Discussion

The match was a tight, low-scoring affair that only broke open in the final stages. Jukurit relied on strong goaltending from Jesper Myrenberg to keep the game scoreless through two periods. Jacob Hayhurst’s third-period opener was quickly answered by Kiekko-Espoo, underlining how thin the margin was between the sides. In overtime, Connor Fordin found the decisive opening. Small incidents – Sami Rajaniemi changing his skate blades and a holding penalty on Bogdans Hodass – punctuated a contest decided by a single late play rather than sustained dominance.

Why It Matters

The victory extends Jukurit’s winning run and highlights Jesper Myrenberg as a match-winner on nights when scoring is scarce. For Kiekko-Espoo, the quick response after falling behind showed resilience, but the loss will sting given how little separated the teams. Overtime games underline the value of goaltending and timely finishing when margins are tight.

Mini Q&A

Who won the match and what was the final score?

Jukurit won 2-1 in overtime against Kiekko-Espoo.

Which goaltender was instrumental for Jukurit?

Jesper Myrenberg made 30 saves and was a key figure in the victory.

Who scored the goals in the match?

Jacob Hayhurst opened the scoring in the third period, Kiekko-Espoo levelled 30 seconds later, and Connor Fordin scored the overtime winner.

Were there any notable incidents during the game?

Sami Rajaniemi had his skate blades changed in the first period, while Bogdans Hodass received a holding penalty. Louis Boudon also had a chance after a pass arrived slightly behind him.

Coach Mark Comment

In a low-scoring game, the ability to protect the middle of the ice and stay composed after a goal against is crucial. Jukurit regained control after the equaliser and found the finishing touch in overtime, while Myrenberg gave them the platform with 30 saves.

IHM Final View

A one-goal overtime win sums up a close contest where individual moments – a timely save, a quick reply and an extra-time finish – carried the day. Jesper Myrenberg’s performance and Connor Fordin’s decisive strike were the clear takeaways from a match that offered little else in the way of separation between the sides.

KooKoo assistant Tuukka Poikonen open to radical changes

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

KooKoo have endured a punishing start to the season, collecting a single point from seven games and arriving at a -20 goal difference after a 6-0 defeat to Ilves in Tampere on Friday. Assistant coach Tuukka Poikonen, who works under head coach Jouko Myrrä, places the problem squarely on the players’ execution and confidence rather than on opponents’ adjustments. Poikonen describes the defects as collective uncertainty and mental lapses, explains that limited training time has hampered the team, and confirms that while the club’s established playing identity is valued, more radical changes to the system are under active consideration if performances do not improve.

Key Facts

  • KooKoo have one point from seven games and a goal difference of -20.
  • KooKoo lost 6-0 to Ilves in Tampere on Friday.
  • Tuukka Poikonen is assistant coach to head coach Jouko Myrrä at KooKoo.
  • Poikonen says the problems are primarily poor play, slowness and underperformance, and that the issues are mental and about uncertainty rather than a single tactical flaw.
  • Coaching staff are attempting to address the situation through player discussions and video review, and by focusing on individual situations.
  • Poikonen states training volume this season is roughly one third of what it was by this time last season.
  • KooKoo’s system intentionally stretches distances inside the five-man unit, which increases individual responsibility when support is not immediately available.
  • Poikonen says more radical changes to the playing model may be required if form does not improve, although KooKoo must weigh that against the identity that took the club to the finals last season.
  • The season carries heavy consequences: the three lowest-placed teams will be relegated to the B series at the end of the campaign.

IHM Discussion

Poikonen’s appraisal is unambiguous: the current slide is rooted in execution and confidence rather than an opponent having solved KooKoo’s style. He identifies a cascade effect where mounting mistakes breed avoidance, hesitation and further errors – ” we start to fear and avoid situations. Then it always compounds, and we try to patch one mistake with another. That way the puck goes the wrong way.” That characterisation frames the club’s immediate task as psychological and behavioural as much as tactical. Coaching interventions have therefore centred on direct conversations with players and on video sessions to pinpoint moments for correction.

Two structural constraints complicate that work. First, Poikonen points to a major shortfall in on-ice practise this season: ” the amount of training is a third of what it was by this time last season.” Fewer repetitions make it harder to re-embed habits and rebuild the small positive experiences that underpin confidence. Second, KooKoo’s deliberate spacing and the responsibility it places on individuals mean there is limited margin for error; when support is not present, one misplaced action can lead quickly to a goal against. Poikonen puts it plainly: ” You have to be able to play better with the puck and that brings in that there haven’t been good experiences or real successes, which also kind of stiffens things.”

Why It Matters

The sporting stakes are concrete. With three relegation places at the end of the season, a poor run of form carries significant consequences for the club. Beyond table position, the immediate issue is restoring confidence and creating small successes. If KooKoo cannot halt the slide through improved individual actions, Poikonen says the staff may consider more radical alterations to the playing model – a difficult choice given that the existing identity took the club to the finals last season.

Mini Q&A

How poor has KooKoo’s start been?

KooKoo have one point from seven games and a goal difference of -20; they lost 6-0 to Ilves in Tampere on Friday.

Who has spoken about the issues at KooKoo?

Tuukka Poikonen, assistant coach to head coach Jouko Myrrä, provided the assessment and quoted remarks.

What does Poikonen identify as the main problem?

He says the team is playing badly, slowly and underperforming; the issues are more about uncertainty and the mental side than one single tactical flaw.

What immediate steps are the coaches taking?

Coaches are discussing matters with players, showing video to illustrate issues, and focusing on individual player situations rather than wholesale five-man adjustments.

Are tactical changes possible?

Yes. Poikonen says the idea of changing the system is being considered, and that ” if things don’t start to change, we’ll have to make some more radical changes.”

What training constraint does Poikonen cite?

He states the amount of training this season is roughly a third of what it was by this time last season, and that the lack of practice shows in game performance.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective the two priorities are clarity and small wins. When training time is severely curtailed you must simplify tasks and reduce the number of on-ice cues players carry into games. Regress to easily repeatable actions that build possession security: clear exit patterns, short settling plays under pressure, and a narrow set of responses for common scenarios. That lets players accumulate positive outcomes quickly and rebuild confidence without overhauling the identity overnight. If improvements do not follow, a phased tactical reset – prioritising compactness and support over deliberate spacing – is the rational next step, but it should be implemented with clear drills to make the new behaviours familiar under fatigue and pressure.

What Comes Next

Poikonen says coaching will continue to talk with players and use video review to correct behaviours while focusing on individual situations. He also warned that if results do not begin to change, the staff will have to carry out ” more radical changes” to the game plan. The season’s relegation structure – with three teams dropping to the B series – remains the broader looming checkpoint at the campaign’s end.

IHM Final View

KooKoo’s problems are pressing: a low training volume and eroded confidence have left the team struggling to execute its game. The club is trying to restore individual execution and composure through conversations, video work and a focus on individual situations. Should those measures fail to arrest the slide, the staff accept that they may need to change the playing model – a serious choice given the identity that took KooKoo to the finals last season.

JYP’s Santeri Huovila stretchered off after leg incident

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

JYP forward Santeri Huovila was stretchered off after a frightening incident in the second period, when he stumbled during an attacking play and his left leg became trapped beneath him. Huovila, who wore JYP’s golden helmet in the game, has one goal and seven assists in six games this season. Last season, his campaign was cut short by an upper-body injury that required surgery in November, limiting him to 33 regular-season games.

Key Facts

  • Santeri Huovila was stretchered off the ice following an incident in the second period when his left leg folded badly.
  • The incident occurred at 26:30 of the second period, during an attacking sequence in which Huovila failed on a shot, stumbled and his left leg became trapped under his body.
  • Slow-motion footage indicated that Huovila’s left knee was subjected to considerable stress in the incident.
  • Huovila was wearing JYP’s golden helmet in the match.
  • This season Huovila has recorded 1+7 in six games for JYP.
  • Last season Huovila’s campaign ended early after an upper-body injury that required surgery in November; he played 33 regular-season games that year.

IHM Discussion

The sight of Santeri Huovila being stretchered off is stark given his early-season form and recent injury history. Wearing JYP’s golden helmet, he has supplied eight points in six games. His attacking play ended with a stumble that left his left leg trapped beneath him, while slow-motion footage indicated considerable stress around the left knee.

No diagnosis or return timetable was given. Huovila’s production and the fact that last season’s surgery-limited campaign lasted only 33 regular-season games underline the concern for both player and club.

Why It Matters

Huovila’s status matters because he has been among JYP’s leading point producers to date and wore the golden helmet in the game. His early scoring rate makes his availability significant for JYP’s short-term offence and depth. No diagnosis or timetable was given, leaving any lineup implications uncertain.

KooKoo rocked as Eetu Randelin leaves after collision with Ondřej Kos

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

KooKoo‘s number one goaltender Eetu Randelin was forced out of the game after a collision with Ilves forward Ondřej Kos in the second period. Ilves were leading their first home game of the season 3-0 once the match had passed its midpoint. Randelin went straight to the dressing room, with Jasper Patrikainen replacing him in goal. KooKoo first-line forward Veeti Miettinen, one of the club’s standout players last season, also left for treatment in the first period.

Key Facts

  • Ilves led their first home game of the season 3-0 when the match had passed its midpoint.
  • KooKoo’s starting goaltender Eetu Randelin collided with Ilves forward Ondřej Kos in the second period.
  • After the collision Randelin appeared unwell and left the game directly for the dressing room.
  • Jasper Patrikainen replaced Eetu Randelin in goal for KooKoo.
  • KooKoo forward Veeti Miettinen left the ice for treatment during the first period.

IHM Discussion

KooKoo lost two players during the game, with Randelin’s second-period exit the more consequential immediate disruption. The starting goaltender went straight to the dressing room after colliding with Ondřej Kos, and Patrikainen took over in goal. Miettinen’s first-period departure for treatment was a separate setback for KooKoo’s first line.

Why It Matters

Losing a starting goaltender during a game changes the personnel available to KooKoo immediately, while Miettinen’s exit further reduces the options available to the first line. Patrikainen was required to take over in goal with Ilves already holding a 3-0 lead beyond the midpoint.

JYP lose Juuso Puustinen for 1-2 weeks following collision

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

JYP have announced that forward Juuso Puustinen will be sidelined for the next 1-2 weeks and defenceman Väinö Liikonen for 4-5 weeks. Puustinen was injured in last week’s game against Jokerit after a collision with Norwegian defenceman Max Krogdahl; he flew over Krogdahl, struck his head on the boards and was escorted off the ice to the dressing room before being taken to hospital. Head coach Petri Matikainen said Puustinen’s helmet split on impact. Puustinen has played four games this season without a point; Liikonen has five games and no points. JYP face HIFK on Friday night.

Key Facts

  • JYP announced Juuso Puustinen is out for 1-2 weeks.
  • Puustinen was injured in last week’s game against Jokerit following contact with Max Krogdahl.
  • Puustinen flew over Krogdahl and struck his head on the boards; he was led off the ice to the dressing room and taken to hospital.
  • JYP head coach Petri Matikainen said Puustinen’s helmet split on impact.
  • Puustinen has appeared in four games this season with no points.
  • JYP are due to play HIFK on Friday night.

IHM Discussion

JYP have set short-term absence timelines for two players: Puustinen is expected to miss 1-2 weeks and Liikonen 4-5 weeks. Puustinen’s absence follows a collision against Jokerit in which he struck his head on the boards and was taken to hospital. Matikainen said the forward’s helmet split on impact. Liikonen’s longer absence removes a defensive option for several weeks, while the stated timelines do not amount to fixed return dates.

Why It Matters

Puustinen’s absence reduces JYP’s forward options, while Liikonen’s longer lay-off affects the defensive group over the coming weeks. Ahead of Friday night’s trip to HIFK, JYP may need to adjust their line-up to cover both absences.

Lukko claim rare regulation-time victory over Tappara

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lukko ended a long home drought against Tappara with a regulation-time win on Thursday. Heikki Liedes opened the scoring for Lukko, Joachim Blichfeld levelled shortly after following a quick puck steal, and Jesper Mattila then put Tappara ahead. Henri Ikonen restored parity before Aleksi Saarela scored the decisive goal, arriving first at a puck fired into the end boards by his younger brother Antti and beating Christian Heljangon. Heljangon was credited with 25 saves; Antti Raanta, playing his first full game of the season, made 17 stops. Aleksi Saarela praised the team’s spirit afterwards, saying that “today everyone had a big Lukko heart” and that at no point did it feel like they would lose.

Key Facts

  • Lukko recorded a regulation-time victory over Tappara in the only Liiga match on Thursday.
  • Lukko’s previous home win against Tappara in a regular-season game came in September 2021.
  • Since that 2021 home victory, Lukko had won three regular-season away games against Tappara and one playoff game in regulation; two subsequent home wins had come in overtime and last season Tappara won all four meetings.
  • Heikki Liedes scored the opening goal for Lukko.
  • Joachim Blichfeld equalised for Tappara after a quick puck turnover.
  • Jesper Mattila put Tappara back in front before Henri Ikonen tied the game from close range.
  • Tappara challenged Ikonen’s goal for goaltender interference, but the challenge failed, leaving Kari Jalosella without a timeout in the closing stages.
  • Aleksi Saarela scored the winning goal by arriving first at a puck fired into the end boards by Antti Saarela and beating Christian Heljangon.
  • Christian Heljangon was credited with 25 saves.
  • Antti Raanta, playing his first full game of the season, made 17 saves for Lukko.

IHM Discussion

The result is notable largely because of its rarity: Lukko have struggled to beat Tappara at home in recent years, and regulation wins over the Kirvesrinnat have been uncommon for the Rauma club. The match followed several lead changes and a failed Tappara challenge that preserved Lukko’s equaliser, leaving the game to be decided by a follow-up finish. Aleksi Saarela’s winner underlined Lukko’s hunger around the net, while Antti Raanta’s first full outing of the campaign provided a steady last line of defence. Saarela’s post-match remark about a collective ‘Lukko heart’ captures the psychological weight of securing a home victory in a fixture that has recently gone the other way.

Why It Matters

The win gives Lukko a morale boost against a familiar rival after a difficult recent home record in the fixture. For the squad and supporters, it is a reminder that close games can be settled in regulation.

Mini Q&A

Who scored the winning goal for Lukko?

Aleksi Saarela scored the winning goal after arriving first at a puck fired into the end boards by Antti Saarela and beating Christian Heljangon.

How did the goal sequence develop earlier in the match?

Heikki Liedes opened the scoring for Lukko, Joachim Blichfeld equalised after a quick turnover, Jesper Mattila put Tappara ahead, and Henri Ikonen levelled again before the Lukko winner.

Who were the goalkeepers and how many saves did they make?

Christian Heljangon made 25 saves for Tappara; Antti Raanta, playing his first full game of the season for Lukko, made 17 saves.

When was Lukko’s last regular-season home win over Tappara before this result?

Lukko’s previous regular-season home win against Tappara was in September 2021.

Antti Raanta returns to Lukko goal for Tappara clash

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Antti Raanta will start in goal for Lukko against Tappara in Thursday evening’s sole Liiga fixture. The 37-year-old veteran will start in Rauma for the first time this season and has played only 40 minutes so far.

Key Facts

  • Antti Raanta will start in goal for Lukko against Tappara in Thursday’s only Liiga match.
  • Raanta is 37 years old.
  • This will be Raanta’s first start of the season for Lukko.
  • Raanta has played only 40 minutes this season.
  • Raanta replaced Daniel Salonen after the first period of Lukko’s home game against JYP on 9 September 2026, after Salonen had conceded four goals.
  • In that JYP game Raanta made 14 saves with a save percentage of 93.33.
  • The Lukko – Tappara game is scheduled to be played in Rauma and is due to begin at 18.30.

IHM Discussion

Raanta’s first start of the season gives Lukko a change in goal for the visit of Tappara. The 37-year-old has played only 40 minutes so far, all coming after he replaced Daniel Salonen following the first period against JYP on 9 September. Raanta made 14 saves in that appearance and finished with a 93.33 save percentage.

Why It Matters

Raanta’s selection gives Lukko a veteran starter for Thursday’s game after his limited action so far this season. It also changes the immediate goaltending rotation, with Salonen having started the earlier game against JYP.

KooKoo collapse again as KalPa score four in first period

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

KooKoo suffered another early collapse as KalPa scored four times in the first period in Kouvola, forcing a goaltending change. Eetu Randelin was replaced by Jasper Patrikainen after KalPa’s barrage left the score 4-1 inside 12 minutes. KalPa won the game 5-4. The goalscorers for KalPa in the flurry were Teemu Hartikainen (opening power-play goal), Aleksi Klemetti, Joona Saarelainen and Juuso Könönen; Ville Meskanen scored for KooKoo. Klemetti’s strike was his 100th Liiga goal. KooKoo began the season with four straight losses and one overtime point.

Key Facts

  • KooKoo conceded four goals in the first period to KalPa and replaced starting goaltender Eetu Randelin with Jasper Patrikainen.
  • Eetu Randelin’s recorded save percentage in the game was 63.64; he made seven saves before being pulled.
  • KalPa’s Teemu Hartikainen opened the scoring with a power-play goal; Ville Meskanen equalised for KooKoo within a minute.
  • KalPa scored three times in quick succession at 10:02, 11:34 and 11:47 (Aleksi Klemetti, Joona Saarelainen and Juuso Könönen respectively).
  • Aleksi Klemetti’s goal was his 100th in Liiga.
  • Joona Saarelainen and Teemu Hartikainen each recorded their first goal of the season.
  • The match finished KalPa 5-4 KooKoo.
  • KooKoo had started the season with four straight defeats and one overtime point prior to this game.

IHM Discussion

The match underlined how fragile KooKoo’s situation has become. After a brief, even opening, KalPa struck first on the power play through Teemu Hartikainen. Ville Meskanen’s quick reply offered a momentary lifeline, but KooKoo’s defensive play faltered thereafter. Three goals in 1 minute 45 seconds, at 10:02, 11:34 and 11:47, swung the game emphatically in KalPa’s favour and prompted coach Jouko Myrrä to replace Eetu Randelin with Jasper Patrikainen. Reportedly, defensive lapses is the main reason for the collapse rather than the goaltender alone. Aleksi Klemetti’s 100th Liiga goal and first goals of the season for Hartikainen and Joona Saarelainen added individual positives for KalPa, while KooKoo’s string of defeats now constitutes a difficult early-season run.

Why It Matters

This result compounds KooKoo’s poor start and leaves them anchored at the foot of the Liiga table. Conceding four goals inside a single period exposes defensive shortcomings that will need immediate attention if KooKoo are to halt the slide. For KalPa, the rapid flurry and Klemetti’s milestone are confidence-boosting, showing the team can capitalise on moments of defensive disorganisation from opponents.

Mini Q&A

What was the score when Eetu Randelin was replaced?

KalPa led 4-1 inside the first 12 minutes, after which KooKoo replaced starting goalie Eetu Randelin.

Who replaced Eetu Randelin in goal?

Jasper Patrikainen replaced Eetu Randelin during the first period.

Which KalPa players scored in the first-period flurry?

Teemu Hartikainen, Aleksi Klemetti, Joona Saarelainen and Juuso Könönen scored KalPa’s four first-period goals.

Did any player hit a milestone?

Yes. Aleksi Klemetti’s goal in that sequence was his 100th Liiga goal.

How had KooKoo started the season before this game?

KooKoo had begun the season with four straight defeats and one overtime point.

Goalkeepers take centre stage in Vaasa student game

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

In Vaasa’s student-themed ” haalari” game, goalkeepers took the spotlight. The 2006-born pair Masi Härkönen and Petteri Rimpinen combined for 40 saves in front of 4,148 spectators, many of them students in coveralls. The match went to overtime, where Jere Väisänen scored at 62:15 – recorded as the first and last goal of the contest.

Key Facts

  • The game drew 4,148 spectators, many of them students wearing coveralls.
  • Goaltenders Masi Härkönen and Petteri Rimpinen, both born in 2006, combined for 40 saves.
  • Härkönen had to retrieve the puck from behind him once.
  • Several minor confrontations took place early in the game.
  • Johan Sundström watched a Rimpinen save from close range.
  • Arttu Tuomaala put full flex into his stick.
  • Redi helped maintain the student-game atmosphere with antics.
  • Viljami Nieminen had a breakaway chance in overtime.
  • Iiika Kangasmäki broke through at the other end after a pass from Rimpinen.
  • At 62:15, Jere Väisänen scored what was recorded as the game’s first and final goal.
  • The Kiekko-Espoo supporters in attendance were pleased with the outcome.

IHM Discussion

Goaltending dominated the evening in Vaasa. Härkönen and Rimpinen, both born in 2006, combined for 40 saves, while early minor confrontations added some edge before the game moved into overtime. Väisänen scored at 62:15, recorded as the first and final goal of the contest.

Why It Matters

The student-themed crowd and overtime finish gave the game a distinctive atmosphere. The combined 40-save total also put the focus firmly on Härkönen and Rimpinen, while the Kiekko-Espoo supporters in attendance had reason to enjoy the outcome.

Mini Q&A

Who were the goalkeepers and how many saves did they make?

The goalkeepers were Masi Härkönen and Petteri Rimpinen, both born in 2006; they combined for 40 saves.

Who scored and when?

Jere Väisänen scored at 62:15 in overtime; it was recorded as the first and final goal of the game.

Väisänen ends 620-day drought with dramatic OT winner

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Kiekko-Espoo finally broke a long-standing 620-day drought in 3-on-3 overtime scoring when Jere Väisänen finished the winner after Ville Lajunen intercepted a Sport pass and set up a two-on-one. The decisive finish beat Sport goaltender Masi Härkönen in a game in Vaasa that produced no goals in regulation and was decided in extra time.

Key Facts

  • Kiekko-Espoo ended a 620-day streak without a 3-on-3 overtime goal.
  • Jere Väisänen scored the winning goal in overtime.
  • The scoring sequence began when Ville Lajunen intercepted a Sport player’s pass and moved the puck to Väisänen.
  • Väisänen finished the chance by shooting past Sport goalie Masi Härkönen.
  • The match in Vaasa produced no goals during regulation and was decided in overtime.
  • Last season Kiekko-Espoo won only once in overtime during the Liiga regular season and lost nine times.
  • Kiekko-Espoo’s only regular-season overtime win last season came against Ilves, when Matti Järvinen scored a power-play goal.
  • Kiekko-Espoo lost both of their playoff games that went to overtime last season.
  • Kiekko-Espoo’s previous 3-on-3 goal had come on 11 January 2025, when Ville Lajunen scored to beat KooKoo.
  • Later in that same season Kiekko-Espoo recorded two more overtime wins, but both were power-play goals; opponents secured three overtime wins that season, one of which was decided by a power-play goal.
  • This was Kiekko-Espoo’s second overtime game of the current season; last week SaiPa beat them with a Petrus Palmu power-play goal.

IHM Discussion

The overtime winner underlines how rare Kiekko-Espoo’s success in 3-on-3 situations has been. The club’s long run without a three-on-three goal stretched back to 11 January 2025, and their recent overtime history – a single regular-season OT win and multiple losses last year, plus two playoff OT defeats – framed this result as more than a single goal: it is a relief after repeated extra-time frustration. The finish itself was straightforward and decisive: Ville Lajunen’s interception turned defence into attack, and Väisänen’s shot beat a well-performing Sport netminder, Masi Härkönen, emphasising the importance of quick transition play in open-ice overtime.

Why It Matters

The goal ended a lengthy wait for a 3-on-3 overtime score and came after Kiekko-Espoo struggled in extra time last season. It also showed how quickly a turnover can decide a tight game: Lajunen’s interception created the two-on-one, and Väisänen supplied the finish.

Mini Q&A

Who scored Kiekko-Espoo’s overtime winner?

Jere Väisänen scored the overtime winner.

How did the overtime goal develop?

Ville Lajunen intercepted a Sport pass, moved the puck across to Jere Väisänen, who finished the two-on-one by shooting past Sport goalie Masi Härkönen.

How long had it been since Kiekko-Espoo last scored in 3-on-3 overtime?

The club had not scored a 3-on-3 overtime goal for 620 days; their previous such goal came on 11 January 2025 when Ville Lajunen scored against KooKoo.

What was Kiekko-Espoo’s recent overtime record referenced in the report?

Last season Kiekko-Espoo won only once in overtime during the regular season and lost nine times; they also lost both overtime games they played in the playoffs.