Tag: Lukko

Topias Haapanen signs Lukko extension to 2028

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lukko have agreed a one-year contract extension with forward Topias Haapanen, who is now signed to remain in Rauma until spring 2028.

Haapanen, 28, joined Lukko ahead of last season on a two-year agreement. He produced seven goals and 11 assists in 60 regular-season appearances during that campaign and has opened the current season with three goals in eight games.

The forward has played more than 400 Liiga games across his career, having previously represented TPS, Ässät and Ilves before arriving at Lukko. His value in Rauma has been particularly evident in shorthanded situations and late, high-pressure phases of matches, according to sporting director Kalle Sahlstedt.

Haapanen said the decision to continue was straightforward because of his experience within the dressing room and the team spirit at the club. He also identified greater confidence in the attacking end as an area he wants to add to his game, while feeling he has developed in every area as a player at Lukko.

Key Facts

  • Topias Haapanen has signed a one-year extension with Lukko and is contracted until spring 2028.
  • The 28-year-old forward joined Lukko ahead of last season on a two-year contract.
  • Haapanen recorded 7+11=18 in 60 regular-season games last season.
  • He has scored three goals in eight games this season.
  • Haapanen has played more than 400 Liiga games and previously represented TPS, Ässät and Ilves.
  • Lukko sporting director Kalle Sahlstedt highlighted Haapanen’s penalty-killing work, shot blocking, work in the corners and willingness to compete around the net.

IHM Discussion

This is a clear continuity move from Lukko. Haapanen’s early scoring return provides one part of the picture, but the club’s reasoning is centred on the broader work that does not always dominate a scoresheet. Sahlstedt described him as one of the league’s leading players in his particular role and stressed his reliability on the penalty kill and in important moments.

That description matters because it defines the extension on Lukko’s terms: Haapanen is being retained not simply for a short burst of goals, but for a repeatable contribution across defensive-zone details, physical commitment and specialist shorthanded duties. His more than 400 Liiga appearances also bring substantial domestic-league experience to a role requiring composure and consistency.

Haapanen’s own comments add a useful counterpoint. While he has begun the season with three goals, he still wants more confidence offensively. The extension therefore secures a player Lukko value highly in defensive and pressure situations while leaving room for further growth in his attacking output.

Why It Matters

Lukko have tied a proven Liiga forward to the club through spring 2028. For a player entrusted with penalty-killing responsibility, blocking shots and difficult net-front work, continuity has practical value: those tasks depend on dependable habits as much as production.

The agreement also gives Haapanen a longer platform at a club where he says he has settled quickly. His previous regular-season total of 18 points and his current three-goal start show that he can contribute offensively, even as the club’s public assessment places particular emphasis on his all-round and defensive work.

Mini Q&A

How long is Topias Haapanen’s new Lukko contract?

Haapanen has signed a one-year extension that keeps him at Lukko until spring 2028.

What has Haapanen produced for Lukko?

He registered 7+11=18 in 60 regular-season games last season and has three goals in eight games this season.

Coach Mark Comment

The strongest hockey detail in this extension is the penalty-killing role. A forward who is prepared to block shots, compete in the corners and handle net-front pressure can help a side manage the least forgiving minutes of a game. Haapanen’s scoring start is welcome, but Lukko’s assessment suggests his trusted defensive work is the foundation of this commitment.

What Comes Next

The next long-term marker is already defined: Haapanen’s new agreement keeps him under contract with Lukko until spring 2028. In the nearer term, his opening run of three goals in eight games will sit alongside the penalty-killing and key-moment responsibilities identified by the club.

IHM Final View

Haapanen’s extension gives Lukko certainty around an experienced Liiga forward whose value is framed by more than points. His early-season goals have strengthened the timing, while the club’s emphasis on shorthanded work, physical sacrifice and reliability explains why it moved to secure him through spring 2028.

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.

HIFK lose to Lukko in overtime as Tappara build early lead over Jokerit

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Helsingin IFK lost at home to Lukko 2-3 in overtime after surrendering a 2-0 lead that had stood until the middle of the second period. Alex Beaucage scored the overtime winner for Lukko. In a separate game, Tappara took control against Jokerit at the Veikkaus-areena, leading 0-3 after the first period; Jyrki Jokipakka assisted Tappara’s opening strike and Niclas Almarin and Tomi Sallinen had given Tappara a three-goal cushion by 8:38 of the first.

Key Facts

  • Helsingin IFK lost at home to Lukko 2-3 in overtime.
  • HIFK led 2-0 until approximately the middle of the second period before Lukko levelled the game.
  • Jokerit’s poor home form continued at the Veikkaus-areena as they trailed Tappara.
  • Tappara led Jokerit 0-3 after the first period.
  • Jyrki Jokipakka assisted Tappara’s opening goal shortly after the game began.
  • By 8:38 of the first period Tappara were already 0-3 ahead, with goals from Niclas Almarin and Tomi Sallinen.

IHM Discussion

A difficult night for the Helsinki clubs. HIFK let a 2-0 lead slip before Alex Beaucage settled the game for Lukko in overtime. The result continued HIFK’s poor start to the season and showed how quickly a strong position can disappear. Jokerit were also chasing the game from the outset after Tappara established a 0-3 lead in the opening period.

Why It Matters

HIFK had a 2-0 lead through the middle of the second period but came away with an overtime defeat, adding to their difficult start to the season. Jokerit faced an immediate test after Tappara’s rapid three-goal opening, while Tappara gave themselves a commanding position early in the game.

Mini Q&A

What was the result between HIFK and Lukko?

HIFK lost to Lukko 2-3 in overtime.

Who scored the overtime winner for Lukko?

Alex Beaucage scored the overtime winner for Lukko.

How did Tappara get ahead of Jokerit?

Tappara built a 0-3 lead by the end of the first period; Jyrki Jokipakka assisted the opening goal and Niclas Almarin and Tomi Sallinen also scored, giving Tappara a three-goal cushion by 8:38 of the first.

Are the Helsinki teams showing good form?

No; the reports describe HIFK’s season start as poor and note that Jokerit’s poor performances at the Veikkaus-areena continued.

Lukko’s Danylo Trah’t sent off after collision with Setänen

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lukko forward Danylo Trah’t collided with JYP goaltender Oskari Setänen while driving to the net from the end boards late in the match. The contact at 55:18 dislodged Setänen’s helmet and sent him to his knees. Trah’t received a 5+20-minute penalty for charging and was sent from the game. JYP also received a two-minute penalty after Jere Lassila jumped on Trah’t following the whistle. The contest ended in a 5-0 away win for JYP. Trah’t has appeared in four Liiga games this season.

Key Facts

  • Collision between Danylo Trah’t (Lukko) and Oskari Setänen (JYP) occurred at 55:18.
  • Setänen’s helmet came off and he fell to his knees as a result of the collision.
  • Danylo Trah’t received a 5+20-minute penalty for charging.
  • JYP’s Jere Lassila received a two-minute penalty after jumping on Trah’t following the whistle.
  • At 59:46 Lukko’s Alex Beaucage received a 2+2-minute penalty for cross-checking and roughing.
  • In the same altercation, JYP’s Väinö Liikonen and Reece Newkirk received two-minute penalties for roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct.
  • The game finished as a 0-5 away victory for JYP.
  • Danylo Trah’t has played four Liiga games this season.

IHM Discussion

The collision came during a heated closing stretch. Trah’t drove to the net from the end boards and made contact with Setänen, whose helmet came off as he fell to his knees. The officials assessed Trah’t a major penalty and game misconduct for charging, while Lassila’s response after the whistle brought a further minor for JYP. Further penalties followed at 59:46 as the game reached its final minutes.

Why It Matters

The incident capped a difficult night for Lukko, who lost 5-0 away to JYP. For Trah’t, it came in only his fourth Liiga appearance of the season, while the late sequence also featured penalties for players on both teams.

Mini Q&A

What exactly happened to start the incident?

At 55:18 Danylo Trah’t drove to the net from the end boards and collided with JYP goaltender Oskari Setänen; Setänen’s helmet came off and he fell to his knees.

What penalties were assessed as a result?

Trah’t received a 5+20-minute penalty for charging. Lassila received a two-minute penalty after jumping on Trah’t following the whistle. Later, Beaucage received a 2+2-minute penalty for cross-checking and roughing, while Liikonen and Newkirk received two-minute penalties for roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct.

What was the final score?

The match ended in a 0-5 away victory for JYP.

How many Liiga games has Trah’t played this season?

Danylo Trah’t has played four Liiga games this season.

CHL Round of 16 - Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

CHL Round of 16 – Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

CHL Round of 16 – Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

Six heavyweight clashes. Twelve contenders. One path to European glory.

By IHM News · November 7, 2025

CHL Round of 16 - Full Match-Up Preview | IHM News

The Champions Hockey League enters the Round of 16 with one of the most balanced and unpredictable playoff grids in recent years. Traditional powerhouses, resurgent contenders, surprise newcomers – all collide now, as Europe’s top clubs begin the two-game battles that will determine who advances toward the quarterfinals.

IHM News breaks down all six matchups with a full scouting preview, trends, form guides, key players and tactical storylines.
This is your complete, elite-level CHL playoff roadmap.

🟥 Match-Up 1: Sparta Prague vs EV Zug

First CHL meeting ever between two long-established clubs

Despite a combined 15 CHL seasons, Sparta Prague and EV Zug enter their Round of 16 clash having never before crossed paths in Europe’s top competition. That changes now – and this matchup could be one of the tightest of the entire round.

✅ Sparta: elite form, defensive discipline, world-class goaltending

Sparta enter Switzerland as one of the form teams of the tournament:

  • 5-1-0 in the Regular Season
  • Just 9 goals conceded in six games
  • Finished with a commanding 4-0 win over Grenoble

The Czech giants are built around structure and execution.
Their goaltending has been nothing short of spectacular:
Jakub Kovář – 95.8 SV%, 0.65 GAA – best numbers in the CHL.

Offensively, the trio of Řepík, Hyka, and Dzierkals has driven consistent scoring, while the power play (14.8%) and penalty kill (82%) both remain reliable, if not explosive. The only question: can they generate more on man-advantages in playoff pressure?

✅ Zug: volatility, firepower, and depth scoring

Zug’s 3-3 Regular Season run was uneven but dangerous:

  • OT wins over Luleå
  • Strong offensive displays vs Grenoble and Belfast
  • But defensive lapses vs Ingolstadt, Rauma and Kometa Brno

Despite inconsistency, Zug scored 20 goals in six games – proof of how lethal they are when transitions open up.

Key scorers:

  • Dominik Kubalík – 6 pts
  • Tomáš Tatar – 6 pts
  • Andreas Wingerli – 6 pts
  • Grégory Hofmann – 6 pts

Tim Wolf’s 90.3 SV% gives Zug stability, but they will need an A-level defensive performance to break Sparta’s rhythm.

✅ X-Factor: The Kovář brothers

For the first time in a CHL knockout series:
Jakub Kovář (Sparta) vs Jan Kovář (Zug) – brother vs brother.
Veteran vs veteran.
Backbone vs playmaker.

A storyline worthy of the Round of 16 spotlight.

🟥 Match-Up 2: Grenoble vs Frölunda

A first-ever CHL Playoffs appearance vs the CHL’s greatest dynasty

Grenoble wrote one of the feel-good stories of the Regular Season.
Frölunda – four-time CHL champions – now stand in their way.

✅ Grenoble: historic playoff run, explosive offense, chaotic defense

The French side enters the Playoffs for the first time ever, after a fearless Regular Season loaded with high-event hockey:

  • 8-5 win over Bremerhaven
  • Shootout win vs Eisbären Berlin
  • But 24 goals conceded in six games – the worst among playoff teams

Grenoble are fast, brave, and unpredictable. Beauchemin and Boivin combined for 16 points, while veterans Treille, Englund and Binner supply experience and stability.

Goaltending remains the swing factor:
Matija Pintarič - 87.6 SV%
He must elevate against Frölunda’s relentless five-man offense.

✅ Frölunda: pedigree, structure, tournament experience

The Swedes are built for this stage:

  • 5-1-0 in the Regular Season
  • 21 goals scored, 11 allowed
  • Only loss: tight 4-2 game vs Sparta

Max Friberg leads with 8 points, while Innala, Lindholm and Peterson provide layered scoring.
Defensively, Henrik Tömmernes remains the heartbeat – controlling breakouts, power plays and tempo.

Goalie Tobias Normann (92.6 SV%, 1.33 GAA) looks locked in.

✅ X-Factor: pace vs polish

Grenoble’s chaos vs Frölunda’s control.
One wants to disrupt.
One wants to suffocate.
The first 10 minutes will dictate the tone.

🟥 Match-Up 3: Bremerhaven vs Ilves

Unbeaten Regular Season winners vs the CHL’s biggest wildcard

Ilves Tampere enter the Playoffs as the first team ever to finish a CHL Regular Season with:

  • ✅ 6-0 record
  • ✅ 18 points
  • ✅ +17 goal difference (24-7)

Bremerhaven?
They scraped into the playoffs at 3-3.

And yet – they are dangerous.

✅ Bremerhaven: high-event rollercoaster, but big-game capable

Their campaign included:

  • OT win vs ZSC Lions
  • A 5-8 defensive collapse vs Grenoble
  • A shutout win vs Luleå
  • A tight loss in Hamar

Veteran leader Jan Urbas (8 points, 6 goals) is one of the CHL’s most consistent scorers.
Jeglič continues to set up the offense, while Jensen and Bruggisser anchor the blue line.

Goaltender Kristers Gudļevskis – 91% SV – will need his best performance against Ilves.

✅ Ilves: the most complete team in the field

Ilves combine defensive structure with elite transition scoring:

  • 24 goals for
  • Only 7 goals allowed
  • Top-tier goaltending tandem:
    • Roope Taponen – 97.1 SV%
    • Dominik Pavlát – 92.4 SV%

Their forward group, led by Mäntykivi and Lööke, operates with precision, and their special teams are among the best in the field.

✅ X-Factor: Can Bremerhaven survive the first period?

If Ilves score early, the series could get away quickly.
If Bremerhaven hold their ground… we have a fight.

🟥 Match-Up 4: Ingolstadt vs Red Bull Salzburg

Central European battle of momentum vs balance

This might be the most stylistically even matchup of the entire round.

✅ Ingolstadt: late surge, high-scoring form, PP threat

After starting 0-2, Ingolstadt finished with four straight wins:

  • 7-3 vs Zug
  • 8-2 vs Odense
  • 23 goals in six games

Riley Barber leads with 8 points; Sheen, Keating and Abbandonato offer depth scoring.
Defender Alex Breton added 3 goals from the back end.

Goaltending:

  • Brett Brochu (3 wins)
  • Devin Williams providing support

Their power play and face-off efficiency are among the best in the CHL.

✅ Salzburg: pedigree, structure, elite goaltending

Salzburg finished 3-3, but their underlying play is far more controlled than the record suggests.
Home wins over Berlin, Bremerhaven and Tychy highlighted their balance.

Key names:

  • Connor Corcoran (point man weapon)
  • Raffl, Nissner, Thaler up front
  • Atte Tolvanen – 92.9 SV% – steady as ever

✅ X-Factor: zone exits

Ingolstadt pressure aggressively.
If Salzburg break cleanly – they neutralize Ingolstadt’s transition game.

🟥 Match-Up 5: Storhamar vs Lukko

Norwegian resilience vs Finnish structure

Storhamar fought their way into the playoffs with late-season momentum.
Lukko arrive with a polished Liiga-style game.

✅ Storhamar: late surge, strong goaltending, home ice advantage

After a slow start, Storhamar closed with wins over:

  • Sparta
  • Brynäs
  • Bremerhaven

Veterans Martinsen and Liss drive the playmaking.
On defence, Hurrød and Krupic provide mobility and transition strength.

But the true difference-maker:
Markus Røhnebaek Stensrud – 93.8 SV%
He’s kept them alive all season.

✅ Lukko: stability, structure, elite blue line

A 4-2 Regular Season.
21 goals scored, 14 allowed.
Strong two-way identity and disciplined puck pressure.

Eric Gélinas (8 points) is the central piece.
Beaucage and Morand carry the offense.
And in net – the CHL’s silent star:
Antti Raanta – 95% SV, 1.00 GAA

✅ X-Factor: the opening 10 minutes in Hamar

Storhamar’s crowd is a weapon.
If Lukko survive the initial push, their depth takes over.

🟥 Match-Up 6: ZSC Lions Zurich vs KalPa Kuopio

Reigning champions vs the hottest team of the season

This matchup is pure drama.

✅ Zurich: tricky season, but playoff pedigree

Their Regular Season:

  • OT loss vs Bremerhaven
  • Wins vs Tychy and Odense
  • Then three straight losses (Brynäs, Sparta, Ilves)

Still – Zurich are built for playoffs.
Their system is structured, fast and experienced.

Key players:

  • Balcers + Malgin (8 combined points)
  • Mikko Lehtonen quarterbacking the blue line
  • Christian Marti anchoring the defence
  • Šimon Hrubec – 93.5 SV%, 1.83 GAA – elite under pressure

✅ KalPa: perfect Regular Season, dominant in all phases

KalPa finished 6-0, scoring 24 and conceding only 8.
Their playing style is fast, disciplined and highly structured.

Offensively:

  • Juuso Mäenpää
  • Cade Borchardt
  • Patrick Curry (relentless worker)

Defensively:

  • Ketola and Räsänen lead a mobile blue line

Goaltending tandem:

  • Patrik Kerkola
  • Stefanos Lekkas

Combined save percentage: over 95%

✅ X-Factor: transition speed vs defensive structure

Zurich can slow teams down.
KalPa can run teams over.
One of the best stylistic battles of the round.

🧠 Coach Mark Comment

Each of these ties has a unique tactical identity. Round of 16 hockey in the CHL often comes down to two elements: defensive layers in the neutral zone and the ability to generate second pucks around the crease. Ilves, Sparta and KalPa have the best structure. Zug, Frölunda and Ingolstadt have the most transition danger. Watch for the special teams efficiency – several of these games will be decided by details rather than dominance.

Devils rally late, defeat Canadiens 4-3 in OT to stay perfect at home | IHM News