Tag: Sport

Sport’s Kalle Miketinac sidelined into 2027

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Vaasan Sport will be without Swedish forward Kalle Miketinac for several months because of injury, with the current assessment placing his return to the ice in 2027.

The 27-year-old has no precise return date at this stage. Sport has indicated that the recovery timetable will be clarified later, leaving the Liiga club without a firm date for when Miketinac may resume playing.

Miketinac is in his fourth season with Sport. He has played nine Liiga games this season, scoring one goal. Across his Liiga career, he has recorded 22 goals and 43 assists for 65 points in 141 appearances.

Key Facts

  • Kalle Miketinac is expected to be sidelined for several months because of injury.
  • Sport’s current estimate is that Miketinac will return to the ice in 2027.
  • No exact date for his return has been given, and Sport says the recovery timetable will become clearer later.
  • The 27-year-old Swedish forward is playing his fourth season for Sport.
  • Miketinac has one goal in nine Liiga appearances this season.
  • In 141 Liiga games, Miketinac has registered 22 goals, 43 assists and 65 points.

IHM Discussion

The immediate significance for Sport is the length of the absence rather than a short-term day-to-day adjustment. Miketinac will miss several months, and the present estimate rules out a return before the turn of the year.

Sport has not set a more detailed timetable, so the position remains open-ended beyond the broad 2027 target. That distinction matters: a projected return in 2027 is not the same as a confirmed comeback date. The club will provide further clarity only once the recovery schedule develops.

Miketinac brings established Liiga experience to Sport’s forward group. His 141-game league record and 65 career points provide the wider context to an absence that will continue well beyond his nine appearances this season.

Why It Matters

Sport have lost a forward with a substantial body of Liiga experience for an extended period. Miketinac’s absence is particularly notable because there is no precise return date attached to the current projection.

For now, the clearest confirmed point is that Sport do not expect him back on the ice until 2027 at the earliest. Any more specific assessment of his availability will depend on the updated recovery timetable the club has yet to provide.

Oula Palve explains decision behind Sport move

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Oula Palve made his first appearance for Sport in Saturday’s 3-2 overtime home defeat to HIFK, skating on the second line alongside Viljami Nieminen and Philip Granath.

The 34-year-old forward played nearly 18 minutes in his first game of the season but did not register a point. Sport led in the third period before HIFK equalised in the final minute, with Jake Leschyshyn scoring the overtime winner.

After the match, Palve explained that the prospect of a substantial role was central to his decision to join Sport. He said he wanted to play regularly and help the team during what he described as a major challenge and an important season.

Key Facts

  • Oula Palve, 34, made his Sport debut in a 3-2 overtime home loss to HIFK.
  • Palve played on Sport’s second line with Viljami Nieminen and Philip Granath.
  • He played nearly 18 minutes in his first match of the season and finished without a point.
  • Sport held a third-period lead, but HIFK tied the game in the final minute before Jake Leschyshyn scored in overtime.
  • Palve said he chose Sport partly because he expected a large role, significant ice time and an opportunity to assist the team.
  • He said he considered other options for the season but delayed signing during the summer before discussions with Sport progressed quickly.
  • Palve named remaining in Liiga and reaching the play-offs as Sport’s objectives for the season.

IHM Discussion

Palve’s debut supplied an immediate indication of the role Sport have offered him. A place on the second line and nearly 18 minutes of ice time gave the experienced forward a prominent platform in his first competitive outing of the campaign, even though he was kept off the scoresheet.

His explanation of the move was notably direct. Palve said he did not know how many playing years remained and wanted a destination where he could play a lot and contribute. He also described Sport’s situation as a significant challenge, while setting out survival in Liiga and a play-off place as the club’s season aims.

The result itself was frustrating for Sport. They were close to a win, according to Palve, but could not protect their late lead after HIFK’s equaliser in the final minute. Leschyshyn’s overtime goal then ensured that the extra point went to Helsinki.

Why It Matters

For Sport, Palve’s arrival adds a seasoned forward to a line already featuring Nieminen and Granath. His first outing did not bring points, but his deployment showed that he was involved heavily from the outset.

For Palve, the move is tied to opportunity rather than a short-term wait for another option. He said he had other possibilities, chose not to sign during the summer, and then reached an agreement with Sport after relatively swift negotiations. That makes his stated desire for responsibility a key part of the story behind the transfer.

Mini Q&A

How did Oula Palve fare in his Sport debut?

Palve played nearly 18 minutes on Sport’s second line with Viljami Nieminen and Philip Granath, finishing without a point as Sport lost 3-2 to HIFK in overtime.

Why did Oula Palve choose Sport?

Palve said he wanted to join a team where he would likely have a large role, play a lot and be able to help the side.

What objectives did Palve set for Sport?

He said Sport’s aims are to remain in Liiga and reach the play-offs.

Coach Mark Comment

A near-18-minute debut on the second line is a substantial opening workload for a player joining a new group. The immediate coaching task is to turn that usage into reliable line detail: clean support through the middle of the ice, strong puck protection and better game management when holding a late lead. Palve’s experience can help, but those details must be delivered collectively.

What Comes Next

Sport’s stated checkpoints for the season are to remain in Liiga and to reach the play-offs. Palve will continue his first season with the club after opening it without a point against HIFK.

IHM Final View

Palve’s Sport debut ended in disappointment on the scoreboard, but it also clarified why he is in Vaasa. He has joined seeking a major role and the chance to make a tangible contribution, and Sport entrusted him with meaningful ice time immediately. The challenge now is to convert that early responsibility into results as the team pursues its stated objectives.

JOJ Šport to broadcast every Tipsport liga match live

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

JOJ Šport will be the exclusive television broadcaster of Slovakia’s top domestic competition, the Tipsport liga, for the coming season, with every league match available on JOJ Šport and the JOJ play streaming service. Station director Roman Neuschl outlined several additions: a weekly Monday programme, Extra Shift, presented by Ladislav Fabo, Karol Jakubovič and hockey expert Rastislav Konečný; expanded reporting and commentary from stadia; and a special Saturday 19:00 slot in which each club will play one home game.

JOJ Šport will mark the opening day on 15 September with extended studio coverage and live updates from around the league, centred on the meeting of last season’s finalists, Nitra and Slovan. Television coverage and live inputs are due to continue until approximately 21:00. JOJ Šport and JOJ play have carried the Tipsport liga for four consecutive seasons, and the broadcaster will remain the official media partner and broadcaster under a five-season strategic partnership with the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation.

Key Facts

  • JOJ Šport is the exclusive holder of broadcast rights for the next Tipsport liga season and will air all league matches in its sports package and via JOJ play, as announced by station director Roman Neuschl and Digital Ninjas director Nikoleta Nagyová.
  • JOJ Šport will introduce a regular Monday studio programme titled Extra Shift, hosted by Ladislav Fabo and Karol Jakubovič with expert analysis from Rastislav Konečný.
  • The channel will add a special Saturday 19:00 match window: each Tipsport liga team will play one home game in that Saturday slot, and those matches will be available only on JOJ Šport and the JOJ play app, according to Roman Neuschl.
  • JOJ Šport plans to expand on-site coverage with more commentary from stadia and greater reporter involvement in flash interviews and match-day coverage.
  • Extra Shift will examine key moments from the previous weekend’s league rounds, along with league developments, university players and national-team performances during international windows.
  • The first day of the new season was announced as 15 September, with a marquee opening fixture between last season’s finalists Nitra and Slovan highlighted as the main match.
  • On the opening day, JOJ Šport will provide extended studio coverage across multiple venues, including live updates from games beginning at 17:00 and 17:30.
  • Television studio coverage and live inputs will continue after the main game until approximately 21:00, providing almost five hours of hockey coverage.
  • JOJ Šport and JOJ play have carried the Tipsport liga for four consecutive seasons and will continue as the official media partner and broadcaster for the next five seasons under a strategic partnership with the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation.

IHM Discussion

JOJ Šport’s plans centre on making the Tipsport liga easier to follow in one place while adding more analysis around the match schedule. Extra Shift gives the league a regular Monday space to revisit the previous weekend, discuss player development and address national-team form during international windows.

The Saturday 19:00 concept gives every club one home date in a dedicated television slot. Combined with expanded reporting and commentary from stadia, it should give selected fixtures a more substantial match-day presentation.

The five-season partnership with the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation also provides continuity for the league’s broadcast arrangement. The key test will be whether the wider studio and on-site coverage consistently adds useful context to the games themselves.

Why It Matters

For fans: every league match will be available through JOJ Šport and JOJ play. The Monday programme and expanded studio coverage will also provide more context around league rounds between matchdays.

For the league: the Saturday 19:00 slot gives each club one dedicated home television window, while broader coverage from stadia can increase the visibility of fixtures and players.

For player development: Extra Shift will include discussion of university players and national-team performances during international windows.

Mini Q&A

Who holds the broadcast rights for the Tipsport liga this season?

JOJ Šport is the exclusive holder of the broadcast rights and will air every Tipsport liga match in its sports package and on the JOJ play streaming service.

What is Extra Shift and who will present it?

Extra Shift is a new regular Monday studio programme that will provide deeper analysis of the league; it will be presented by Ladislav Fabo and Karol Jakubovič with analysis from Rastislav Konečný.

What is the Saturday 19:00 window?

The Saturday 19:00 window is a special broadcast slot in which each Tipsport liga team will play one home game, and those matches will be available only on JOJ Šport and the JOJ play app.

How will JOJ Šport cover the opening day?

JOJ Šport plans extended studio coverage on the opening day, highlighting the main evening fixture between last season’s finalists Nitra and Slovan, with studio and match inputs scheduled across the afternoon and evening and almost five hours of continuous hockey coverage.

How long will JOJ Šport remain the league’s media partner?

JOJ Šport will remain the official media partner and broadcaster of the Tipsport liga for the next five seasons under a strategic partnership with the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation.

IHM Final View

JOJ Šport’s all-match coverage, Extra Shift and the dedicated Saturday 19:00 fixtures represent a broader presentation plan for the Tipsport liga. Its five-season partnership with the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation gives the competition a defined broadcast arrangement for the coming seasons. The immediate focus will be delivering effective multi-venue coverage, making Extra Shift a useful analytical programme and establishing the Saturday slot as a recognisable fixture for viewers.

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.

Vaasan Sport to retire Erik Riska’s No. 13 on 14 November

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Vaasan Sport will retire the number of club stalwart Erik Riska when the team hosts HPK on 14 November. The club announced during the first commercial break of Wednesday’s game that Riska’s No. 13 will be withdrawn from use for that home fixture. Riska, who ended his playing career in spring 2024, spent Sport’s entire current Liiga era with the club and holds the team record for appearances with 699 games. The 37-year-old also played 51 games for Lukko in the 2013-14 season. At Sport, Riska was part of the captaincy group in 11 seasons, serving as captain for seven and alternate captain for four.

Key Facts

  • Vaasan Sport will retire Erik Riska’s No. 13 on 14 November in the home game against HPK.
  • The club announced the number retirement during the first commercial break of Wednesday’s game.
  • Erik Riska retired from playing in spring 2024.
  • Riska played 699 games for Sport, the most in the club’s history.
  • He also played 51 games for Lukko in the 2013-14 season.
  • Riska is 37 years old and was in Sport’s leadership group for 11 seasons (captain seven seasons, alternate captain four seasons).
  • Sport has previously retired the numbers of Tomi Väkelä (27) and Håkan Hjerpe (29). Sami Laaksoharju’s No. 14 has been removed from use in his memory.

IHM Discussion

Retiring a player’s number is one of the clearest gestures a club can make to acknowledge sustained contribution. The decision to withdraw Erik Riska’s No. 13 recognises both longevity and leadership: he is Sport’s all-time appearance leader and was part of the club’s captaincy group for 11 seasons. Staging the tribute at a home game gives supporters an opportunity to recognise a player whose career was closely tied to Sport’s current Liiga era.

Why It Matters

The move cements Riska’s place in Sport’s history and gives supporters a focal point to celebrate his contribution across the club’s current Liiga era. For younger players and fans, it is a tangible reminder of long-term commitment and leadership within one organisation.

Mini Q&A

When will Erik Riska’s number be retired?

Riska’s No. 13 will be retired on 14 November during Vaasan Sport’s home game against HPK.

Which number is being retired?

Vaasan Sport will retire number 13.

When did Erik Riska retire from playing?

Erik Riska ended his playing career in spring 2024.

How many games did Riska play for Sport?

Riska played 699 games for Vaasan Sport, the most in the club’s history.

Did Riska play for any other Liiga club?

Yes. Riska played 51 games for Lukko in the 2013-14 season.

What was Riska’s role in the team?

Riska was in Sport’s captaincy group for 11 seasons, serving as captain for seven seasons and as an alternate captain for four.

What Comes Next

Sport will retire Riska’s No. 13 during its home game against HPK on 14 November.

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

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

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

Key Facts

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

IHM Discussion

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

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

Why It Matters

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

Mini Q&A

What was the final result?

Sport defeated Jokerit 5-4 after a shootout.

When was the match played?

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

Who was the match hero?

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

IHM Final View

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

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

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

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

Key Facts

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

IHM Discussion

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

Why It Matters

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

Mini Q&A

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

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

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

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

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

Yes.

Coach Mark Comment

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

What Comes Next

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

IHM Final View

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