Tag: Tappara

Report: Jokipakka accepts lower-value Tappara deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara defenceman Jyrki Jokipakka has reportedly accepted a contract below his market value to remain with the Liiga club. The 35-year-old’s newly announced two-year extension is said to pay €170,000 per season from next season, with performance bonuses also included.

Esko Seppänen said Jokipakka negotiated only with Tappara and did not test the wider market. Seppänen attributed the reported discount to the player’s desire to continue playing for Tappara and live in Tampere.

Jokipakka was among Liiga’s leading defencemen last season, recording 13 goals and 31 assists in 67 combined regular-season and play-off appearances. He has one goal and two assists through seven games this season.

Key Facts

  • Jyrki Jokipakka’s reported two-year Tappara extension was announced on Friday.
  • The deal is reportedly worth €170,000 per season from next season, plus performance bonuses.
  • Esko Seppänen said Jokipakka negotiated exclusively with Tappara rather than inviting offers from other clubs.
  • Seppänen said Jokipakka accepted less than his market value because he wants to play for Tappara and live in Tampere.
  • Jokipakka posted 13 goals and 31 assists in 67 regular-season and play-off games last season.
  • This season, the 35-year-old defenceman has three points, consisting of one goal and two assists, in seven games.

IHM Discussion

The reported terms place the focus on continuity rather than a bidding process. Jokipakka’s production last season was substantial for a defenceman, while his early return of three points in seven games shows that he remains involved offensively this term.

The important qualification is that the financial detail and the account of negotiations are reported rather than confirmed by Tappara in the available information. Still, Seppänen’s account presents the extension as a player-led choice to stay with the club, not the result of competing offers.

Why It Matters

Keeping Jokipakka on a two-year agreement would give Tappara continuity around a defenceman who delivered 44 points across last season’s regular season and play-offs. The reported salary structure also includes performance bonuses, linking part of his earnings to future results.

Tappara extend Jyrki Jokipakka for two seasons

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara have signed defenceman Jyrki Jokipakka to a two-season contract extension.

The 35-year-old’s agreement was announced during Tappara’s Friday evening game against Jokerit. Jokipakka returned to Tampere ahead of last season and produced 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points across 67 regular-season and play-off games.

He has one goal and two assists in seven games this season.

Key Facts

  • Tappara have agreed a two-season extension with 35-year-old defenceman Jyrki Jokipakka.
  • Jokipakka recorded 13 goals, 31 assists and 44 points in 67 regular-season and play-off games last season.
  • He was selected to the Liiga All-Stars line last season.
  • Jokipakka has posted one goal and two assists in seven games this season.
  • Tappara general manager Janne Vuorinen said the club were extremely pleased to retain Jokipakka for the next two seasons.

IHM Discussion

The extension secures an experienced, productive defenceman for Tappara beyond the current campaign. Jokipakka’s 44 points across the regular season and play-offs last term underline the offensive contribution he made after returning to Tampere, while his current three points in seven appearances show he has again started the season on the scoresheet.

Vuorinen also pointed to Jokipakka’s standing within the group, describing him as an important presence in the dressing room as well as a strong team player and experienced professional.

Why It Matters

Tappara have retained a defenceman who was recognised with Liiga All-Stars selection last season and who delivered substantial production across a 67-game regular-season and play-off schedule. The two-season commitment gives the club clarity over Jokipakka’s immediate future while keeping an established blue-line contributor in place.

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.

Heljanko shuts out Kärpät as Tappara raise banner

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara celebrated last season’s championship with a banner-raising ceremony at Nokia Arena before beating Kärpät 4-0. Christian Heljanko recorded a shutout, while Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning goal. Tappara moved into a 3-0 lead in the second period and completed a comfortable victory.

Key Facts

  • Tappara raised last season’s championship banner at Nokia Arena prior to the match.
  • Tappara defeated Kärpät 4-0 in the same game.
  • Christian Heljanko recorded a shutout and celebrated the clean sheet after the final buzzer.
  • Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning 1-0 goal.
  • Tappara extended the lead to 3-0 in the second period.
  • Ondřej Pavel was among the Tappara goalscorers.
  • Julius Mattila and Juha Metsola brought the Kanada-malja onto the ice as part of the celebrations.
  • Tappara had several chances to add further goals during the match.
  • Niklas Rubin made saves in goal for Kärpät in an effort to keep his team in the contest.
  • Emotions rose at times in the third period as the teams finished the match.

IHM Discussion

The evening at Nokia Arena combined ceremony and competition. Tappara staged a banner-raising to mark last season’s title, then delivered a 4-0 win over Kärpät. Christian Heljanko’s shutout and Aapeli Räsänen’s game-winning opener set the tone, while Ondřej Pavel was also among the goalscorers. Kärpät turned to Niklas Rubin to make saves and keep the score down, but Tappara built a three-goal lead in the second period. Julius Mattila and Juha Metsola bringing the Kanada-malja onto the ice added to the occasion.

Why It Matters

The win gave Tappara a fitting conclusion to a night celebrating last season’s championship. Heljanko’s shutout and the second-period surge were the decisive features of a 4-0 result, while Kärpät were unable to find a way onto the scoresheet.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

Tappara won 4-0 against Kärpät.

Who recorded the shutout?

Christian Heljanko recorded the shutout.

Who scored the opening and game-winning goal?

Aapeli Räsänen scored the opening and game-winning 1-0 goal.

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

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

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

Key Facts

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

IHM Discussion

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

Why It Matters

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

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

Tappara beat Pelicans 3-2 in Lahti.

Who scored for Tappara?

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

What stood out in Tappara’s game?

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

How did Tappara defend late in the game?

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

Had Tappara lost their season opener?

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

Coach Mark Comment

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

IHM Final View

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

Juhani Tyrväinen suspended for Tappara CHL match

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Juhani Tyrväinen will not play for Kölner Haie when the German side visit Tappara in the Champions Hockey League in Tampere. The CHL has imposed a one-game suspension on the Finnish forward after reviewing a hit on Red Bull Salzburg‘s Wyatt Kalynuk in the previous round. The incident occurred early in the match – at 5:16 of the first period – when the CHL said Tyrväinen delivered a hard check from behind directly to Kalynuk’s back. The CHL judged that Kalynuk was not a legitimate target at any time during the sequence because his back remained turned to play, and that Tyrväinen had sufficient time and awareness to alter or avoid the collision.

As well as the suspension, Tyrväinen was fined €700 and the CHL’s ruling notes he will be treated as a repeat offender in future disciplinary decisions. The ruling adds that a Haie player first played the puck into the corner, prompting both players to skate towards it; the CHL concluded Tyrväinen nevertheless directed forceful contact from behind into a vulnerable player. Tyrväinen has played one CHL match for Haie this season and recorded no points. He previously faced Tappara in the 2022-23 CHL campaign while wearing a Luleå jersey.

Key Facts

  • CHL (Champions Hockey League) issued a one-game suspension to Juhani Tyrväinen.
  • The sanction follows a hit on Wyatt Kalynuk of Red Bull Salzburg in the previous CHL round.
  • CHL’s statement places the incident at 5:16 of the first period and describes a hit from behind to Kalynuk’s back.
  • CHL concluded Kalynuk was not an acceptable check target because his back was turned during the whole sequence.
  • CHL found Tyrväinen had time and awareness to alter his contact and should have avoided a direct rear impact.
  • Tyrväinen was fined €700 in addition to the suspension.
  • The CHL ruling says Tyrväinen will be treated as a repeat offender in future disciplinary matters.
  • Tyrväinen has appeared in one CHL game for Kölner Haie this season and has no points.
  • Tappara and Kölner Haie are scheduled to meet in Tampere on Saturday in a CHL fixture.
  • Tyrväinen previously met Tappara in the CHL during the 2022-23 season while playing for Luleå.

IHM Discussion

The CHL’s decision removes a forward option for Kölner Haie for their away tie in Tampere against a Finnish side Tyrväinen has previously faced. The disciplinary ruling underlines two central factors: Kalynuk’s vulnerable position and Tyrväinen’s opportunity to change course. By stressing that Kalynuk’s back was turned throughout and that Tyrväinen had time to modify his approach, the CHL framed the action as preventable, forceful contact from behind.

The repeat-offender designation applies to future CHL disciplinary decisions. Haie must now replace Tyrväinen’s place in the line-up for the match in Tampere, with the coaching staff able to adjust their combinations as required. The ruling also reinforces the CHL’s focus on dangerous contact from behind, particularly during puck battles near the boards.

Why It Matters

Player safety is the immediate concern: the CHL links its sanction to Kalynuk’s vulnerable position and the injury that followed. For Kölner Haie, the suspension removes Tyrväinen from the available line-up for the continental fixture in Tampere. The ruling also sets out the CHL’s expectations for players approaching an opponent from behind during puck battles.

Mini Q&A

Why will Juhani Tyrväinen not play against Tappara?

The Champions Hockey League has suspended Tyrväinen for one game after he delivered a hit from behind to Wyatt Kalynuk in the previous round.

What exactly did the CHL say about the incident?

CHL’s statement says Tyrväinen hit Kalynuk directly in the back at 5:16 of the first period, that Kalynuk’s back was turned and not a legal target, and that Tyrväinen had time to change his contact.

Was there a fine in addition to the suspension?

Yes. Tyrväinen was fined €700 alongside the one-game ban.

Will this affect Tyrväinen beyond the upcoming game?

The CHL ruling states that Tyrväinen will be treated as a repeat offender in future disciplinary matters.

How many CHL games has Tyrväinen played for Haie this season?

He has played one Champions Hockey League match for Kölner Haie this season and recorded no points.

What Comes Next

Tappara and Kölner Haie meet in Tampere on Saturday in a Champions Hockey League fixture; Tyrväinen’s one-game suspension will apply to that match.

IHM Final View

The CHL’s ruling is clear: it judged the hit avoidable and delivered to a player whose back was turned, resulting in a one-game suspension and a €700 fine. Kölner Haie will need to adjust their line-up for the trip to Tampere.

Faško-Rudáš scores, but Liberec fall 6-3 at Tappara

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Martin Faško-Rudáš registered his first goal of the new Champions Hockey League season for Bílí Tygři Liberec, but his strike was not enough as Tappara Tampere defeated Liberec 6-3 in the opening round. Czech sides HC Škoda Plzeň and HC Dynamo Pardubice enjoyed comfortable victories, with Plzeň winning 4-0 at home against Rögle BK and Pardubice beating GKS Tychy 6-0. Slovak champions HK Nitra are scheduled to begin their campaign at home against Skellefteå on Friday at 18:00.

Key Facts

  • Martin Faško-Rudáš scored for Bílí Tygři Liberec in a 6-3 Champions Hockey League defeat at Tappara Tampere.
  • Tappara Tampere beat Bílí Tygři Liberec 6-3 in the opening round.
  • Tappara goalscorers were Räsänen (2nd, 30th, 53rd), Vanhatalo (37th), Suvanto (47th) and Almari (48th).
  • Liberec scorers were Lenc (16th), Martin Faško-Rudáš (42nd) and Najman (50th).
  • HC Škoda Plzeň defeated Rögle BK 4:0 at home; Plzeň goals came from Čech (34th), Katic (35th), Filip (43rd) and Merežko (50th).
  • HC Dynamo Pardubice beat GKS Tychy 6:0; scorers were Stránský (10th, 58th), Kondelík (16th, 22nd), Tourigny (19th) and Sedlák (43rd).
  • EC Red Bull Salzburg lost 2:5 at home to Kolín Haie; Salzburg goals by Schneider (24th) and Huber (38th, from Raffl). Kolín Haie scorers included Russell (17th), Noebels (17th, 44th), MacLeod (30th), Aubry (40th).
  • EC-KAC Klagenfurt beat Bordeaux Boxers 2:1 after overtime; Unterweger (33rd) and Petersen (62nd) scored for Klagenfurt, Tomasino (13th) for Bordeaux.
  • HC Fribourg-Gottéron won 4:2 at Graz99ers; Graz scorers Collins (20th) and Vela (59th), Fribourg scorers Hedlund (4th), Rathgeb (54th), Richard (55th, 60th).
  • Slovak champions HK Nitra are scheduled to open their Champions Hockey League campaign at home against Swedish side Skellefteå on Friday at 18:00.

IHM Discussion

The opening fixtures produced contrasting nights for the Czech clubs in the Champions Hockey League. Plzeň beat Rögle 4-0 at home, with Čech, Katic, Filip and Merežko scoring. Pardubice followed with a 6-0 win over GKS Tychy, as Stránský and Kondelík each scored twice. Liberec, meanwhile, received a goal from Martin Faško-Rudáš but lost 6-3 at Tappara, where Räsänen completed a hat-trick.

Why It Matters

The opening results give Plzeň and Pardubice clean-sheet victories to build on in the Champions Hockey League, while Liberec will look to respond after conceding six at Tappara. Nitra’s home opener against Skellefteå gives the Slovak champions their first opportunity to enter the competition.

Mini Q&A

Who scored for Liberec in their 6-3 defeat?

Lenc, Martin Faško-Rudáš and Najman scored for Liberec.

Which Czech teams kept clean sheets in the first round?

HC Škoda Plzeň kept a 4-0 clean sheet against Rögle BK and HC Dynamo Pardubice kept a 6-0 clean sheet against GKS Tychy.

Who recorded a hat-trick in Tappara’s win?

Räsänen scored three times for Tappara (2nd, 30th and 53rd minutes).

When and against whom does HK Nitra begin their campaign?

HK Nitra are scheduled to open their Champions Hockey League campaign at home against Skellefteå on Friday at 18:00.

What Comes Next

HK Nitra are scheduled to begin their Champions Hockey League campaign at home against Skellefteå on Friday at 18:00.

IHM Final View

Plzeň and Pardubice opened with emphatic clean-sheet wins, while Liberec’s 6-3 defeat at Tappara came despite Faško-Rudáš getting on the scoresheet. Nitra are next to enter the competition against Skellefteå.

Vegas issues blunt message over Tappara’s Piiparinen

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Vegas Golden Knights are watching the role Juho Piiparinen receives at Tappara this Liiga season. The 18-year-old defenceman was selected 29th overall by Vegas in the NHL Draft and made a strong impression at the club’s development camp, but Vegas director of player development Wil Nichol has been explicit that Piiparinen needs the right amount of ice time. If Tappara cannot provide that, Nichol said the London Knights – who hold Piiparinen’s OHL junior rights – would be a suitable alternative.

Key Facts

  • Juho Piiparinen is an 18-year-old defenceman who turned 18 on 10 August 2026.
  • Piiparinen was selected in the first round, 29th overall, by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2026 NHL Draft.
  • Last season Piiparinen played 29 Liiga games for Tappara.
  • Nichol said: ” If he plays the right minutes and everything is fine at Tappara, then okay. But if not, London Knights will certainly await him and that would be a good place for Juho as well.”
  • Nichol praised Piiparinen’s puck skills and maturity, saying he moves the puck excellently, can make hard passes under pressure and is a strong, mature player.
  • Nichol added he sometimes had to remind himself that Piiparinen was only 17 at summer development camp, signalling the club’s high opinion of the player’s readiness.
  • Piiparinen’s North American junior rights belong to the OHL’s London Knights.
  • Piiparinen played in Tappara’s Liiga opener against SaiPa and logged 4 minutes 47 seconds of ice time, received one minor penalty and was recorded with a minus-one rating for the game.

IHM Discussion

Vegas has set a clear development benchmark for Piiparinen: the NHL club values meaningful minutes. Wil Nichol’s comments show that Vegas is prepared to consider a North American junior option if Piiparinen’s role at Tappara does not offer the right opportunity. Nichol’s praise for Piiparinen’s puck skills and maturity also points to the organisation’s high regard for his technical and mental foundation.

Piiparinen’s 4:47 of ice time in the opener against SaiPa is an early data point rather than a verdict on his season. The key question is whether his role grows as the Liiga campaign develops. If it does not provide the minutes Vegas wants, London remains the alternative identified by Nichol.

Why It Matters

For Piiparinen, where he plays this season will shape his development environment and level of responsibility. Vegas used a first-round pick on him and has publicly praised his readiness, while Tappara must balance the integration of a promising young defenceman with the demands of its Liiga lineup. A move to the OHL would present a different development environment in North America.

Mini Q&A

Who is Juho Piiparinen and how old is he?

Juho Piiparinen is an 18-year-old defenceman who turned 18 on 10 August 2026.

Which NHL team drafted Piiparinen and at what pick?

The Vegas Golden Knights selected Piiparinen in the first round, 29th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft.

What did Vegas’ Wil Nichol say about Piiparinen’s playing time?

Wil Nichol said that if Piiparinen plays the right minutes and everything is fine at Tappara, that would be acceptable; but if not, the London Knights would await him and that would also be a good destination.

Who holds Piiparinen’s North American junior rights?

Piiparinen’s North American junior rights belong to the OHL’s London Knights.

How much ice time did Piiparinen receive in Tappara’s season opener?

In Tappara’s Liiga opener against SaiPa, Piiparinen played 4 minutes 47 seconds, took one minor penalty and was recorded at minus one.

Coach Mark Comment

Minutes are the currency of development for young defencemen. A player with Piiparinen’s puck skills and composure benefits most from a role that exposes him to varied in-game situations – odd-man rushes, defensive-zone exits and handling pressure from forechecking lines. If he only sees sheltered minutes, his decision-making under duress and capacity to read faster, stronger opponents will take longer to mature. Clubs should weigh short-term team results against the longer-term value of accelerating a top prospect’s experience: sometimes the right call is to trust the youngster with responsibility and manage it, rather than keep him insulated.

What Comes Next

The next clear development to watch is whether Tappara increases Piiparinen’s minutes and role as the Liiga season progresses. If Tappara cannot provide the ” right minutes” that Vegas has specified, the alternative noted by Wil Nichol is a move to the London Knights, who hold Piiparinen’s OHL rights.

IHM Final View

Vegas’ message is clear: Piiparinen has technical tools and maturity the organisation admires, but it wants him to receive meaningful game exposure. His opening-night ice time is only an early marker. The focus now is whether Tappara expands his role in the weeks ahead, with London remaining an option if Vegas believes his development needs are better served elsewhere.

Blichfeld assists in Tappara defeat as SaiPa head to Herning

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Joachim Blichfeld, the Danish international forward, recorded an assist for Tappara in Tuesday’s Liiga season opener away at SaiPa, but Tappara lost 4-2. Blichfeld was credited with the assist on Benjamin Rautiainen’s 44:50 goal in the third period, marking the Dane’s first point of the new Liiga season. The result is also notable for Danish audiences because SaiPa travel to Herning’s Kvik Hockey Arena for a Champions Hockey League fixture on Sunday at 15:00; Herning will also host another Finnish Liiga side, KooKoo, on Friday at 19:00.

Key Facts

  • Joachim Blichfeld is a Danish national team forward.
  • Blichfeld recorded an assist for Tappara in the Liiga season opener away at SaiPa.
  • SaiPa defeated Tappara 4-2 in that match.
  • At 44:50 of the third period Benjamin Rautiainen scored to reduce the deficit to 4-2; Blichfeld received the assist on that goal.
  • The assist was Blichfeld’s first point after the first game of the new Liiga season.
  • SaiPa will visit Herning Blue Fox at Kvik Hockey Arena on Sunday at 15:00 in the Champions Hockey League.
  • Herning will host KooKoo on Friday at 19:00 in the Champions Hockey League.

IHM Discussion

Blichfeld’s assist gives him an early personal positive despite Tappara leaving the opener without a point. He was credited with the first assist on Benjamin Rautiainen’s third-period goal, which cut the score to 4-2.

The result also provides immediate context for Herning Blue Fox ahead of SaiPa’s visit to Kvik Hockey Arena. Herning face two Finnish opponents in quick succession, hosting KooKoo on Friday before SaiPa arrive on Sunday.

Why It Matters

The match links Blichfeld’s first point of the Liiga season with Herning Blue Fox’s upcoming Champions Hockey League schedule. SaiPa’s win over Tappara is relevant context before the Finnish side visit Herning, while KooKoo arrive on Friday for another CHL fixture.

Mini Q&A

Who made the assist for Tappara in the Liiga opener?

Joachim Blichfeld was credited with the assist for Tappara in the season opener away at SaiPa.

What was the final score of the Tappara – SaiPa game?

SaiPa won the match 4-2.

When will SaiPa play Herning in the Champions Hockey League?

SaiPa will visit Herning Blue Fox at Kvik Hockey Arena on Sunday at 15:00. Herning will also host KooKoo on Friday at 19:00.

What Comes Next

Herning Blue Fox will host KooKoo in the Champions Hockey League on Friday at 19:00, and SaiPa will visit Kvik Hockey Arena on Sunday at 15:00. These CHL fixtures are the immediate checkpoints mentioned.

Liiga’s 17-team season begins as Jokerit return and Tappara lead the forecasts

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Liiga begins its exceptional 17-team season on 1 September 2026. One club will be crowned champion and three will be relegated. The season preview includes more than 50 features, columns and interviews; Tappara lead the title forecasts, while Jokerit return to Liiga after nearly 12 years away.

Key Facts

  • Liiga’s 17-team season begins on 1 September 2026.
  • One team will be crowned champion and three will be relegated at the end of the season.
  • The season preview comprises more than 50 Liiga features, columns and interviews.
  • Tappara are the leading title favourites in the published forecasts.
  • Jokerit return to Liiga after nearly 12 years away, having spent the previous three seasons in Mestis.
  • One preview assessment says Jokerit have prioritised their attack at the expense of other areas of the roster.
  • Kärpät’s player budget is described as being in the region of €3.9 million.
  • HIFK have undergone significant change, with their goaltending tandem viewed positively and questions remaining at centre.
  • KooKoo retained a large part of last season’s core.
  • JYP continue with the same coaching staff and core, while Harri Pesonen returns to Liiga after 14 years away.
  • Pelicans strengthened their attack, though the fitness of key defencemen remains a concern.
  • Lukko have replaced departing players to a degree, but questions remain over their defence and coaching record after last season’s play-off collapse.

IHM Discussion

The expanded league and three relegation places raise the stakes across the table. Tappara begin as the leading favourites on the strength of their continuity and roster quality. Jokerit’s return after three Mestis seasons adds a major storyline, although one preview assessment argues that their attack has been built at the expense of other areas.

Why It Matters

Three relegation places put greater pressure on clubs throughout the lower half of the table. Jokerit’s return brings a prominent Helsinki club back to Liiga, while Kärpät’s reported player budget underlines the differences in financial resources across the league without guaranteeing results on the ice.

Mini Q&A

When does Liiga’s 2026-27 season begin?

It begins on 1 September 2026.

How many teams are in Liiga this season?

Liiga has 17 teams.

How many teams will be relegated?

Three teams will be relegated.

Which club leads the title forecasts?

Tappara are the leading title favourites in the published forecasts.

Which major club returns to Liiga, and after how long away?

Jokerit return after nearly 12 years away, having spent the previous three seasons in Mestis.

What does the preview say about club finances?

Kärpät’s player budget is described as being in the region of €3.9 million.

Coach Mark Comment

With three relegation places, teams near the bottom will need reliable five-on-five structure and disciplined special teams from the opening weeks. For the contenders, continuity and a dependable goaltending tandem can be decisive over a long season.

IHM Final View

Liiga’s 17-team season promises a broader and more pressured race than usual. Tappara start as the leading favourites, while Jokerit’s return and three relegation places add further intrigue from the opening face-off.