The feeling was a little loose at the beginning of the meeting between HIFK and Ässie. Then came the goal, the game opened up a bit and everything was crowned by the young goalkeeper.
Helsinki IFK was looking for a gas pedal at the beginning of its 125th anniversary match, when Ässät faced in the ice hall.
Scarcity can sometimes be enough, and that’s exactly what happened. HIFK defeated Ässät 2–0. Defender Take Rantakari poked the last puck into an empty goal.
After a goalless opening set Otto Paajanen freed the Stadians from torment. The second set was at the end, when Paajanen raced by Eddie Larsson for a tasty pass to the home team for the opening goal.
Party games can be tricky with everyone from spectators to players expecting an automatic win. A bit of the same spirit was visible in the ice hall of the stadium.
The starting pits were dug in the first set, and the opening goal came only in the second. In the third one, the rivet slipped.
The IFK game was not easy or rolling. Repetition was missing. A good exchange was too often followed by a snooze and the game went to porridge.
Last week’s victory over Kärpi came with such a strong grip that you would have thought the troubles were over.
Fortunately, IFK is starting to look strong in one run. Keeper Roope Taponen started Niilo Halonen as second, but it took a short time to change the parts.
“It has been played one game at a time, and the day before the match it has been found out who will play. Both pump each other forward,” said Taponen.
All signs point to the 21-year-old Taponen carrying extensive responsibilities as the season progresses.
“Well, this is a team game,” Taponen insisted. “These two matches have been played really disciplined.”
The game ended in a scoreless draw against Kärppi, and again Taponen kept a scoreless score.
“Every game I get to play, I thoroughly enjoy it. It’s an honor to play in this gang and club.”
Last season, Taponen’s matches were few, but the leap forward seems long.
Where have you progressed the most since last winter?
“Totally on the spiritual side. This is the kind of series that requires 110 pucks on the ice every night.”
HIFK uses a mental coach, and according to Taponen, the players have taken turns to talk. That’s what he has done too. The goalkeeping coach takes care of the rest Jan Lundell.
Game started with a merit badge parade in honor of birthdays. Bronze and silver badges, merit medals of different levels were awarded. The legendary players received the loudest standing ovations of the evening.
There they were Heikki Järn, Kimmo Heino, Tommy “Buffalo” Salmelainen, Juhani “Tami” Oak, Juhani Boström, Weak “Hexi” Riihiranta beach and many others. And the club leaders were also there Frank Moberg and Goran Stubbwhose paths diverged in past decades.
HIFK has a match host in every game. On Wednesday, it was puck equipment brand CCM. Judging by the old rock songs playing in the hall, it could have been CCR (Creedende Clearwater Revival). One of the themes of the evening was the rock of the 1960s and 70s.
by John Fogerty CCR’s hits played enough to raise the mood.
A stylish occasion. HIFK knows this.
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