Aitio: HIFK’s first goalkeeper has left for North America – now the club manager speaks
A small-scale goalkeeper crisis is brewing at HIFK as the new Liiga season approaches, with the first-choice goalkeeper Jakub Skarek having signed an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks.
The club’s sports director Janne Pesonen assures that the situation is under control. According to him, the current goalkeeper duo Niko Hovinen and Rastislav Elias is of sufficient quality for the new Liiga season.
– Of course, we are assessing the situation. Then we will react accordingly. There is full confidence in both goalkeepers. Eliáš filled in well when needed last season, and Hovinen was among the top in the goalkeeper statistics last season, Pesonen assures in an interview with Aito.
HIFK fans do not share the same views as the club’s management. The current goalkeeper duo of the Helsinki team is considered one of the weakest in the league, and it is believed they will not carry the team to success in the upcoming season.
However, there are still options available in the transfer market. For example, Joni Ortio, who represented the club during the 2012-13 season and then jumped to the NHL after a stellar season, would still be a free agent.
HIFK fans are now expecting firm decisions from Pesonen. HIFK needs to acquire a credible first-choice goalkeeper before the new season begins.
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