HIFK reacts to its center vacancy - a man with over 450 Liiga matches caught!

HIFK has strengthened its attack with experienced center Kasperi Ojantakanen, 31.

The Helsinki club announces that it has signed a player contract with Ojantakanen extending until January 15, 2027. The forward was acquired to address the team’s center shortage.

HIFK’s center Jake Leschyshyn was injured before the national team break and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks according to the current assessment. Additionally, HIFK is preparing to lose up to three of its forwards to the under-20 World Championships at the turn of the year.

– Ojantakanen joins the team to fill the center gap. Jake Leschyshyn was injured before the national team break, and additionally, we can expect to lose up to three forwards to the Youth World Championships at the turn of the year, HIFK’s sports director Janne Laukkanen says in the club’s announcement.

Ojantakanen has played 421 regular season games (32+68=100) and 35 playoff games (8+8=16) in the Liiga, representing KooKoo, Ässät, and Kärpät. In the current season, the forward has represented Ässät, where he scored one goal in 15 games at the beginning of the season.

– Kasperi is a reliable and experienced center. He has Liiga games under his belt this season with Ässät. He will help us in this situation, and additionally, Kasperi will get the chance to showcase his skills, Laukkanen justifies the acquisition.

HIFK also reported other changes in its injury situation. Forward Jere Somervuori was injured just before the national team break and is expected to be on sick leave for 3–4 weeks. Goaltender Tim Juelin is expected to return to play in week 48, and forward Sebastian Revon is expected to return in weeks 49–50.

HIFK also received positive news, as forward Vincent Marleau and defenseman Saku Salmela have recovered from their injuries and received their playing licenses.

Ilves struck in the transfer market – a familiar forward is back in the League!

League | 09.11.2026 11:56