HIFK’s forward recruitment became a hero – Ilves’ reinforcement in big trouble
The league’s Friday match round was filled with drama and impressive performances.
In Helsinki, HIFK opened their season with a 5-3 hard-fought victory over HPK. In the first two periods, the Hämeenlinna team was in control, but in the third period, HIFK came back with a strong fighting spirit and turned a 2-3 deficit into a win.
The hero for HIFK was the winger Eetu Liukas, acquired from the AHL. He scored the winning goal for the Helsinki team with a magnificent solo effort from Aron Kiviharju’s setup. In the last minute, he secured his team’s victory by putting the puck into an empty net.
TERVE, Eetu Liukas 
In Pori, Ässät gave Ilves a proper beating. The Patapaidat rolled over their Tampere visitors with a crushing 5-1 victory.
The evening was really tough for Ilves’ goaltending acquisition Christoffer Rifalk. The Swedish goalie, who moved to Tampere with high expectations, managed only 12 saves. His save percentage was a disappointing 75.
Friday’s Liiga Round
- Ässät – Ilves 5-1
- KalPa – Jukurit 4-0
- Pelicans – Sport 6-3
- HIFK – HPK 5-3
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