The star defender of Ilves Radek Kucerik unexpectedly disappeared from the lineup during the semifinal series against Tappara, raising many questions. Now the reason for the mysterious absence has been confirmed.

Ilves’ sports director Timo Koskela confirmed to Aamulehti that it was due to an injury.

– With the player’s permission, I can say that he was injured in the third game. Kucerik suffered a fracture in such a difficult place that playing was completely impossible, Koskela revealed.

Kucerik played the first three games of the series but missed the last three. He managed to collect 3+3 points in nine playoff games. In the regular season, the Czech defenseman played 58 games with 8+11=19 points.

Kucerik moved to Ilves this season from Ässät. Ilves’ season continues on Thursday with a bronze match against SaiPa away in Lappeenranta.

LUE MYÖS:

Read more