Is Tappara looking for a new reinforcement? This is how Kari Jalonen responds.

Tappara’s defender Juho Piiparinen, 18, was unexpectedly called to the Vegas Golden Knights’ training camp. His games in the Liiga are likely over for now, as Vegas prefers Piiparinen to play in the OHL in a larger role with the London Knights.

SuomiKiekko asked on Tuesday Tappara’s head coach Kari Jalonen if Tappara is looking for a replacement for Piiparinen in the transfer market.

– We have our own Joona Karvonen. He has played in the Mestis in Nokia. He jumped right into our training group. We are not currently in the market, Jalonen says.

Last season, Karvonen played for Tappara’s U20 team. In 42 games, he recorded 5+13=18 points.

Jalonen would have liked to keep Piiparinen, but is happy for the player and wished the young man good luck in North America.

– In Piiparinen’s case, we had no say. We were aware that such an opportunity existed. There was constant pressure from Vegas that they wanted him in their junior league. I talked to him at length yesterday and he was somewhat satisfied that they wanted to develop him and move him forward. But the world is like this. Those who hold the rights exercised their rights.

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League | 26.10.2026 18:43