The 12-year wait is over – here are the lines for Jokerit and HIFK

The Jokerit and HIFK meet today for the first time in over 12 years. Starting in goal for Jokerit is Tomi Karhunen, and HIFK’s goaltending responsibility is carried by Hugo Alnefelt.

Jokerit are missing forwards Teemu Turunen, Kristo Pitkänen, and Miro Nalli, as well as defenders Olli Juolevi and Oskari Manninen. Turunen’s absence is estimated to be 3–5 weeks and Juolevi’s 2–4 weeks. The situations of Pitkänen and Nalli are being monitored day by day, and Manninen’s examinations are ongoing.

HIFK’s injured goaltender Tim Juel and forward Sebastian Revon are expected to return in November.

The last meeting between the teams was held at the Olympic Stadium on March 1, 2014. HIFK won the Winter Classic 2–1 and leads the all-time head-to-head victories 106–105.

Jokerit’s lines:

line: Patrick Curry – Henri Nikkanen – Maxime Fortier
Riku Tuomola – Max Krogdahl
line: Markus Hännikäinen – Patrik Virta – Eetu Tuulola
Aleksi Elorinne – Matthew Caito
line: Antti Kalapudas – Alexander Forslund – Emil Kuusla
Valtteri Pulli – Oliver Larsen
line: Jere Henriksson – Aleksi Mustonen – Bruno Kallio
forward: Rasmus Lahnavik
defender: Saku Forsblom

Starting goaltender: Tomi Karhunen
Backup: Olle Eriksson Ek

HIFK’s lines:

line: Jere Somervuori – Jake Leschyshyn – Vincent Marleau
Linus Nässen – Lukas Pilö
line: Daniel Mäkiaho – Iiro Pakarinen – Niko Huuhtanen
David Nemecek – Kasper Puutio
line: Eetu Liukas – Anttoni Uronen – Aatu Karjalainen
Aron Kiviharju – Jesper Ahlroth
line: Lassi Vanhatalo – Ottoville Leppänen – Frans Karjalahti
Ilari Melart – Ossi Sippola

Starting goaltender: Hugo Alnefelt
Backup: Vili Varonen